Have you ever experienced a family canoe trip ?  This one ranged in ages from 9 to 73. 13 of us ,Our children and their families. 

The anticipation of looking forward to the trip varied as last year the weather was cold and windy and the year before it was rainy and dreary.

This year it was sunny and clear a perfect day for canoeing. We loaded into 2 vehicles  to travel to Algonquin Provincial Park were we departed from Canoe Lake  through part of the Oxtongue River  to Bonita Lake where we had lunch then on to Tea Lake and then Smoke Lake. Our son left his truck at our final destination to transport the canoes back to Algonquin Outfitters. Last year they carried the canoes back across a busy highway to the departure depot they listened for no car sounds and husseled across the highwy.

Arriving at our destination went smoothly,the preparation of getting 5 canoes and partnering was easy, and we all had life jackets and a survival kit in each canoe. Getting away from the dock was fine, as you can imagine the biggest challenge was getting Grandma into the canoe.

Away we went following  the 13 & 14 yr. old boys who were going to lead the way, anyway ! some coaching of direction occurred. The sun on the water glistened as mother nature offered much peace to all. The sound of the paddles in the water is all we heard at times.

The 13 and 14 yr. old grandson leaders became creative paddling backwards as they were getting far ahead. We stopped briefly to say hello to a dinner plate sized turtle who seemed to know the kids from last year. Our first landing was at Split Pants Island, named by our 11yr old grandson who split his rain pants bending over to get his hot dog out of the fire pit the previous year.

Again Grandma got lots of assistance getting out of the canoe onto the island. It was such a hot day everyone except Gram jumped into the water for a swim. we had scratches and scrapped feet and arms on 4 canoeists as it was shallow and the rocks were slippery.

Suntan lotion washed into the eyes of the youngest, causing many tears until we got the lotion washed out with clean bottled water.

Now it was lunch time and everyone had worked up an appetite. Lunch was much the same as we used to pack when our 3 were younger and we did camping or boating trips. Big buns made to the satisfaction of each individual, in baggies labelled with names . Bottled water, grapes, tangerines, energy bars & pepperoni sticks are a must for Grandpa.

Lunch conversation, after a few bathing suit tops almost fell off led to the education of an over the  shoulder boulder holder, the youngest had the biggest laugh. The children had planned to make a Split Pants Island sign prior to the trip but since time didn't permit sign making in advance ,it was accomplished after lunch by our youngest creative granddaughter, using charcoal from the fire pit. she drew the sign on a flat rock hoping it will be there next year.

The J.S.C.  are the initials of the family names carved in a dead tree by our oldest grandson.  Johnstone, Sitko, Cresswell.After cleanup and packing up we continued our venture. Leaders again were the 13 & 14 yr. old boys who pulled ahead of us all and got fancy again and actually getting stuck on 2 logs.

Help from Mom and Dad promptly got the guys off their logs. Continuing now in 3rd place, they moved ahead and lead us to our next stop. A beautiful beach awaited us and another swim was welcomed by most,even Grandma. Now the last leg of the trip led us under highway #60 to the docks across from our location of departure.

The guys loaded the canoes and gear in the truck which took 2 trips for the 5 canoes, back across the highway to Algonquin Outfitters.

Having such  an exhilarating day with many calm and peaceful moments ended with ice cream at the lake. We shared stories of dreams  that were hilarious. Home to Deerhurst for a pizza dinner and all 7 grandchildren had energy enough for an indoor pool swim.

What we had done with our children when they were young is repeating history with their children, enjoying nature and the outdoors. Having fun Family times when you're young often leads to relationships that will continue with enjoying each others company. DO It NOW ----- ENJOY !!

LIKE TO EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF LIFE?

Our MENTORS have shown us a way that we can have Freedom of time and the resources to make our time our own.

WOULD YOU LIKE THAT TO ?