We have been noticing of late that our fridge does not seem to keep things as cool as we think it used to. A few factors could be related to this, such as the really hot summers we now have, and of course, the age of the cooling system. A little research pointed me in the direction of replacing the thermistor, which controls the preset temperature, as a simple and relatively inexpensive first action to see if there is an improvement.
New Curtains
Never underestimate a job. Akin to that thinking is to never undervalue the effort that goes into something you are paying for. Again, easier said than done, and sort of against an ingrained mindset to find the best value. So when we pondered making new curtains, I did think “how hard can that really be”. The answer...much harder than you think.
2018 Trip 2: raining caterpillars
Trip 2: Silver Lake
A short weekend away, to our favourite site on the lake. As we have said many times over, you just cannot beat a site right on the water. Last time we were here we backed the Alto in, but that ended with us having the door side away from the water. There is a vague pull through route to get out if you drive directly in, so we had another good look, and figured we would give it a go.
A short weekend away, to our favourite site on the lake. As we have said many times over, you just cannot beat a site right on the water. Last time we were here we backed the Alto in, but that ended with us having the door side away from the water. There is a vague pull through route to get out if you drive directly in, so we had another good look, and figured we would give it a go.
Wheel Assembly Replacement...a bit of a job
What started out as a straight forward replacement and repacking of the bearings, soon turned into a far larger job. This became immediately apparent as soon as I laid my eyes on the inside surfaces of the drum. Before I go any further, please take a moment and read my little disclaimer.
2018 Trip 1: and another season begins...
Trip 1: Bayview Lodge
Exciting times...the start of another camping season. We brought the Alto home a couple of weeks ago, slowly put our gear back in, planned some meals, and by the time the weekend rolled along, we were all hyped up to get out there.
Exciting times...the start of another camping season. We brought the Alto home a couple of weeks ago, slowly put our gear back in, planned some meals, and by the time the weekend rolled along, we were all hyped up to get out there.
2017 Trip 11: doing that winterizing thing...
2017 Trip 11: Cedar Cove
It's closing weekend, and that means we headed to Cedar Cove. This has become a staple of our camping season, as the campground has so much to offer. The site services help with the closing routine, and when the weather is inclement, the restaurant sure is handy to have available.
We arrived around 4:00pm, and after we got set up, Dale made up a couple of G & T's, we grabbed our chairs and headed to the end of the dock to enjoy the sunset. The forecast is for rain off and on throughout the weekend, so we wanted to take advantage of any sun we could get.
It's closing weekend, and that means we headed to Cedar Cove. This has become a staple of our camping season, as the campground has so much to offer. The site services help with the closing routine, and when the weather is inclement, the restaurant sure is handy to have available.
We arrived around 4:00pm, and after we got set up, Dale made up a couple of G & T's, we grabbed our chairs and headed to the end of the dock to enjoy the sunset. The forecast is for rain off and on throughout the weekend, so we wanted to take advantage of any sun we could get.
2017 Trip 10: the non-summer, summer weekend
Trip 10: Sharbot Lake PP
The weather all week has been fabulous, and the forecast is calling for more of the same, with temps in the high eighties. This is unseasonably warm for late September, but with the wet and somewhat unusual weather over the summer, a little warmth is certainly welcome.
The weather all week has been fabulous, and the forecast is calling for more of the same, with temps in the high eighties. This is unseasonably warm for late September, but with the wet and somewhat unusual weather over the summer, a little warmth is certainly welcome.
2017 Trip 9: the boys weekend...redux
Trip 9: Bonnechere PP
It's that time again...the boys weekend. Although it does coincide with Dale's girls weekend, Barley and I have come to think of it as our little get-away. If you are going to be hanging out, why not snag a favourite site in the park. One advantage of post Labour Day camping is that it is much easier to get sites, as the demand really drops off.
It's that time again...the boys weekend. Although it does coincide with Dale's girls weekend, Barley and I have come to think of it as our little get-away. If you are going to be hanging out, why not snag a favourite site in the park. One advantage of post Labour Day camping is that it is much easier to get sites, as the demand really drops off.
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| his constant state |
2017 Trip 8: chillin' in the Adirondacks
Trip 8: Rollins Pond
Another extra long weekend, and another trip to a favourite, Rollins Pond. Headed out Wed after work, and our first stop was the Ogdensburg Walmart. It makes so much sense in so many ways. Gives us a head start on the travel, loading up on supplies there, and at the grocery store across the street. There is generally a trip to the UPS store as well, to pick up some online ordered goodies.
The parking lot was busy with a couple of semi's, a class B, and a big DuPont transport with some sort of chemical hauling trailer. We had a quick chat with the guy driving the rig, and he inquired whether it was a safe spot to stop. We told him our experiences, and he thanked us for the info. Soon afterwards he was joined by two other identical haulers, and it was the three of them and little ole us, all side by side.
By the time we rose in the morning, they were gone. We must have been deep into la la land, as we did not hear those three big Peterbilts start up and pull away. Coffee was made and then we headed out as well. Groceries were gotten, parcels picked up, and we were off. Very overcast Thursday, but no rain. After our usual stops in the town of Tupper Lake, one an 'old school' hardware store, we got to our site around 1:00pm.
Our site sucks...but we knew that going in. Once again last fall we got totally discombobulated by the longer NY State reservation window, and this site was all we could grab. It is one of those run off sites, where all the rain water flows through to get to the lake. We ended up closer to the road, trading off some partial sun which would have benefited our solar panels, for the only bit of level ground on the site.
Another extra long weekend, and another trip to a favourite, Rollins Pond. Headed out Wed after work, and our first stop was the Ogdensburg Walmart. It makes so much sense in so many ways. Gives us a head start on the travel, loading up on supplies there, and at the grocery store across the street. There is generally a trip to the UPS store as well, to pick up some online ordered goodies.
The parking lot was busy with a couple of semi's, a class B, and a big DuPont transport with some sort of chemical hauling trailer. We had a quick chat with the guy driving the rig, and he inquired whether it was a safe spot to stop. We told him our experiences, and he thanked us for the info. Soon afterwards he was joined by two other identical haulers, and it was the three of them and little ole us, all side by side.
By the time we rose in the morning, they were gone. We must have been deep into la la land, as we did not hear those three big Peterbilts start up and pull away. Coffee was made and then we headed out as well. Groceries were gotten, parcels picked up, and we were off. Very overcast Thursday, but no rain. After our usual stops in the town of Tupper Lake, one an 'old school' hardware store, we got to our site around 1:00pm.
Our site sucks...but we knew that going in. Once again last fall we got totally discombobulated by the longer NY State reservation window, and this site was all we could grab. It is one of those run off sites, where all the rain water flows through to get to the lake. We ended up closer to the road, trading off some partial sun which would have benefited our solar panels, for the only bit of level ground on the site.
2017 Trip 7: back on the water feels great
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!
