Oastler Lake is located about 1:45 min north of the GTA in Parry Sound. This was a very small park with no hiking trails but was just what I needed for Thanksgiving weekend.
Oastler Lake wraps up my 2023 summer camping season. This year started and ended very similar, with cold and wet weather, some tears of joy and sadness and some real reflection on life. This past year has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me. I have lost a few significant people in my life as well as gained some great new friends. I have started living my life the way I want to and for me and not anyone else. I have taken huge steps in launching this blog as well as my online coaching business. I am at a record low weight and have made significant lifestyle changes to live the healthiest life possible for me. 2023 has shown me the woman I want to become and will not let anyone or anything hold me back from achieving the goals I have set out for myself.
This year I have made it out to 13 Ontario Parks in 14 camping trips: Pinary (April), Fairbank (May), Presqu’île (June), Emily (June), Mara (June), Charleston Lake (July), Point Farms (July), Algonquin-Pog Lake (July & August), Fitzroy (August), Grundy Lake (September), Arrowhead (September), Sharbot Lake (September) and Oastler Lake (October). This has been the most I have ever camped in one season. There were many kilometres hiked, paddled and driven. Many campfires, lots of laughs, and most of all many cherished memories made. I camped with many different people this season and experienced camping solo which I never thought I would be able to do. This season has taught me a lot. It taught me that I can do the hard things. I can set up a tarp for shelter, I can canoe around a lake, I can fit a lot of things inside my 2009 Toyota Corolla, I can sleep out in the woods with just Rosie, I can do anything I set my mind to.
Camping is a challenge and it isn’t for everyone. It is a lot of work setting up and tearing down. It is physically and mentally draining. For me, to sit there under the stars and stare aimlessly into the campfire makes it all worth it.
I wasn’t able to fully experience Oastler Lake and all it has to offer. The weekend I was there was very rainy and cold. I didn’t really leave the campsite to explore the park like I normally would. I took a drive around and saw the beach as well as the boat launch and dog exercise area. I did walk through the Point campground and look at the beautiful walk-in sites that were at this park. Even though it was cold and wet, I still took off my socks and shoes and put my feet in the water. This is something that I do at every park regardless of the temperature.
There were no hiking trails here but the lake looked beautiful. Had the weather been better, I’m sure canoeing on this lake would be pretty awesome. One of the downsides to this park is that there is a train that goes by regularly. The park is situated close to the CN railroad so you are able to hear the train at all hours of the day and night. By the end of the second night, the train became more like white noise to us and we were able to block it out. But for some, this may deter you from camping here.
On Saturday we took a drive into town and grab a few things we needed from Canadian Tire. The cold weather really effected out butane for our cooktop so we needed to grab some more. We also took a drive to The Massasauga access point and watch as people were loading their canoes for their backcountry camping weekend. Backcountry camping is something I would also really like to try. I’m sure one day I will get up the courage to give it a go!
This weekend was the last weekend for camping at this park. Some Ontario Parks do a Halloween night for the kids over Thanksgiving weekend so I decided to pack up a few Halloween decorations and set them up on our site. I also packed some candy incase we did get little trick or treaters. We didn’t have any kids come by, but there were other people in the park that had decorations out on their site as well.
This weekend was not the most fun I have had this summer. It was very cold, the weather at night dropped down to 1 degree and it was very wet. I spent most of the time trying to stay warm and dry under the tarp. I wrote a lot in my journal and even took a nap on Sunday afternoon because it was warmer in the tent than it was outside. I read a book and just enjoyed whatever Mother Nature was going to throw at me. When I came home on Monday I was tired both physically and mentally. This trip took a lot out of me. This may be the last trip of the summer season, but I am going to attempt winter camping in Algonquin this year with a friend who wants to try it as well. This trip slightly prepared me for what is to come this winter. I will keep you updated on my social media as to when the winter camping is going to take place but for now, that’s it for this season!
I hope you all have enjoyed my posts about all the different parks I’ve been to this season. Keep checking back for more recipes, coaching advice and whatever my next adventure may be! Make sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to get all the up to date info!
Happy Camping 🏕️
Love,
Liz
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