Many will agree, it was a very long winter.  Yes, winter usually feels long, however, this one just felt like it was never going away.  Now that spring time has finally arrived, it's time to stop hibernating and get some fresh air.  

Have you ever considered going camping in the Spring?  You don't have to have the hot summer sun to enjoy the outdoors.  Here area few reasons why you should pack up your gear and go camping as soon as the snow has melted and the ground has thawed.

The first smell to surface is the loamy one of the thawing ground.  It's that of old leaves being heated up by the sun or the petrichor we all love so much after a rainfall .    A mixture of pine, maple and cedar tree smells tickle your nose.  It's the smell of new beginnings and what better way to start the new season than by surrounding yourself with this wonderful aroma.

Tree buds are making an appearance and flowers are starting to bloom.  What was once a bland blanket of white becomes a sea of colours.  Experience the new growth as it's happening.  Many flowers come and go in spring so why miss out on these beauties. 

Camping is supposed to be relaxing...a place where you escape the stresses of the fast-paced everyday life.  However, camping during peak season can sometimes be stressful if you're looking for a bit of alone time on the lakefront.  Beat the crowd and secure the best spots by camping in the spring. 

Nothing ruins an outdoor meal, a day of soaking up rays or a quiet night around a bonfire like the invasion of bugs.  When the humidity is just right and the foliage has come back, these pest will be in full attack mode.  So beat them to it and go camping in the Spring when things are just not quite at their liking yet. 

Don't spend your days looking for shade and evenings tossing and turning trying to beat the midsummer heat.  Get the best of both worlds when you camp in the springtime  Wake up to a crisp morning and warm coffee...the perfect pair.  Enjoy basking in the warm afternoon sun.  Then bundle up at night for the perfect cozy sleep and restart all over again the next day.

When things are in high demand, the price for it is typically driven up as well.  To save on travel expenses, many choose to go camping in the Spring time when the overnight fees are still low. 

Now it's time to go experience these top 6 reasons why Spring camping is so great.   Book now.

Here's an excellent guide from ScoutmasterCG that shows you how to build the no-fail campfire.  Ready to take it to the test?

S'mores are more than just sandwiching marshmallows and chocolate between two graham wafers.  There's art & science behind it all.  Check out this diagram to see if you've been doing it right.  Also see where you rate on the roasting scale and find out how many other's share your taste.

Swimming here at South Bay Resort is not just a means to stay cool in this summer heat.  It's a family activity.  The children discover wildlife, the parents catch some rays and the rest of us either throw a disk in the bay or slide/ jump off the floating dock.  July has proved to be quite enjoyable and with a shipment of fine beach sand on the way, we believe the fun is just getting started. Come and discover our Manitoulin!

June 18,2013
Gore Bay-Manitoulin airport

Gates open at 4pm, show starts at 6pm

"Although legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876, the first officially recorded Musical Ride was performed in Regina under Inspector William George Matthews in 1887."
"Today, in keeping with tradition, the Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of thirty-two riders and horses, plus the member in charge. The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music."

www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mr-ce/index-eng.htm

June 21-23, 2013
Manitowaning

Enter your truck (lightweight and heavy classes) in a truckpull contest to see who reigns supreme. Then watch the horse pull for the contest of beast vs machine.

For the brave ones, why not try some bull riding. Mechanical optional as a safer sport too.

Sounds like a blast.
More info
www.manitoulinrodeo.org

Victoria Day long weekend 2013 was fun as always.  Opening weekend brought forth the die hard outdoorsy folk.  Always a pleasure to see our returning seasonals but my hat comes off to those  who arrived with tents.  Brrrr, the days were sunny but the evenings remain chilly.  With that said, we spent some time with a couple who rented cabin #3, who introduced us to the "Dean Special" (A small drink nicely chilled but that warmed our hearts).  It is fascinating to meet new people and truly connect.  Unfortunately for Dean, I beat him to the lake for a dip which I anticipated would be glacial torture.  Ends up it was refreshing and quite enjoyable especially followed by a Dean Special .

Winter hibernation is finally at its end.  Lots to prepare for the upcoming season.  Some of my best memories of 2012 are from September long weekend.  I have a good friend who celebrated her birthday with us over this holiday.  She is the ultimate event planner.   Festivities started in mid afternoon.  The fairly large group of adults were divided into teams and rotated through stations of various games.  Horseshoe, ring toss, Ladder ball, frisbee toss, even a rest station of lawn chairs directly in the water.  These were spread out through the park.  Scores were tallied and winners claimed their trophies.  The good times kept on rolling with an amazing potluck feast.  That night we witnessed a harvest moon, perfect for our late night dip.  
It's definitely proof that you don't need to have kids around to play games.  Of course some adults forget how to have fun.  Now with the likes of Pinterest, it's never been easier to find great entertaining ideas.  These pictures here depict new activities like glow bowling and glow ring toss which I know we are going to play this summer.  Come on and join the party; forgot your glow sticks...don't worry those we always carry in the office.  It's just a different type of evening glow. 

Absolutely amazing Sea-doo experience here.  A quick zip out and you are directly on Lake Huron at the mouth of South bay where all the energy of the Great Lakes culminates into walls of water.  We propel our craft off the waves and into the air.  Oddly, we are the only ones taking advantage of this.  The water levels are low so the docking area is perfect for beaching the PWC and using your sand anchor.  Then you spend the evenings around the BBQ or campfire.  After a good nights sleep, why not wakeboarding.  We have great conditions for kite surfing or windsurfing too.  To all the thrill seekers, check us out.  Manitoulin Island is recognized for relaxation but it doesn't have to be that way.