Puslinch Camping Club

Monday, May 25, 2009

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, May 23, 2009

Laurel Creek is within the Grand River Conservation Authority and is located in the northwest part of the City of Waterloo. It is a huge green space, occupying 294 hectares. There are 127 campsites(not all of which have electrical outlets), several picnic areas, sports fields and picnic shelters. There are several kilometers of trails for hiking, or biking. There are lots of mature trees, birds, flowers and even wild turkeys. The reservoir is available for non-motorized boating and swimming is also available in the summertime.
The campsites are a good size and most have mature trees. The only sites with electrical hookups (and water too) are in section A. Here is a list of some of the nicer ones - 73, 72, 71, 87 (Dan and Paula's), 88 (Taylor's), 45 (people on only one side), 46, (31 & 30 - nice together), 66 ( but camping behind), 65 (quite shady), 76 and 77 (Hamiltons' and Curtis'). The comfort stations are in good repair.
It was very quiet at the park with no issues re noise. I assume that the total alcohol ban had a lot to do with it. All of us drank a lot of pop...(wink, wink).
The group agreed that it was a park well worth the visit and only 1/2 hour away.

Huge potluck dinner!

Tyler, enjoying a chocolate dessert!

Site #76

Site #77

Site #88

Site #87

Site #73

Site #72

Site #48

Site #65

Site #66

Site #45Only has #46 on one side

Site #46

Site #30

Site #31

Site #27

Site #36This is next to a huge site #35 which was listed as a permanent site this year. Whether or not it is always permanent I don't know. But #s 36 and 35 would be nice for two couples who wanted to camp next to each other.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Canisbay - Algonquin Park 2008

We arrived at Canisbay on Sept 20th. By the end of our 10 day stay, the leaves were spectacular! Lots of reds and oranges. The weather too was wonderful - warm, sunny days and bug free evenings for around the campfires.
I forgot my camera (dah) so am relying on those with cameras to post some pictures. Saw no wild life in the park even though there was a roving bear plus a bull, cow and calf moose that periodically roamed through the camping grounds. Bob and I saw a family of five otters while fishing on Source Lake. We managed to catch 3 lake trout even though most were marking at 50-100 feet of water.
Only 9 campers made it up to Canisbay this year Rita and Craig plus Helen (Rita's sister), Wayne and Dianne, Bob and Pauline and Bob and I. A disappointing turnout since the fall camp out is typically one of the best attended.
The electrical loop at Canisbay takes in sites 176 - 232. Here is my ratings of the sites.
Best sites - 176 (very large and private),179,181,182,183,184,201,203,212 (very large and private), 222 (some view of the lake)
Good sites - 177, 206, 185, 195, 213,214 (drive-in rather than back in), 202, 200
Best sites if camping with friends - 211 and 210, 207 and 209, 195 and 196 (least desirable of the list)
Best non-reservable sites - 231 and 232
Thanks to Bob Curtis for the following lovely pictures!

Tranquil morning on Canisbay Lake