Now THAT's how to start a camping trip: Bear Buffet Day! (All the garbage cans down this road were knocked over.)
On our way to the campsite, we stopped at an assortment of places that looked interesting.
Lower edge of Petit Lac Monroe
Captain Mischief!
We did a lot of these little hikes. The whole area is structured to handle a lot of people, and yet, held on to the wilderness feel fairly well.
Here we all are, the defining photo of the camping trip. Thanks to the nice Polish couple who helped us with this shot.
Near (part of) "Les Chutes Croche" on the Riviere du Diable
Catriona loved the hikes.
We entered with two cars. Had we all fit into one, we would have probably attempted that, but this way we had way more cargo space.
Our campsite on Lac Escalier.
We put-in by the campsite's rental area. We're told on weekends the place can get pretty busy, but for us (mid week) it was perfectly quiet.
We navigated our way up this terrific river, which is actually the upper part of the Riviere du Diable before it gets "exciting".
The length of our paddle was determined by Catriona's tolerance for sitting in the canoe, and her lack of nap. (Graeme is behind Jenn.)
Returning to the dock an hour later, Catriona has finally fallen asleep. It was a great paddle.
You could walk hundreds of meters out into Lac Escalier. Catriona got bit by blackflies on her back. Probably the only blackflies we saw the whole trip.
Yes, that's Graeme way out there, still only up to his waist. (just before we yelled "okay, far enough").
The largest building for kilometers: Our toilet/showers/fresh water, and dishes-washing area.
Lac Escalier is a very unspoiled lake. Looking away from the campground, you truely feel that you are in the middle of the wilderness.
A sliver of beach is visible through a gap in the bushes.
Dinner time. (no Graeme wasn't actually drinking the beer)
Grandpa with his squidges.
We had a visitor, right in our campsite. Ironically, I (Doug) was off with my camera looking for the fox which we'd spotted earlier. These fox photos were taken by Jim.
He walked right past our tents (just off to the left) and lay down, watched us for a few minutes, then it turned and studied the woods. A squirrel, perhaps?
One last look back to make sure we're still there. If it wasn't for the tail and the colouring... this fox was behaving a LOT like a domestic dog.
Catriona loves all things small. Especially bugs.
This campsite has a raised cooking fire area.
The kids played togther well. Catriona liked having her big brother around and Graeme loved showing her things.
Great smiles. Grandpa was clever and brought folding chairs for the campsite.
A rare picture of me, Doug, taken from the dish washing building.
Catriona did most of her hiking on her own feet, but getting around the campground she wasn't above asking for a ride.
Today's hike is up to "La Roche" which turned out to be a beautiful trail with a hugely rewarding view at the end.
Graeme takes a picture with Daddy's camera.
If we could just get more leverage. Catriona, come help!
What we cannot move, we conquer. ;-)
This hike was very civilized: Well groomed trails, and benches every kilometer or so.
Jim relaxes on the bridge since the grandkids are climbing all over the bench in the previous picture.
We loved having Dad/Grandpa/Jim on this trip with us. He was a huge help on all things camp-y, and he had a great couple of days with his grandkids.
Jenn poses with a colourful butterfly. Unfortunately, Jenn's boots were rubbing on this hike leaving her with sore feet at the end of the day.
The trail was regularly crossed by these picturesque little streams.
If it was possible to climb it, Graeme would.
For example. Can we climb this tree? Perhaps not, but that doesn't stop us from trying!
Here we are at the top of "La Roche" overlooking Lac Monroe. A nice 5km hike with a very rewardning lookout.
View from the lookout (stitched panorama).
View to the North West at the top of La Roche.
All of us, at the top of La Roche. You can just see the North (technically "East") side of the Mont Tremblant. It's the second bump from the left edge on the horizon.
Dad/Grandpa/Jim stands in the view looking up Lac Monroe.
A little self-portrait action. Difficult with a DSLR.
The "La Roche" trail is rated as a "5km there-and-back, medium hike". It was the perfect distance for the kids (3.5 and 6.75 years old).
Another group shot.
It's technically impossible to keep a 6(and three quarter) year old off the railing. And Catriona will copy anything her brother does.
Jenn, looking splendid.
Pro tip: Always take a photo of the sign post. Even if you don't include it in the album, it's a good reference for later when it comes time to label your hikes.
Graeme climbed everything within reach of the trail, and Catriona would follow whenever possible.
She did most of the walking herself, although hand-holding was a huge help and prevented a lot of falls, especially on the downhill.
Graeme was hand-holding here, mostly because his sister was getting a lot of hand-holding and he didn't want to feel left out. He was also fighting a few blisters, like his Mom.
This nice waterfall trickled down the hillside and under our trail. Rocks near the trail you say? Graeme must therefore climb (and Catriona will follow).
Reverse angle from the waterfall, looking down at Jim and Jenn.
As we get closer to the bottom, the path widens into effectively a road.
After a good hike, some chicken curry is in order. (Which turned out to be too spicy for the kids.) Graeme has our zip-lock bag of birch bark which he stripped off our (purchased) firewood.
On our way out we drove North then West to the "La Macaza" park exit. On our way we stopped at the Southern edge of Lac de la Savane.
Graeme had a great trip!
On the West side of Lac de la Savane is a picturesque campground with a small number of sites. Probably a lot less people here than the larger place we stayed... the site was almost empty today.
Graeme spots a frog in the water.
Catriona LOVES little animals. Insects and frogs are "just so cute".
We're tempted to put the canoe in for a paddle, but it's our last day and we still have a drive ahead of us.
Bye froggie! (he hid when Catriona approached)
Photography 101: When to use your on-camera flash? (used here) On sunny days when otherwise you'd have nasty shadows on people's faces.
We've reached the edge of the park. Doug and Jim consult the maps to find the right way out.
