2020 Trip 2: now that was refreshing

This was our first camping trip in the time of Covid. Needless to say, the excitement of getting out was tempered a bit by the unknown of what to actually expect in the park. We did know that Bonnechere is a very well run, and would be at the top of their game implementing whatever guidelines were called for.

We were not alone at the park, as this was also an Alto gathering, which was planned many months ago before all the shit hit the fan. Due to the border closures, our American friends had to miss the event, and like the rest of us, they needed to hunker down. Restrictions then eased a bit in Ontario, and the parks started to open on a reduced facilities basis and eleven Altos were able to make the trip.

It felt great backing in and setting up in our site. We were lucky to get a spacious site,  perfect for the ad hoc social distancing visits we knew would happen. Bonnechere is a small park, and we were all scattered about, but it was easy to wander around and catch up with everyone. 

We were anxious to try out our new Solo Stove Ranger, a little gift to ourselves for camping. Last fall, while closing up with Chris & Jen, we sat around their Solo Stove fire one evening. We generally do not have many fires, but enjoyed this type of fire so much, it pretty much sealed the purchase decision for us. 

all shiny and new

heat patina, and very little remaining ash

It is an interesting bit of engineering, and certainly puts a new spin on the traditional campfire. One big plus for the stove is the ability to put it most anywhere on a site, and this certainly helped us set up Covid friendly campfires. Also added benefits are that it gives off very little smoke, so that you do not have to continually shuffle around the fire to avoid getting smoke in your eyes, and best of all, your clothes do not end up smelling of smoke.  Mark & Angela, as well as Chris & Jen joined us and a few others wandered over, it made for a nice evening of catching up.

This gathering was far more casual and less structured than in the past, as everyone was taking a low key approach. Most of the group went for a nice paddle up the Little Bonnechere river.  We  have paddled the river every year so we stayed behind, poked around the site, and peddled around to visit the ones who did not go. There were a few new owners who had picked up their Altos within the past weeks, and they were excited to chat and discuss any questions they had. It was nice to see everyone naturally maintaining distances, and if someone wanted to point out something in detail, on went the masks. All very civilized.

On Canada Day we organized two campfires, one on our site, and the other across the road from us on Craig & Kitty’s site. Seating was limited to ten social distanced spots on each site, and the plan was for everyone to rotate between the sites, allowing for lots of visiting between us all. It worked out great!

Canada Day campfires

We got out for a very early morning paddle on Round Lake, taking our coffee and scones with us. The water was like glass...a nice smooth paddle. 

interesting designs from these water grasses

Every afternoon we went for refreshing long dips in the lake with Mark & Angela, having great chats while finessing the art of noodle floating. One afternoon the water was fabulously warm, and we bobbed for over an hour. It was glorious.

grilled veggies

So our first trip went well, it was great to see old friends, meet some new owners, and the whole time felt wonderful! Next up...Sandbanks, a yearly excursion.