Trip 7: Bonnechere P.P.
Could be another rainy weekend, but our modus operandi means we head out regardless. Shame to miss a weekend camping based on a forecast from what generally seems to be an inaccurate science. On the drive up we ran into some showers, but the way the clouds were moving, we ended up scooting in between the worst of them. Just before the park entrance, the dark heavies blew through and left a huge swath of blue sky.
On a new river site this time, and it is a dandy. Tucked in off the road, wide and sandy, with a good view of the river. Got set up, boats off the car ready for tomorrow, then we settled in for some quality lounging.
A bit of rain overnight, and the morning sky was full of low fluffy clouds, a few of them just itching to rain on something, it never did though. Around noon we headed out for a paddle, aiming to go out to the lake and along the cottage shoreline. There is an abundance of sandy shoreline on Round Lake, and it is not only at the waters edge, but extends inland. Some cottages look like they are built right on the beach, which gives them a very summer "feel". Lots of pine trees as well, which are a staple in sandy conditions.
One thing very noticeable is the sheer number of cottages, and how close they are. The whole shoreline has a tract housing look. Perhaps this was intended, so as many people as possible could access such a great stretch of beach. Keep in mind too, that this was probably done many decades ago, when huge frontages were most likely the norm. There is also a small township park, which no doubt occurred because of a little foresight on the part of a local councillor way back when.
Just past the cottages there was another little outlet, the Sherwood River, and although a little paddle upstream would have been nice, an approaching black cloud had us thinking otherwise. Made it back without a drop of rain falling, but that was short lived. A steady rain drove us inside around dinner time.
Burgers for dinner, and a bit of an experiment. We picked up one of those flexible grilling sheets, mostly just to see if it would be a good addition to the camp gear. They seem to be all the rage now, and I was definitely curious how it would affect the classic BBQ flavour.
The instructions say to not cover the entire grill area, so I cut it a bit narrower at the sides, and then followed the curve of the grill along the front. Fired up the Q, then on went the burgers. Once they started to sizzle, it quickly became apparent that what you have done is turned the Q into a big frying pan. Those grill marks that they advertise on the box, well of course that is going to happen, the material is thin, so the hottest areas will be the grills, and thus the marks.
So now you have a frying pan, and fat coming out of the burgs, so guess where it's heading, with no pan sides to keep it contained. This was easily handled with a bit of paper towel dabbing it up, but that is now an extra step to deal with. The burgers were tasty, and the cleanup afterwards was a snap. I can see it being useful for messy BBQ sauces, or one time quick use where you would want to minimize the cleanup. Bottom line...will it see regular use, no. Will it be handy for some occasions, absolutely.
The brief evening sun was followed by off and on showers. By this time though, darkness was quickly descending, and we just as quickly headed inside.
Sunday brought clear skies and the sun, so once we were fuelled up with coffee and a bite to eat, the kayaks hit the water.
We paddled in the opposite direction, and a little further along the shore, we discovered a nice little campground...on a fabulous stretch of beach. All the sites were right on the beach, and what a beach it was! Very few people were camping, so we pulled on to shore and had a look around. A short time later a car circled around and stopped beside us.
We knew right way it was the owner, an older gentleman looking very laid back and cool in his mirrored RayBans. He just oozed 'old school'. After I explained our interest in camping here next summer, he immediately started what felt like an interview. Subtle like, but he was definitely checking us out. He flat out said that he runs a tight ship, no party types, likes to keep it very quiet and relaxed. I dropped a few tidbits about having had a family cottage over on Golden Lake, and that I knew the area well. This perked him up, and he got quite chatty. He is now in his mid eighties, and we had a very interesting chat about how running a campground has changed over the years, you guessed it...not for the better. We will see what happens next year, but it would be a nice spot to check out, if possible.
We pulled out just before 2:00, eking out as much time as possible on site. It was a real nice laid back weekend, and great to get back on the water with the kayaks. The boats will stay on the roof, as next up is Rollins Pond...and we can't wait!
