Do you go camping? It is a question that didn't occur to me until I reflected back upon a guy I know who consults with the United Nations and helps bring refugees to Canada. We were are that Chamber of Commerce meeting and he was going on about how great it was not to have to have security (armed with rifles) guarding our safety. Camping may not be the safest for that reason, for dangerous wildlife, or perhaps not living in the confines of a city and enjoying an escape.

Remembering how many followers and those I have chosen to follow around the globe, I figured it might be nice to share some camping experiences. Hell, even many north americans are of the mind "Why on earth would I want to spend hundreds and hang out in the bush just for the privilege of knowing what it is like to be homeless?!?!?" They don't know the joy.

This picture is from one of the first trips I went on. You would think I would start with some simple car camping but in typical Zeke fashion, I was invited to canoe into the interior of a provincial park and camp a couple lakes in. Not the hardest thing in the world but you do have to be prepared for mishaps on the water, bears, being so far removed from hospitals in the case of an emergency, and how damn heavy a case of beer is when you are hiking it a couple miles with your other gear.

Last weekend Camping

Source: bigdaddykreativ.ca

We have gotten into quite a rhythm camping and now start the year with an easy, short drive drive up family camping on Father's Day. https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek This park is great because it is surrounded by city yet feels like the wilderness. Plus, we get to throw all our stuff in the car, set up, and find out what is broken, missing or needs to be added to the gear before the longer and more remote trips of the year.

Here are a few other images from the weekend. I really didn't remember to take too many as there was so much visiting to be done, wood to burn, and beer to be drank!

This one starts off simply with a big BBQ with family and friends. I generally arm all the kids with water balloons and water guns to kick off a war.

We usually select a "party site" where everyone gathers for the evening and contributes wood for the fire. Any there is occasionally a drink or 12.

Here is a 1-off from one of my favourite breweries a friend brought and I loved it.

It is up to dad to set up the tent so I send the family off for some fun, and put it up @davedickeyyall style.

A small glimpse of the stove which is essential gear. Also in the shot is a coffee which you have to brew yourself on a real camping trip.

The evening was awesome with family and friends and nature. I was woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of a raccoon fight but no harm done. I was also blue-bombed https://steemit.com/cryptopub/@zekepickleman/zeke-s-sweet-hops-the-art-of-blue-bombing but had a hell of a lot of fun. What we learned was missing is an electronic bug zapper and that was about it!

Next trip is to Cyprus Lake which is actually a National Park. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/camping/cyprus

Can't wait to explore the caves!

So tell us: what is the camping situation in your part of the world? Funny/favourite story?