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News From the Camp Fire - Summer 2009

Summer is here! Long sunny days. Warm water for swimming. Blueberries, boat rides, wildlife, loons, canoes and campfires.

It's been a great summer so far…but the best is yet to come! There's still time to plan some "Up North" fun for you and your family before The Summer of 2009 yields to The First Day of School.

The fishing has been exceptionally good this year: big pike, lots of smallmouth bass ranging to 4 pounds+, largemouth bass, some nice walleye including a 9-pounder caught right in the river between Chartlon and Frood lakes, and fine panfish, too. Check out our latest photos on fickr.

We’ve been rewarded with many new friendships and wonderful memories in our first season as the Camp’s new owners. And we've had our share of "learning experiences" too. For example, always make sure there’s a gas tank – or at least a paddle – in the boat before shoving off from the dock! (Otherwise, in the absence of favorable winds, an unplanned swim with boat in tow will be your penance.)

In addition to relaxing on, in, or near the water, here are some ideas for making the most of a visit to our little piece of paradise here in the LaCloche Mountains:

At or near Charlton Lake Camp:

  • Hike up Fire Tower Mountain for views of mountains and lakes, northern Lake Huron and even the tall smokestacks of Sudbury 80km away on a clear day
  • Pick blueberries for next morning’s pancakes…yummy!
  • Walk the rail-trail to Whitefish Falls and enjoy a great meal at the Red Dog Grill or try Susie's delicious homemade pies at Wheeler's General Store
  • Start a journal or draft the first chapter of that novel you've always wanted to write
  • Hike the short trail to beautiful Grace Lake in Killarney Provincial Park…and even take a paddle in the canoe that’s “secretly” kept there for camp guests
  • Explore forests and quartzite bluffs on the nature trails
  • Paddle to The Chutes and enjoy the view of the cascading Whitefish River
  • Gaze up at the stars…and maybe even see the Northern Lights!
  • Read a good book, or two
  • Go kayaking to get an up-close view of the lakes' rugged, wild shoreline
  • Sway in a hammock and think about nothing at all
  • Experience The Willisville Mountain Project, an art program with 45 featured artists, Jul 25 – Aug 9 in Whitefish Falls (www.willisvillemountain.com)
  • Share a laugh at Whitefish Falls Community Theater production of "Hillbilly Grace", Aug 20-23

Manitoulin Island (about 30 minutes from Camp):

Espanola (about 20 minutes from Camp) and The North Shore:

  • Play a 9-hole round at Espanola Golf and Country Club 705-869-4729
  • How about Ice skating at the Recreation Complex?
  • Learn how paper is made at the Domtar paper mill (tours by reservation only; 705-869-2020)
  • Massey Museum http://masseyareamuseum.com/

Sudbury Area (about 75 minutes from Camp):

  • Science North and IMAX Theater (www.sciencenorth.ca)
  • Dynamic Earth - view an ancient meteor impact site and get your picture taken under the Big Nickel
  • Museums, galleries, shopping, shows, restaurants
  • Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre
  • Harness racing and slots at Sudbury Downs www.sudburydowns.com
  • Farmers Market Fri/Sat/Sun
  • Concerts, shows, and other events: www.mysudbury.ca/Tourism/default.htm
  • Canadian Garlic Festival, Aug 22
  • Summerfest, Aug 27-30
  • Cinéfest Film Festival, Sep 12-20

From our campfire to yours,

Mark & Lori

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