Well, I made it back from the wilderness in one piece. What a great trip! I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I would like to thank H.H. my fearless leader, who says he was ready to throw himself between me and the bears if need be (unfortunately, he didn't have the chance to prove this to me) and who is also a fantastic open fire cook. We ate like a king and queen! The picture above was taken from our campsite.

We went to Algonquin Park and did about a 20km portage consisting of canoe rides through various little lakes and hiking though forests. We stayed 3 nights.

The only wild life that threatened us was a cute little rabbit who showed up around nightfall and this little guy who appeared regularly in the late afternoon. I couldn't believe how brave this chipmunk was. He literally sat right beside us! Of course all he wanted was out food not our love. Check out this pic with his head right in the bag!

So when we started out, I wondered what we were going to do for 4 days out in the middle of the wilderness with nobody around for miles. I thought I might get bored. Let me tell you, all we did was WORK! We set up camp, started a fire, collected some water to boil so we could drink it, prepared dinner, ate dinner, wash the dishes in the lake, boil more water, go to bed. Then, we did everything all over again the next day for each meal!

Although it was a lot of work, it really did open my eyes. We lived off of the land for 4 days with nothing but a tent, some sleeping bags and 3 pots for cooking and we survived!!! Think of all of the possessions we have in the comfort of our own homes, do we really need all of that? I mean even if we cut our possessions down by half would still be living in luxury! Makes you think doesn't it?

I think the best part of the trip though was the fresh air. I felt like a kid again, like when I would crawl into bed after an entire day of playing outside with the smell of fresh air in my nose and the warmth of the sun on my skin. I got a taste of that again on this trip - that made the whole thing more than worth it.

Rings and Things!

So how is it going? I've been busy doing many things as of late. Just had a visit from my Mother. She came for my Dragon Boat regatta (I will be posting pics of that soon). We had a very nice week and now she is back home safe and sound.

I'm also preparing for the big wilderness camping trip that I told you I was going to go on at the beginning of the summer. I'm a bit nervous. We are heading up to the middle of no where, with no car, no pillows, nothing but bird food and bears....Oh and no water, no toilets, no pillows and wolves. I must be out of my mind.

With all of my activities, I haven't had much time for sewing. I did have time to make this though:

It is a funky little cameo ring. I found the materials in a local bead store. The ring base is silver plated and the cameo is just too cute.

I put it in the shop for the heck of it. I'll let you know if it draws interest. I made another for myself and I am wearing it as I type.

Here is another ring I made from a vintage button I found sitting in the bottom of my sewing box:

I am taking the week following camping off to re cooperate - I hope to get a lot of sewing done then. So stay tuned for more projects!

Saying Goodbye to Summer

I know - it has been awhile, but I've been soaking up the last days of summer. I'm trying to get as much out of it as possible! Once fall creeps in I will be more attentive to my blog.

So now that I am a "Torontonian", I figured I should experience the Toronto traditions and one of them is visiting the Canadian National Exhibition (aka the 'CNE' or 'the Ex') which marks the end of the summer ever year. So, on Labour Day Weekend H.H. and I put on our brave faces and faced the crowds of people!

There are rides for the kids (and the kids at heart), popcorn, hot dogs, corn dogs, cotton candy, exhibits, shopping, air show, dog show, variety shows, clowns, you name it - you'll find it there.

Last weekend for flip-flops...(P.S. - who's feet do you think are cuter? H.H. seems to think his man feet are....errrr...)

Isn't this a pretty picture?

See you next year Summer...