Greetings from Ontario Canada

Don't we all. Things have changed. We don't seem to know who are friends are anymore. We are raising our children and youth to be suspicious of everyone and everything. We are growing recognizably ill as a species.

 

There's wisdom in that statement. I have used camping as a background to enable people to experience a different kind of relationship void of fear. And yet, in the same token, embrace new and for me, exciting challenges that outdoor living can present. I think that simplicity has something to do with it.

 

I think that any time we get closer to nature, our hearts beat happier, whatever our hobby of choice is. When I had horses, the feel of being in the saddle, the bonding with the horse, and the peacefulness of riding down the trail always seemed to just take away all of the cares of the day, and put my spirit at ease. Even just taking my kids for a day at the river, fishing and swimming, was a pleasure that we all enjoyed, and didn't need much money to do, either. Pretty much, I find my enjoyment now, from simply being out in my yard and working in the garden. Even weedeating is one of my pleasures of life now.
I really enjoy the forum here, and interacting with others who also enjoy nature.

 

Thank you for your kind comments 2sweed and happyflowerlady; as the Commander and I observed - there are some mighty fine people who are with us.

There is a spirit that permeates and creates a kindred feeling.
Each of us lives in a different part of the forest,
but that doesn't seem to make any difference.
It's that abiding and common ground that draws us together.
It enables us to enjoy our babble and laugh at our antics.
In an environment that is surrounded by tall trees,
flooded by sunny rays, and with refreshing water that cleans
the city dust from our souls,
it sets us free.



​

 

I wish...sort of. But...then again I'm not unhappy with my circumstance.

No, I'm on duty tomorrow until Monday. Next week begins some normalcy. There is an organized winter camp at the end of the month. We are a little shy of snow but perhaps by the end of January.

I'm already panting for the summer. During the winter months I make simple tent furniture and gadgets to adorn my tent. Chairs, tables, lamps and such take up some of the dark nights.

 

It has been cold hasn't it? Frozen locks, slow starting vehicles and such. But very bright and sunny days. What the heck - it's given me opportunity to exercise winter camp clothing. It helps me avoid being sloppy in care of myself outdoors. So...I have the down filled coat, the special mitts, the fur hat, the excellent boots etc. - Canada eh!

On a night like this (and I'm kinda hoping that it will not be as cold) one can go through an awful lot of wood.

 

Lucky, I went without hands and gloves. Could you believe the bus driver refused to let me on when I didn't have exact change? Luckily someone was able to lend me one so I could buy the tickets at the station: only no one was working. Unbelievable the driver wouldn't let me on in this weather.

 

I had that happen once - I hadn't taken a bus for an awful long time so I thought I would hop on one to go downtown. Well...I hopped on but had to hop off. So...I took the car instead.

 

That was thoughtful of you. I do agree, we help one another in times of difficulty. Every year at the end of November by the latest I get the car and van checked. It's not a full guarantee but it does help.

 

Car problems don't happen often but when they do they can be catastrophic. I've had my share.

 

...and speaking of winter BUT more especially SUMMER...I mentioned that I lived in Thunder Bay for awhile so I got to thinking, "I'm going to Thunder Bay."I'm now booked for a trip to the land of the Sleeping Giant, as it is called, in June. I'm planning to camp along Lake Superior until I get to a Provincial park just outside Thunder Bay. The overall trip should be about 12 days. Thunder Bay is about a 1,000 miles away from my part of the forest.

 

Both the United States and Canada have astounding places to visit, camp and canoe. We have a whole wilderness adventure at our doorstep. Our campgrounds are the very best in the world.

I was reading about stealth camping in England. Never knew what that was - it means illegal camping. That would never occur to me as we have such an abundance of possibilities.

We are more than just lucky...we are truly blessed. (Even atheists could agree on that one.)