4 minute read
Ain’t no party like an Elk Island Party…
THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG IS MAYBE CLICK BAIT, BUT I DON’T CARE.
Every year I pack up my tent, books, and cheese and head out to Elk Island National Park for my birthday camp and picnic party. Some years this is the only camping I do–and I am sad for that–but it never fails to lift my September doldrums.
Our first trip out here was a handful of years ago, and we went because I was SUPER DEPRESSED! HELLO!
I needed to get out of my house, out of the city, and stand in a forest.
I am not cured of my depression (wow can you imagine), but it’s a guaranteed lift of spirits that I look forward to every year.
The guest list grows because I want folks in my life to take advantage of the hospitality and the energy boost.
THE PARTY
The two most important parts of this party are the people and the snacks! And we’ve got a great line up for both of them.
Every year we gather a few extra folks, different folks to the party. This year I was so excited to welcome new Ritchie pals, and new work pals. Each person or pair has a bit in common (aside from knowing me), so that makes it a bit easier to chat and meet each other. They all told me how much they loved the park, loved the setting, and were excited to leave the city. Yay!
Honestly never imagined I’d have such amazing people want to spend time with me out here! Especially considering we started out with just Dan & I. People like to leave the city, and heck, they like me too! One of my favourite things is to see my new friends getting to know the friends I’ve had for 40+ years.
It wouldn’t be a birthday party without a big ol’ cake. Jessica gets me a beautiful purple one every year. These next photos make me laugh, and I am pretty pumped that Nicole captured all of my my family snapping the cake photo!
THE CAMPING
Dan & I camp at Elk Island Friday and Saturday night, just us two. It was another glorious weekend, great weather and lots of small wildlife to watch. We also made pizza in our camping oven on Friday night, which felt very fancy.
The squirrel liked the pizza too. The animals in the campground have lost some of their fear of humans, which is too bad. But it was amazing to see a pileated woodpecker up close.
THE TEAM WHO MADE IT HAPPEN
There would be no snacks, no picnic or camping without Dan and my family. Even Lucas gets in on the fun and helps out. I really missed Mom this year, but I could feel her there with us. She would have been so pumped to see everyone, and chat with the new people.
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