The Happy Camper
Adventure, Opinion, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: A Review of Frank Wolf’s New Book
When I was asked to write a back cover review for Frank Wolf’s latest book Two Springs, One Summer, I jumped at the chance.
Contests, Ontario, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: SOAR Film Festival Award Winners
I was truly honoured to be a part of the SOAR Outdoor Adventure Reels Film Festival held at the Indie Cinema in Sudbury, Ontario back in early November.
Camping, Gear, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Esker’s Multi Winter Tent Is Pretty Awesome
The Esker Classic had its drawbacks. Now the new Multi Winter Tent has stepped it up a notch. To me, it’s a game-changer.
Gear, Paddling, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: My Top, Most Useful Gear Picks of 2024 for Canoeists
It’s also time to reflect on the paddling season and decide on which new gear were my favourite pieces.
Adventure, Hiking, Ontario Trails, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Taking on the Frontenac Challenge, Part 2
Three stumbles, one fall, a knee brace, a broken hiking pole and a bottle of pain meds, but this 60-year-old finally finished the Frontenac Challenge.
Hiking Trail Reviews, Ontario, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Taking on the Frontenac Challenge, Part 1
I recently moved to the Kingston area in Ontario and I thought what better way to become familiar with the …
Ontario, Opinion, The Happy Camper
Bear Cubs Killed in Algonquin Spark Conversation About Nature
Anthropocentric views of nature. All the great nature writers warned us about it. Thoreau, Leopold, Carson. It’s a worldview that …
Ontario, Paddling, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Canoe Trip in Opasquia, Part Four
If you’re a paddler looking for a “true” wilderness canoe trip experience, you’ll definitely have your prayers answered in Opasquia Provincial Park.
Ontario, Paddling, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Canoe Trip in Opasquia, Part Three
It was late afternoon of day seven of our canoe trip in northern Ontario’s remote Opasquia Provincial Park when Andy and I finally slid our canoe into a large lake and joyfully paddled across the great expanse of water.
Adventure, Paddling, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Mystery Trip to Opasquia, Part Two
We had two weeks, three packs, a barrel full of dehydrated food and two litres of whisky. Two old guys that just turned 60 couldn’t be happier.
Adventure, Canoeing, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Canoe Trip in Opasquia, Part One
In the morning Andy and Albert gave the pilot the coordinates of a random, unnamed lake in the southeast corner of the park, one the pilot had never landed on before, and we set off to our magical mystery tour of Opasquia Provincial Park.
Adventure, Gear, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Keen’s New Sandal and Waterproof Hiking Boot
I’ve been on a lot of canoe trips this season. Yay for me. And thankfully I got myself two new …
Adventure, Canoeing, The Happy Camper
Sold My House and Quit My Job: Time for More Outdoor Adventures
I am 60 years old now, and I can firmly state that I have become very rich in spirit, but …
Adventure, Quebec, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Camping in Quebec’s Newest National Park
Many of Ontario’s campers, padders and hikers have ignored their neighbouring province of Quebec for three major reasons: they don’t …
Adventure, Camping Gear, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Top 5 New Pieces of Camp Gear
I’ve been out a lot this season and had great opportunities to try out some new camp gear for 2024. …
Adventure, Canoeing, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Nova Craft’s New 14-Foot Prospector
Nova Craft’s 16-foot Prospector has always been my preferred canoe. It’s the closest to the original Chestnut Prospector made in …
Adventure, Gear, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: BLUETTI AC70P Is the Ultimate Power Solution at Home and on the Road
I can run anything from electric grills to hair dryers if I want to during my travels.
Adventure, environment, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Best Books for Park Employees to Read
Here are my choices to help and inspire park staff.
Adventure, Ontario, The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper: Exploring and Camping Along the St. Lawrence
My partner, Kristine, and I decided to be tourists for the week, exploring and camping along Parks of the St. Lawrence
Adventure, Ontario, The Happy Camper
Time in the Wilderness Shaped the Happy Camper’s College Speech
Every time I walked up to the podium, I kept the speech in my pocket and just told stories of my time in the wilderness and what I learned about life by doing so.
