On paper, it was the perfect camping spot, right next to a peaceful creek in northern Ontario. On site, it was a different story: the Trans-Canada Highway passed less than 100 m from the field and, all night, the trucks had fun playing engine brakes before arriving in the city of Thunder Bay: BRRRR Brrrr brr.
Posted at 11:30 a.m.
Even with experience, you can make this kind of mistake: choosing a site on the internet without sufficiently studying the map of the campsite.
It would have been desirable to read the guide carefully Campsite 101, by Marie-France Bornais, recently published by Éditions de l’Homme. In particular, the author provides a list of 20 pitfalls to avoid when choosing land. Pitfall number two is a location overlooking a busy road or highway. Trap number three is not much better: a landscaped plot bordering a swamp.
“Unless you’re out of season or doing research in entomology, with a strong interest in biting insects,” says the author.
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, PRESS ARCHIVES
Using a ready-to-camp is a good way to learn about camping.
The guide is obviously not limited to the choice of a location. We talk about equipment, the art of the campfire, water supply, cooking, sleeping, showering, the vagaries of the weather, various bugs, camping with the children, women’s camping, maintenance and storage of equipment.
Answer to a need
According to Marie-France Bornais, journalist at Quebec newspaperthis guide met a need.
During the pandemic, there are a lot of people who entered camping not really knowing what the fuss was about, they got into the outdoors not knowing the basics. It can create funny situations but which can also, at the limit, be dangerous.
Marie-France Bornais, journalist at Quebec newspaper
We can think of someone who takes a “healthy break” in the woods and who finds himself in poison ivy, or who does something that risks having a negative effect on the fauna or flora.
Even though she has a lot of camping experience, Marie-France Bornais claims to have learned many things herself while doing the research for her book. “We are never 100% knowledgeable in everything. There are new things, there are principles to apply. »
This is how eco-responsibility has become an important factor in the field of camping and the outdoors. “Eco-responsibility is, in particular, the Leave No Trace principles. It is the adoption of behaviors that are more likely to conserve and preserve, rather than damage for subsequent generations. We have work to do in that regard. »
Old technologies still have their place, like the ability to read a map, which is useful en route to the campground or on the trails.
“There are a lot of areas that don’t have cellular coverage,” recalls Mme borned. Also, your phone may crash. The other problem is that the GPS doesn’t differentiate between haul roads, ATV roads, and motorized roads. He can tell you what looks like a shortcut but in fact it’s not a passable road, you can get stuck there. »
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Pitching a tent is a learned skill. We can practice at home before leaving.
Preparation and contingencies
In his opinion, the main challenge of camping is preparation. Previously, you could decide to go camping with a few days notice, when the weather forecast seemed favourable. It’s more difficult now. You often have to book your campsite, and even your passage on a ferry, months in advance.
And even with the best preparation in the world, there can be unforeseen events. “It’s part of the experience. But we want to increase the chances that this experience will be memorable for the right reasons. »
The guide is full of relevant information and very useful little tips: how to plant tent pegs in hard ground like concrete, how to remove pine gum from tent canvas, why a tablecloth on the table is not only useful to “look good in the photos”.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Be careful, a petty thief is on the lookout.
The author sprinkles a few touches of humor here and there, especially in the chapter on bugs and poisonous plants. After giving several tips for dealing with biting insects, raccoons, bears and moose, she briefly touches on the subject of the Sasquatch.
“The photographic documents proving its existence are always a little vague, she notes. One thing is certain, the Sasquatch is eco-responsible, it leaves no traces! »
Camping 101. Everything you need to know before pitching your tent or backing up your RV
Marie-France Bornais
Editions de l’Homme
208 pages
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