Restoule Provincial Park -Restoule Ontario

We were only home for a few days before packing up and heading to Restoule Provincial park to camp with our friends, Miranda, Chris, Justin, Andrea and their baby Milo. It was nice to finally have Miranda and Chris back with us, who have been traveling for several years.

We felt very organized this time around. I had packed everything, so Shay could work until the very last minute. We were ahead of schedule as we pulled off the 407 onto the 400, when an alarming rumbling noise caught Shay's attention, as did the people passing and pointing at us. We pulled over, only to notice the muffler had disconnected at the front and was dragging along the ground.

Wonderful.

Poor Melvin

I called CAA and they promised to be there within 30 minutes. So much for being ahead of schedule. We were trying to figure out what to do, so while we waited, Shay googled whether or not you can drive without a muffler. Apparently you can! Then we searched for a muffler shop. It was Saturday of the long weekend, so we weren't sure who would be opened. There was a shop 7km from us, so we headed back on the highway which was steadily slowing down with the weekend rush up north. I called to cancel CAA. How did we ever live without Smart Phones?

Ps. I can't weld the muffler on, because your gas tank is leaking, so I'll use clips.

Melvin was fixed in a jiffy at the Muffler shop. They tacked the muffler back on, and informed me of a slow gas leak. That's what you get for not driving your car for 6 weeks I guess! Nothing to worry about though he ensured.

We continued enroute to Restoule, keeping up to date with the two other vehicles we were traveling with. Miranda and Chris had forgot something, and had to turn back, and Andrea and Justin had driven the wrong way on the 401, so we were all behind at least.

Leviathan anyone?

 The drive was slow up until the highway split at the 11. Shay used WAZE, a new app that allows you to mark road closures, slow downs and police sightings. Very informative.

It started to rain as we approached the campsite. We picked up wood. It turned to a drizzle, so we set up our tent quickly. Miranda and Chris pulled in shortly after, and we helped get there tent organized.
Andrea and Justin made it shortly after, and we could eventually all relax!

Car camping...many coolers, lots of beer.

Milo's first camping trip

Daisy's first camping trip!

Justin, rocking a Baby Bjorn

 We put up a canopy and a tarp just in case the rain continued, but the skies opened up and it was nice and sunny for the rest of the weekend.

It did get cold in the evening and we were all in toques and sweaters by nightfall. The stars are glorious here. The sky was speckled with sparkling lights.

The next day we planned to hike a little. There was supposed to be an old fire tower with good lookouts.

The trails were pretty well marked, we only made one wrong turn, but it ended up working out, as it gave Andrea, Justin and Milo a chance to head back to the site and take a break.

The Barkers!

View from the top!

Private beach trail

It was beach time when we got back, after a meal of course. Our site had private beach access which was very cool. Especially, at night when you wanted to stargaze.

It wasn't as cold the second night.

Day 3, was beach day, but we went over to the larger beach. They had a small shallow roped area, but it was a little sludgy. We prefer to swim without touching the bottom. We walked a littler further down and you could wade in and then it got deeper faster. Much better.

Another night of campfire and stargazing before calling it a night. This time we had campfire dust that turns the fire green. The first pack worked really well and lasted a long time. The walmart packs were not so good. Canadian Tire all the way!

We left Tuesday morning, hoping to avoid traffic. It wasn't as bad as the way up, that's for sure. Shay and I couldn't help but stop at Webers on the way back and check out their famous charcoal burgers. They are popular enough that they built a bridge in order to serve the southbound traffic as well!

Webers from the pedestrian bridge

Menu...slightly overpriced

The burgers were tasty, the poutine was weak...too small. It's decent food, but a little over priced for burgers and fries if you ask me!

Great weekend, with great friends!