My next camping trip




Were I to go camping for a week I would figure out exactly where I want to go - likely Algonquin Park - see a 5 Mb highly-detailed PDF map here.

And I'd then gather my gear together and pack it efficiently in a knapsack:

  • tent
  • sleeping bag
  • self-inflating mattress
  • hatchet
  • fixed blade knife
  • rope
  • jeans
  • shirt
  • jacket
  • boxers
  • 2 changes socks - I can wash them if needed
  • wind-up / battery radio - for the boring times
  • novel
  • Flashlight & batteries
  • Lantern, stove and naptha fuel
  • Garbage Bags, zip lock bags
  • Mug, spoon, fork, cooking pot, frying pan
  • paper towels
  • Dish detergent in a small shampoo bottle
  • Blanket for Monty
  • Toiletries
  • First aid items (bandaids, disinfenctant, antibiotics, pills galore)
  • Matches
  • Compass
  • Emergency flourescent light sticks (2)
  • Pencil, paper, book
  • folding chair
  • pillow


Pack my food nicely in plastic:

  • Biltong
  • tea bags
  • cheddar cheese
  • tortillas
  • lemon drink crystals
  • milk powder
  • noodle side-dish packets
  • bacon
  • dog kibble
  • dried mashed potatoes
  • chili mix - dehydrated
  • cooking oil (in a small water bottle)
  • eggs
  • tabascoe sauce
  • pepper
  • salt
  • sugar
  • Chocolate bars
  • Oatmeal pouches, raisins or dates etc…
  • Nalgene water bottle
  • Hot chocolate and coffee mix with coffee whitener
  • A nice Cuban cigar
  • Mickey of good gin

Then I'd gas up the car, drive up there with Monty in the back seat (Spring prefers 5 star accomodation), rent a canoe, canoe for some hours, portage in a little way, canoe in the rest of way, pick a good spot, and make camp in this order:

  1. Shelter - set up tent wit sleeping bags and organize kit
  2. Fire - arrange fire pit, get firewood, start fire going
  3. Food - get cooking gear out and ready - along with lantern and cooking stove.
  4. Chair - Having eaten, place chair at water's edge for a nice view, bring gin and lemon-crystal inspired drink, and cigar and match. Bring blanket so Monty can sit beside me, bring some treats for him (he doesn't smoke cigars)
  5. Relax.

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