As a kid growing up in Saskatchewan, summer holidays usually include a holiday at one of our province’s beautiful lakes.
Many in our local region are blessed to have properties at close-by Buffalo Pound Lake or Thomson Lake and, for the most part, live there throughout the summer months enjoying lake life, some even year round.
For some of us, summer is about camping out in the great outdoors, either in a tent or trailer. Nowadays, both tents and trailers have morphed into almost luxury accommodations fit for any budget. Glamping is also a popular way to go as yurts have taken over some landscapes and are a great alternative for holiday accommodation.
My thoughts are that camping isn’t so much about what you sleep in but about enjoying the great outdoors, although a roof and walls between me and the elements is much more preferable.
It’s about laying aside the mundane activities of everyday life and also experiencing a mental holiday. It’s amazing what fresh air, exercise and some r and r can do for the psyche, not to mention the light-hearted banter around an evening campfire and gazing at Saskatchewan’s amazing night skies with the dancing aurora borealis.
It’s also about bonding with the kids or with friends; fishing for the avid fisherman, teaching kids how to build a fire, taking walks in the woods, and getting in touch with nature. Those were the best family holidays I remember and still hold special memories to this day.
And need I mention how great camping food is after a full day at the beach or on the water? Summer and barbecuing are synonymous, and fish fries…with lemon pepper and butter.
One very endearing experience many years ago at Kimball Lake in Saskatchewan still brings smiles. We basically raised our kids camping at this lake during the summers with family and friends.
If you’ve never been to Kimball Lake, maybe check it out sometime. The lake has been listed as one of Canada’s top 10 beaches and is absolutely family-friendly; great fishing, lovely beaches and great for water sports. The group campsite is also in high demand and secluded from the regular camping sites, allowing a large group to camp together.
Anyways, back to the story. Our youngest son was about 4 or 5 at the time and dad thought he should take him out on the lake and teach him the how-too’s. He had never caught a fish before but this was his first. But of course, it just couldn’t be a regular old jack…dad had to embellish to make him feel special so he told him it was a very special one – a German Jack! The kid was ecstatic…he had caught a unique and prized species…it was all smiles and laughs until the good news bubble broke with the truth a couple years later. It’s still a fun story!
Well, back to camping. As of April 18th, people can reserve their campsites in one of Saskatchewan’s Regional Parks…with many upgrades and additional amenities included across the province. It’s apparent that camping is a favourite pastime, as Saskatchewan saw a record-breaking year in 2021 pandemic time. You can read all about it on the front page of this edition.
Here’s hoping we can all be happy campers this summer!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
