Word by Joe Schwartz
I approach this annual camping trip with a certain amount of trepidation. The logistics involved with going on this particular trip are rather significant. Once we’re there, it’s an unreal time, so I have to keep that top of mind when planning, packing, and traveling.
This destination is one of a “planes, trains, and automobiles” variety, but in this case we’re reliant on a truck and canoe to get us to the beach. A long drive to the north end of the Island, many kilometres of logging roads, and then a leisurely canoe down a river out to the West Coast, and our beach camp for the next several days. Just don’t get hit by the over-loaded logging trucks that inadvertently try to squeeze us off the road, and we better time the tides, otherwise we’re dragging a loaded canoe over and under fallen old growth trees that block the creek. Other than that, no problems!
Packing starts days before the trip date. Meals are prepped, the camp kitchen RUX 70L is loaded up, and the most critical gear (the four year old’s) is meticulously catalogued. The spot we’re heading to is remote, and once we’re there, we’re not going back for extra underwear or the stuffed rabbit we forgot in the truck.
Having been here multiple times, we’ve started to dial in the packing list. The canoe fits four RUX 70Ls: a camp kitchen box, dry food storage box, the four year-old gear/books/stuffies box, and a sleeping gear box. The RUX Bags are critical for organization in the 70Ls, and we use the RUX Packing System for further organization.
The gear organization is critical even for the drive to the river. Dusty and potholed logging roads means everything needs to be secure and weatherproofed. No sense in starting the trip with worked-over gear! Once we get to the canoe put-in, the logistics continue with lugging everything from the truck to the river and loading the canoe all while entertaining a four year-old.
The enjoyable part of the trip starts when we push off and start paddling down the river, enjoying the serenity of the place, and anticipating the changes to the landscape as we move towards the ocean. That serenity is broken once again when we land at the beach and lug all that gear from the canoe to the camp spot (and set up all said gear). Then, on to the not-so-scheduled program of beach hangs, surfing, good food and quality family time. Any trepidation and challenging logistics conveniently forgotten about, for now!
