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Three weeks ago James and I decided to not stay home for the weekend so we ended up heading to Thunder Lake from Edmonton. We read about the leeches in the lake but it didn’t stop us from going, being so thirsty for adventure.

The sun being out for so long, it was pretty nice to get there late and set up our campsite in daylight. One thing we didn’t plan for was water. We were not expecting the tap to be closed so we didn’t bring enough : two Nalgenes (we love those widemouth Nalgene and use them religiously) and Joe’s little bottle, mistakes were made.

The trail were pretty nice and short. A few years back that kind of car camping would’ve bored me but with a preschooler and a baby about to show up it’s pretty nice and convenient. Those days of backpacking for 20 kms a day are on pause for the next few years.

Something I was not expecting is that we were one of the two tenter groups. I definitely enjoy the intimacy of camping in a tent, the place almost seemed overcrowded.

Despite the leeches, the lake water was great and refreshing. It didn’t stop Joe from getting in there! While James was throwing leeches around, I just sat back to watch these weirdos brave the freshwater wildlife.

On Saturday we went to the main beach which was pretty nice. Duo J&J really enjoyed it, they built a nice sand castle (they always building sand castles), while I was just trying to figure if I was hot or cold (it would get pretty chilly as soon as a tiny cloud showed up).

There is a park between the campsites that we went to, but for once Joe wasn’t interested in playing. She loves the forest and being wild and free too much. I tried to identify some plants (someday I will find poison ivy!) and James didn’t catch anything when fishing. We ended up back at the swimming spot close to our campsite, where I finally decided to get in there for short periods of time (leeches, remember?). No regrets though, as it was rejuvenating in the scorching heat.

We didn’t find the farmer’s market and J&J got their dose of refreshing popsicles. The main thing we want to absolutely not forget for our next trip is water. I buy bottled water only when nothing else is available and I messed up but it gives me eco anxiety. I swear I will never complain about Edmonton’s tap water ever again.

James ended up getting a water jug, as I could no longer stand being without it. It was an absolute lifesaver, we could make noodle soup, coffee, wash the dishes and simply hydrate ourselves!

On the way back to the City on Sunday we stopped at the trout lake we tried fishing at during the winter (I say tried… because we never caught anything). The trouts were massive and could be seen from where we were standing, but didn’t want to have anything to do with us or the other family that was there fishing. Totally unimpressed.

But! Being the Wild Ones that we are, we had to jump in the water. Off the dock we went. So refreshing.

It was an overall great weekend, except for the scarcity of the water and the leeches in Thunder Lake.

We don’t know yet what our next trip will be. We wanted to go to BC but it’s a long drive and requires planning as a parent, we don’t want to spend much money and with the whole Covid situation, we don’t know if it’s safe or allowed. We’ll see.

I will probably post about Banff next time, so see you then!