Thunder? Heavy rain showers? Heat? Humidity? One or two bugs? Check, check, check, check and check!
But… almost constant birdsong, a musical river, freshly unfurled spring greenery, a distant farm dog barking, spells of warm sunshine and a remote campsite in the trees above a river? Yup! On balance, let’s just say “when can we go again?”
We had a splendid few days down by (or just above) the Etchemin. Two decent sized bug bites on my ankle (how? I was wearing boots!) had me temporarily renaming it the Itchyman River, but I got over it, and barely mentioned it at all out loud. I didn’t provide any insects a free lunch once I’d applied the bug repellent. Use it, OPC. Happens every start of camping season – when will you ever learn…?
The trailer and bug screen performed as hoped for, the wood-store was well stocked and dry – one match got our fire lit every time, maintaining a pretty good run (he says, modestly) – and is there a better outdoor aroma than woodsmoke and coffee? Perhaps my hiking boots left outside and under the trailer? With that aroma, why do the bugs even approach my ankles?
We saw and heard geese, and I startled a pair of ducks as I leant over to snap a shot upriver, at which point a kingfisher scolded me, Scout shook her head, and Mrs. PC seemed happy enough I didn’t fall in.
Several mornings a hummingbird buzzed me as I was making coffee, darting to the side I wasn’t looking as I tried to spot her. I caught a blur of small brown bird as she buzzed into the trees, perhaps disappointed we don’t take nectar with our coffee.
The Etchemin flows through a lovely little valley of low wooded hills and patches of cleared farmland. Not much more than an hour south of Quebec City, it is a delightful spot to find a change of pace. Breathe in, breathe out, stretch, relax, repeat, and it’ll soon be beer o’ clock.
A very welcome break from the noise and nonsense that can be hard to avoid in the wider world. Spring this year hasn’t been all that it could have been, but a few more trips like this as we edge towards summer and maybe all will be well, with equilibrium maintained…
More about this trip next week – the river, the rain (yup!), the microbrewery and hiking trails nearby.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
It all sounds positively wonderful Adam, minus those bug bites of course. But that’s often a given on a camping trip. Hope you’re still feeling the serenity. Cheers, to future trips, calm vibes and a great weekend ahead. 😊
LikeLike
Thanks, Miriam! Yeah, it was a good trip and we’re planning the next one already, a longer road trip west – more sunshine (and a few bugs!)
I hope your week is going well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went away for a few days. The bug spray is good for ticks, as well. mind you I left my bug spray at home, but did remember the bear spray. Nice little set-up you have there, and scout looks cozy as well.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jane! No bug spray?! A few unwelcome bugs is better than a few unwelcome bears?!
I hope your week is going well! (We have had three sunny days, first time in a long while – feels like spring!)
LikeLike
You’re right, what a splendid site!! Sounds like it was a wonderful week, even with the bugs and humidity, and your set up looks perfect. Glad to see you have your 5 O’Clock vibes ready for the camping season!! I could not believe when I checked out the final league table that I had to search for Everton, what a great season! Enjoy the week!🙂
LikeLike
Thanks – it was a great trip, weather ups and downs and all!
What a turnaround for Everton, very happy. My brother was up visiting last weekend and we watched the New-Eve game live together. No relegation jeopardy and low expectations about a good result so we were delighted with another win. 13th, haha!
I hope your week is going well! We’ve had three sunny days in a row – can’t remember when that last happened…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the tone of your post, pc, because it embraced the wonder and joy of nature and getting away from it all. Thanks for sharing your piece of heaven with us.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jet! It’s such a pretty valley, whatever the weather, and camping heaven when the temperatures are seasonal. Stumbling over this little gem so close to the city was a delight, and even if it is full, it is a quiet spot to get away. Our favourite place in Quebec to camp.
LikeLiked by 1 person