Camping at Arrowhead Provincial Park

We camped for three nights with eleven kids (in total) and seven adults. We had a blast. Though my back is still griping due to the deflated air mattress which had Izzy and I sleeping on the ground the first night in. Here is a photo journal of our trip:

Our home - complete with tarp because it rained...as it always does when we camp :-( We had the first campfire at our site that night because we were the first ones at Arrowhead and settled in. The kids wore glow in the dark bracelets and chased each other around the sites until one of them puked. We had tea and the best homemade peach pie I've ever had!



The first morning the kids woke up quite early (mine were up between 5 and 6am) so we took a stroll to the lake before the kids woke up all the neighbours.



They played in the sand and built Dams...



...and hills.



It was so beautiful. Peaceful and quiet.



We were expecting thunderstorms to roll through so Rob and I took the kids into Huntsville later that morning to find another air mattress. When we got back I took the kids to the little museum on site while Rob relaxed at camp with a book. From there we took the kids to Mayflower Lake to check out the tadpoles. According to the wildlife expert at the museum, we are allowed to catch up to 2 frogs a day in Ontario. Who knew? Lol. Here is one of the big guys that we caught. Almost a full fledged frog, still needing to outgrow his tail.



While we were there we spotted some leeches. Before long, a whole slew of them were coming towards the shore line to see what all the splashing was about. We thought we had gotten away unscathed until one of the mom's noticed all the baby leeches covering her son's foot. It took a while to get them off. I even found a few in my Crocs. Blech!

Then it was back to the camp for a short rest before supper.



That night we had our second campfire at our neighbour's site. The kids played board games in the dining tent.



Then we took an early evening walk to the beach.



Watched the sun set.



Built another (larger) dam.



Laughed and splashed in a small pool of water.



Danced in the moon light.



Took many pictures.



After most of the campers had settled in for the night, Rob and I took Alex, Izzy and their friend Q down to the beach to see the stars. We waited until it was pretty late. We found Venus and the big dipper. The boys trudged around the beach in the dark with their flashlights checking on the big Dam they made earlier that evening. They lamented over the state of humanity, questioning the morals of those inconsiderate souls who would trample the hard work of earnest kids. Rob and I got a good chuckle out of that. Izzy passed out on Rob's shoulder on the way back. It was a great way to end the evening.

The next morning we were not up at the crack of dawn. The kids slept in until after 8am. We made breakfast. Showered. Had an errand at the park office. Eventually we made it to the dock to do some fishing. I believe it was the second time in my life I have ever been fishing. Definitely a first for the kids. I even have my own fishing license now. And surprisingly, I can't wait to do it again!




We used bits of hot-dogs as bait. They were successful in that the fish loved them. Unsuccessful in that they kept stealing our bait right off the hook though.




After lunch we headed to Stubbs Falls.



The kids had a blast climbing to the top of the boulders.





Thankfully the smaller ones kept closer to the ground.



A brief stop on the way down.



Testing the cold water with his toes.



The rest of the way down was pretty steep so I stayed behind. My knee wouldn't have enjoyed the rest of the trek. As it was, everyone had to slide down on their bums for the last leg to the bottom.



After an early dinner, we headed to the other side of the park to visit our non-tenting friends. The kids decorated t-shirts...



...and built a trap by digging out a hole and covering it with twigs and leaves.



Then we took a quick walk to the Big Bend Look-out.





The evening was capped off with our last group camp-fire, toasting marshmallows...



...and eating S'mores.



We had a great time. I hope we can get everyone together again next summer. Arrowhead Provincial Park is now one of my all time favourite places to camp. Of course, it is hard to not like any part of the Muskokas, save the crowds. We'll definitely be heading back there. So much to do and see. Clean park with big, private camp sites. It had it all. And only 2 1/2 hours away. Can't beat that!