gatineau trip part one

I want my children to see Canada.  Owning a trailer means we can combine both camping in nature and visiting parts of our country at the same time.  And now that our kids are getting older, we are able to travel a bit further from our home.   This was our first major trip with all 3 of our kids and Ottawa/Gatineau seemed the perfect spot to test out a longer drive, camping and sightseeing in one vacation.

There are definite highlights (many that did not include my camera) and memories that I do not want to forget.  Our first night in Gatineau Park was definitely a challenge for both Andrew and I.  To start we arrived an hour and half later than planned.  First we went to the wrong entrance of the park which meant another 45 minute drive to the north entrance.  We also got lost finding the first wrong entrance.   It did mean Abigail and I could run into the grocery store for the forgotten hamburgers and see and hear the differences in visiting Quebec.  As we began to set up our trailer we quickly realized that there was no electricity.  We were not prepared for this and had a nervous few minutes while starting the propane fridge for the first time.  Once we knew we could keep our food cold, we settled in with a very late supper of hamburgers.    

Gatineau Park is beautiful and I would highly recommend the camping.  We only ever had 2 other families camping on our road, the washrooms were always spotless and the park staff were very attentive.  

 Roasting rocks.

The beach was a two minute walk from our campsite.

We spent 2 days exclusively in the park.  Swimming, biking and hiking into the caves, renting a paddleboat and having many, many fires at our campsite.

 Burritos over the fire were a hit.

 Jesse looking on.

Abigail was able to stay connected with her best friend.  Blackberry won out over the iphone in receiving service in the campground.  She was very happy about that.

A smores happy dance.

More pics coming soon!