Category: Gear

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Checkout wasn’t until 2:00, so we took an “easy” hike from the campground through a forest, then across a fen. Martha explained to me the difference between a bog and a fen. Water doesn’t move in a bog, but does in a fen. I wore my bug shirt this time, and the mosquitoes were sure trying to get in. The problem is you get hotter. It would be much more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, but that is not an option. 

Back at camp we fixed lunch. I watched two guys across from us pull their big all-one-unit camper out of their site and run into a tree and the post marking the site. It was hard to watch. Then they backed up and did it again! I moved my truck so they could pull across, back up and have a straight shot out. They knocked off a tool box on the side, and I’m sure scratched up the shell. The site was at a 45 degree angle the wrong direction for a one-way road, but still…! It made me very nervous to hook up and get out safely, but thankfully, we made it. 

The drive from Pancake Bay to Rabbit Blanket in Lake Superior Provincial Park is only an hour and 15 minutes, but there are beautiful views of the biggest fresh water lake in the world. We stopped at two overlooks to see such clear water, we could see all the different colored rocks on the bottom.

I talked to a man in a big, old Class A camper – the kind you drive. It looked like it had been around the block a few times. He said it was a 1991, and they were just coming back from a trip into the Yukon. When he started the big diesel, it sounded great! I gave him the thumbs up as he pulled out.

At the next overlook we met a man who was riding a bike across Canada all dressed in pink. It has taken him 10 years, but this trip will take him to Toronto, which is a bit less than 900 miles from here! He had his campsite reserved, and was ready to get to it on his new Trek bike. To do this and carry clothes for all kinds of conditions and camping gear and food and water adds up to a lot of weight. You might guess this is flat land, but it is very hilly with small mountains. 

We passed so many beautiful rivers and lakes beckoning us to come float and explore. We stopped at the Lake Superior Provincial Park Visitor’s center, taking in all the exhibits. Then on to Rabbit Blanket, a very nice campground on a very pretty lake. We walked around to explore before returning to our site, which by the way had fresh bear poop and black fur right behind where we parked the trailer. 

Gear: Candle lighter. I love this thing. It is a rechargeable candle lighter. I love sitting by candle light, writing in the early hours. I also light the stove with it so I don’t wake Martha with the loud stove clicker. Disclaimer: I make no money from this blog.

Going Home

November 2, 2016

We talked about our favorite parts of the trip were as we drove 83 to 695 to 70 west to Leesburg, then picking up 15 south to Culpeper and Orange. Rt. 15 from Culpeper through Orange and Keswick to Charlottesville is one of the top scenic drives in America. I love this road and have driven it many times, but after seeing so many beautiful places, it makes you appreciate it even more. 

Arriving back home was weird. It seemed strange to be unloading the trailer. Our little house seemed so elegant and big! We unloaded a lot of things, then put the Airstream in the parking lot. Tomorrow I will start cleaning, reorganizing and catching up on things. I’ll try to change some things to make the next trip more efficient. It will be a while before Martha will be ready to go again, but I can’t wait to get back out there!

A special thanks for so many gifts that worked so well:

The doormat Leslie gave us was perfect.

The woven basket Georgette made never moved and held all the essential little things.

Museum Putty works incredibly well to hold things like the basket in place. It never moved!

I’m going to wear out the blue Columbia shirt Pam gave me. It’s light, dries quickly, washes easily, and it looks good.

The Coleman thermos Amy gave me is just the best. It will keep tea hot all day.

We have used Tara’s bear bell and whistle so many times, and we have never been attacked!

The leather box Martha gave me holds the remotes and is tacked down with Museum Putty

Ben gave me an iPhone 6, and I don’t know how I would have managed without it. I had to learn how to manage my data as I almost ran out twice.

Kelly gave us a lighter I used every day and some decorative lights I just never had time to hang

The wine Glenda gave me was great and helped sooth the tensions of the day.

I know I have forgotten some things.

Things I’m glad I bought:

The air pump saves so much trouble. Love it!

The tire monitoring system gives great peace of mind.

The little music cube by Armor Mine bluetooth speaker, http://armormine.com

The Executioner is an indispensable tool! Makes flies and mosquitoes fun to have inside.

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