The Best Way to go Away: Camping |ADDICTED

For most of us, we’ve spent the better part of 2020 laying low, and while that’s been fine for a while, as we try and live in a new normal, many people are looking for safe ways to get away, and see something, anything other than their living room.

While the idea of flying away somewhere exotic sounds fantastic, let’s face it, we just aren’t there just yet, but, there is always an option within our own country, and even our province or state.

For someone like me, who lives in a big city, I wanted to get out of town, see some nature, have a bit of adventure and relax, and what better way to just that, while social distancing, than by camping.

If you are anything like me, you’ve grown up loving coming, and contend that through your teen years, right into adulthood, though I must admit, until this latest adventure, it had been a while since I camped under the stars and that I did.

For those of you that don’t know, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and my escape was to Burk’s Falls. Burk’s Falls is a small village in the Almaguin Highlands region of Parry Sound District, Ontario, Canada, located 265 kilometres north of Toronto and 90 kilometres south of North Bay, Ontario, and it’s a lovely area.

Filled with lakes, long winding trails, secret swim spots and so much more, Berk’s Falls and the surrounding area are part of what makes Ontario truly special in its way. Whether you’re looking for little sandy beaches, hiking trails, a place to catch a tan, look off in the water or learn more about the area, this quaint yet picturesque area is the perfect place for a mini getaway, while social distancing.

So, we set off from Toronto and made our way up north to the Almaguin Highlands to settle in for five days at Lighthouse Landing Camp, where we would adventure, explore and find more than we bargained for.

When we arrived and set up our text, gear and of course, Bug Repellent units, we were ready to make some dinner, check out our area, and make it an early night, for an early morning of adventure the following day, and that we did.

@themaleaddictCamping 🏕 week 😁😁♬ Summer – SUDI

The next morning we made our way out on kayaks to explore some of the areas by water, which we would end up partaking each day we were there. There’s something about being out on the water on a beautiful calm day that brings calm to your soul.

As the days went by we would stop in to see the town (which staying away from most stores to keep any contact down) and would explore many trails along the way.

We found the perfect spot to stop and relax that was pretty much a lazy river, it was at the Richard Thomas Memorial Park, in the same area. We also found some fantastic spots for truly picturesque views at HighRock Lookout, be careful around the rocks.

@themaleaddictMy secret spot 🏖❤️🇨🇦♬ Lovely Day – Bill Withers

There were so many areas similar spots we found along the way, and, probably due to COVID, didn’t have many if any people at most.

We also paid a visit to Screaming Heads, which is ecetialy a rock/metal art outdoor walking self-tour. It’s something you have to see for yourself. Because it is so spread out, it’s safe during these times as you can easily social distance.

The sun was warm through the days while getting coolers at night, the water everywhere we went, was safe to swim in, and while some of the parks and beaches were closed due to COVID and safety, many were open and allowed us to stay away while enjoying every day.

So what makes for a great camping trip?

Location, weather (sadly), adventure, food, and how prepared you are for your stay under the stars. So what does one bring camping? Let’s begin:

Tent and Sleep Gear

Having a good tent is vital, and, it doesn’t have to cost much as a two-person tent start at about $30 Canadian. Now you add in blow-up mats to sleep on, sleeping bags, a mini fan and you’ve spent a bit more, but, they will make for a much more comfortable sleep.

Make sure to also make sure you have a cooler, waterproof bags and if need be a kayak roof rack for cars without rails, no matter what you might need, it’s always better to be prepared.

Clothing and Apparel

Bringing a mix of light summer clothes and a few more substantial items, a hoodie, raincoat, long pants, is the perfect plan for camping. You never know what the weather will do, so with that, it’s good to be prepared, it’s also good to make sure you have extra socks and an extra pair of shoes, as a lot of things get wet and dirty while camping.

Food and Drink

First, get a big cooler, next, a slew of ice packs, and bring what works for you, with the right stove (see next section) you can make a variety of different meals along the way, and it’s also easy to bring snacks and dry or canned food to eat, chose you to choose to keep it more low-key.

I always make sure to bring a mix of wine, coolers, and cider when I go camping so that I don’t have to make any trips to find it while camping.

Cooking Must-Haves

Bring a camping stove. While it’s fun to cook on the fire or try not to cook at all, white a camping stove, you’ll be able to make burgers for lunch, bacon at breakfast, and steak at dinner, it’s grill meets element and makes meals while camping a sinch.

Sun and Fun

Bring beach towels, sunblock, and lots of it, along with some fun water floatation toys (we got floating mats at dollarama for three dollars each), and they made for the affections of lunging fun in the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses, hats, and two small backpacks so you can pack efficiently for a day trip.

So, if you are looking for a change of pace or a change of scenery, maybe it’s time you pack up the car, find a beautiful spot and spend some time getting back to nature, and what better time to do so.

Happy Camping!