rvcityblog posted on July 15, 2010 04:01
Camping 2010
Entry #1
In our home the camping season begins in January.
On the first working day in January, I was on the phone trying to book a group site for July long weekend. I had to get the kids to school early, get home to begin the booking game. So coffee in hand and a charged phone, you start dialing at 0800 hours.
This year we had the numbers of about six different campgrounds, and you have to take the first one you get through. We were able to book the Cross Lake provincial site. 
Going forward I understand Alberta has re-launched a website for booking; I am looking forward to trying it out. Reserve Alberta Parks
Next I was emailing reserve-a-site campgrounds in Saskatchewan, they had so many hits on their site that caused it to go down. We heard that it would take a few weeks to sort things out, so again, you have to schedule your time so you can be ready to book when their system would be up and running. The key is to know how and when you can book for certain sites. Each province has different procedures for when you can book, so do your research early to avoid missing out on bookings.
By mid spring, I had camping booked for May long weekend, July long weekend, and time in Saskatchewan for July and Idaho for August.
Our actual camping began on May long weekend.
For our family this was a FIRST.
We had never camped in May before, but last summer we upgraded to a hard body trailer our 2009 28BHS Jay Flight, so we booked in great anticipation. We had great weather in April, and the week before the long weekend we had record highs, so we could hardly wait to go camping. As the time got closer to departure the weather cooled down. As I watched the forecast, I added a few things to the trailer…electric blanket, mittens and toques. We almost decided not to go, as the rain came down as we were hooking up, but my youngest was so disappointed that we decided to head out. Also, our dog – Nicki seemed to sense that the much anticipated trip was in jeopardy.
Nicki is a big part of our camping fun. She is our “light dog” – she will follow the flashlight at night or a reflection off of a watch face during the day; she is very protective of the “light” and will return to it’s place of origin – to see if the light is back. I think she loves camping almost as much as our kids.
We camped for the first time in May at Cross Lake Provincial Park. It did not rain (much) or snow, but it was not warm (and I like being warm). So needless to say the best thing I added to the trailer was my electric blanket. The kids that were camped beside us were very happy I had packed mittens. We are glad we camped on the long weekend, so we can say we did it, but not sure we will ever do it again.
It was hard on my youngest boy to understand why he could not go to the beach. 
He did talk me into letting him get wet.
He took a very quick dip in the icy water for a Kodak moment.
As long time campers we should be experts, but it never fails that we forget something, 
especially on the first time out. This year it was very important stuff to some in my family. So when it came time for breakfast, and I had to admit that I did not pack Peanut Butter, I had some in my family upset. Our family’s brand is Kraft Extra Creamy!
With the Peanut Butter restocked we are ready for our next family adventure.
For the novice and expert campers I recommend always having a list, and when you get to the campsite, have a list there so you can write down the things you forgot, at least you will have them for the next outing. Campers Check List.
Our next adventure takes us back to Cross Lake for our July 1st – Canada Celebration;
until next time ~ HAPPY CAMPING…
