Squamish Camping 2014

Hey, hey, hey, hey! I have been M.I.A. for a good couple of weeks and now I am back with an overdue post from my family camping trip in Squamish. Yes, I was in Squamish again because for one, it is a beautiful place and two, I am officially naming this season, Squamish Summer. I am not complaining at all considering how amazing the nature attractions are in the district. When in British Columbia, one has got to go there and maybe drive up to Whistler for more outdoor activities and endless nature beauty.

For this particular trip, we had to choose between Cultus Lake and Alice Lake, and just because we have been to Cultus already, we decided to drive up north for Alice. Our reservation was 3 weeks to a month before the actual trip because everybody knows BC people love to camp especially in summer. Hence, if you are planning to go, have your reservation ready at least a month prior.

Soon as we arrived at our camping spot, before we even got to settle with our tent and stuff, I got a hold of my camera and took photographs right away. Hashtag camwh*re!

How'd you like starting this post with outfit shots? I know nosy little fashion enthusiasts love this part, or at least I know I do when I read other personal blogs!

Now that the OOTD section is done and over, let's move on to the purpose of this trip... Haha!
We got spot 55 and I  think it was a good decision because it was one of the spots nearest the lake. If one has little kids though a good choice would be spot 18 which is right across the washroom and there are also a couple more spots near one. The maps are all on the website. Here it is if anyone's interested: BC Parks Discover Camping Reservation Service

Since we arrived at lunch time, we had to get our grill on right away! Well, it was mostly my parents who did the bbq-ing. Lol. We were not complete brats though because we took care of putting up the tent and unloading.

After eating and setting up, we had to re-pack any of our bags with food in it in the car before we went to the beach. Every camper knows that that's one of the most important rules when camping. Nobody wants wildlife animals rampaging through their food ya know! After all, whatever food you pack is all you have so better safekeep it! Not to mention, good campers are all for animal safety.

They had canoe rentals and the like. We did not go for it because we have done it a million times before so we just walked around and took on the trail around the lake.

It wasn't a long trail at all so I'd say one can trek it in approximately 10 minutes.

There are benches on certain trek spots and even if it was a short trail, it was still nice to take a break just to admire the greenery and the calmness of the water paired with the breeze that brushes through one's skin. It was the perfect weather. Well, I, for one, is a big fan of the August to September transition weather (summer to fall). I love season transitions because it is always not too cold and not too hot.

My definition of natural beauty

To be honest, we were not very active in terms of activities one can do when camping. However, we really opted to just be laidback because camping, for us, is a little getaway from the urban life. Basically, pure relaxation away from the city noise.

What's a Danzil family bonding without poker, eh?

Night came and it was pitch black. Even our handy flashlights was not able to fulfill their purpose. It was all good though because we were forced to be tucked in our sleeping bags way earlier than usual.

Day 2! We woke up to the smell of dad grilling my own homemade burger patties. There is probably nothing better than having burgers for breakfast out in the woods. Yes or yes? Lol.
Check out was at 10 or 11 in the morning so after breakfast, some zumba exercises with my sibs and packing, off we went! We would have stayed for one more day or even two but my parents' work just won't let it happen.
To anyone who has plans, I would totally recommend more than an overnight, maybe 2 nights at the very least.

Since it was still early to be heading home, we took a detour to Shannon Falls.

To be truthful, I never enjoyed nature other than the beach until this summer. I am so glad I took a chance with hiking because it started there. Now, I truly appreciate it!

From Shannon Falls, we took the trail going to the Sea To Sky gondolas. 

Just how cool are these tree branches? Yes, I really do love nature now.

The gondola ride was more or less 30 bucks. I would not say it was worth it because we just stayed up for a good hour. However, I think it is worth it if you were to take on the many trails and the tour they had to offer.

Believe it or not, my mom was scared even in riding a gondola. Haha!

SUSPENSION BRIDGE

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That's about it, folks! This is probably my longest post but hey, I was not able to for a long time so there ya go!

My past few weeks were mainly venturing into my new job as a mental health worker/advocate, some other job interviews, and a couple of family hospitalizations. Of course, summer getaways here and there too.

So you who read this, what have you been up to? How was summer? Should I say 'was' or is your summer vibe still on? If yes, I hope you're having a blast!

'Til the next,

Macy