Could be another rainy weekend, but our modus operandi means we head out regardless. Shame to miss a weekend camping based on a forecast from what generally seems to be an inaccurate science. On the drive up we ran into some showers, but the way the clouds were moving, we ended up scooting in between the worst of them. Just before the park entrance, the dark heavies blew through and left a huge swath of blue sky.
On a new river site this time, and it is a dandy. Tucked in off the road, wide and sandy, with a good view of the river. Got set up, boats off the car ready for tomorrow, then we settled in for some quality lounging.
 |
| Barley continues to enjoy his new outside abode |
A bit of rain overnight, and the morning sky was full of low fluffy clouds, a few of them just itching to rain on something, it never did though. Around noon we headed out for a paddle, aiming to go out to the lake and along the cottage shoreline. There is an abundance of sandy shoreline on Round Lake, and it is not only at the waters edge, but extends inland. Some cottages look like they are built right on the beach, which gives them a very summer "feel". Lots of pine trees as well, which are a staple in sandy conditions.
 |
| this guy seemed old...but in pretty good shape |
One thing very noticeable is the sheer number of cottages, and how close they are. The whole shoreline has a tract housing look. Perhaps this was intended, so as many people as possible could access such a great stretch of beach. Keep in mind too, that this was probably done many decades ago, when huge frontages were most likely the norm. There is also a small township park, which no doubt occurred because of a little foresight on the part of a local councillor way back when.
 |
| leaves turning...say it ain't so |
Just past the cottages there was another little outlet, the Sherwood River, and although a little paddle upstream would have been nice, an approaching black cloud had us thinking otherwise. Made it back without a drop of rain falling, but that was short lived. A steady rain drove us inside around dinner time.
Burgers for dinner, and a bit of an experiment. We picked up one of those flexible grilling sheets, mostly just to see if it would be a good addition to the camp gear. They seem to be all the rage now, and I was definitely curious how it would affect the classic BBQ flavour.
The instructions say to not cover the entire grill area, so I cut it a bit narrower at the sides, and then followed the curve of the grill along the front. Fired up the Q, then on went the burgers. Once they started to sizzle, it quickly became apparent that what you have done is turned the Q into a big frying pan. Those grill marks that they advertise on the box, well of course that is going to happen, the material is thin, so the hottest areas will be the grills, and thus the marks.
So now you have a frying pan, and fat coming out of the burgs, so guess where it's heading, with no pan sides to keep it contained. This was easily handled with a bit of paper towel dabbing it up, but that is now an extra step to deal with. The burgers were tasty, and the cleanup afterwards was a snap. I can see it being useful for messy BBQ sauces, or one time quick use where you would want to minimize the cleanup. Bottom line...will it see regular use, no. Will it be handy for some occasions, absolutely.
 |
| a perfect trifecta...beer, peanuts & a picnic table |
The brief evening sun was followed by off and on showers. By this time though, darkness was quickly descending, and we just as quickly headed inside.
Sunday brought clear skies and the sun, so once we were fuelled up with coffee and a bite to eat, the kayaks hit the water.
 |
| quite surprised I was able to get so close to this guy |
 |
| a B&W just seems to suit this crusty looking creature |
We paddled in the opposite direction, and a little further along the shore, we discovered a nice little campground...on a fabulous stretch of beach. All the sites were right on the beach, and what a beach it was! Very few people were camping, so we pulled on to shore and had a look around. A short time later a car circled around and stopped beside us.
We knew right way it was the owner, an older gentleman looking very laid back and cool in his mirrored RayBans. He just oozed 'old school'. After I explained our interest in camping here next summer, he immediately started what felt like an interview. Subtle like, but he was definitely checking us out. He flat out said that he runs a tight ship, no party types, likes to keep it very quiet and relaxed. I dropped a few tidbits about having had a family cottage over on Golden Lake, and that I knew the area well. This perked him up, and he got quite chatty. He is now in his mid eighties, and we had a very interesting chat about how running a campground has changed over the years, you guessed it...not for the better. We will see what happens next year, but it would be a nice spot to check out, if possible.
We pulled out just before 2:00, eking out as much time as possible on site. It was a real nice laid back weekend, and great to get back on the water with the kayaks. The boats will stay on the roof, as next up is Rollins Pond...and we can't wait!
