In short, I think that I visited the camp (with various forms of company) every weekend of May. It was purposeful, as there were several jobs that required undertaking. Whether installing the waterline, a few screws in the stove or a touch of paint, there is a hidden therapy in getting ones hands to work and preparing for the onset of summer. With the dog days of spring in full swing, the reprieve from the prattle of the “position” was a welcome breath of clean air!
This spring remained cool, with the buds on trees, black flies and lily pads all arriving late. Frost warnings were the norm all May. This did two things… Ravaged the woodpile and put pressure on my already punchy stove. A burner man I’m not, but early in May I tackled the wood stove in an effort to strengthen / tighten the many tired seems. Although at times not “purty”, I did manage to leave the heating system in a much more durable state with some pipe, gaskets and elbow grease.
It wasn’t all work however, as the evenings saw enjoying the bug free deck, walks to Cooeycoff Lake and excellent experimenting in the camp kitchen. The camp is now home to the Weber, so lots of fun divining meals from the smoker. There have been a couple of “knock your sox off” suppers that I’ve gotta say were pretty fancy fare! I’ve been collecting my food pics from there and think that June is going to feature words and pics on my take in regards to tips and tricks for the “Camp Chef”!
So lots of back and forth with family, friends and on my own in May. It means making sure the larder is well equipped and the camp systems are in good working order. I’ve even begun a “How to…” for making sure visitors are in the know in regards to power, water, engines and heating if I’m not in the space with them. All that may seem like work, but after some 45 years of visiting annually, the camp for me is still a place of excitement to arrive at and a downer to leave!