1000 Islands Trip Recap

We had an amazing time with Heather and Darcy in the 1000 Islands.

 

 

We had an amazing time for a few reasons:

1. We love the bus. 

2. No kids.

3. Great company.

4. Lots of laughs .

5. Weather was good.

6. Campground was awesome.

7. Mudslides.

8. Hot tub/pool.

9. Beautiful Scenery!

10. See #2. Did I mention NO KIDS!?

 

 

We stayed at the Ivy Lea KOA, We stayed there last year with our trailer (before we had the bus), and I loved everything about it. Location is great, off the beaten path a bit, but only 5 min to Ganonoque. A pool, a warm pool, adult only hot tub  and "family spa" with warm pool and small hot tub built in. Amazing playground and jumping pillow (we didnt use those this time!) Wagon ride. Awesome store! And bathrooms are great. 

 

All of this, AND the KOA can accomodate a 40 foot bus without issue.

 

Our site was large, with a metal patio set and umbrella, garden, fire pit with benches and all hook ups. Camping at it's best!

 

 

We spent Friday setting up and hit the pool and hot tub with some beverages. Heather made an amazing lunch! Then we had an awesome steak/chicken dinner. We took the wagon ride (with glowsticks!) and relaxed around the fire, roasting marshmellows.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday we got up early, had bacon and eggs, and got in the Tracker (aka Toad) to head to the boat. It looked overcast, but it never rained. We enjoyed the boat ride to Boldt Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boldt Castle was just as beautiful as I remembered it. Last year, I was chasing a Toad around, so didn't see much. It is such a wonderful love story. George Boldt was worth 20 million dollars back in 1916. At the turn of the century, he was a hotel manager turned hotel mogul-- he bought land in the 1000 islands and wanted to build his wife the ultimate retreat. A castle. It took 300 men 4 years to get the castle half built. No expense was spared. The island was carved into a heart, there are "harts" (like deer), hidden, and lots of hearts in the iron work and everywhere you look. Suddenly, his wife died. he sent a telegram to stop construction and he never went back to the castle again. Thank goodness the Tourism dept. took it over and using drawings and photographs, have gradually finished the castle. The imported materials were still in the basement of the castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the cruise is seeing the lovely houses! Some are amazing!

 

After going through customs, we went into Ganaonque where we had a lovely lunch at the Gananoque Inn and Spa, overlooking the water.

Back to the campground for more hot tub and pool time! It was very entertaining to see some unfornuately looking lovebirds in the hot tub. Heather even got in with them! We had a late bbq, a fire, and it started to rain.

 

Sunday morning we had a leisurely breakfast, packed up, and headed home. First we hit the Flying J truck stop, then the "Big Apple". We arrived home at dinner time.

A fun, relaxing, enjoyable trip. I truly hope this become an ANNUAL one!

Alright, so we are in the home stretch of the school year-- so that means (for me), marking tons of projects, exams and report cards.

Well this year, I decided to do myself a favour, and plan a bus trip-SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OF IT!

Why, you say? Well first, it has made me get organized and down to work. Second, I can spend the weekend being stress-free and relaxing before the last week of school.

 

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, I get to spend the weekend with my BFF and her dh!

Graduating from high school!

 

We chose this date months and months ago, and I have been looking forward to it ever since! I am so glad the time has finally come.

 

More recent photo!

My bff and I don't get to spend as much time together as we would like. With busy careers, kids, homes--- but we do appreciate that time we get to spend together.

 

So, we are going to the 1000 Islands. We went last year with Toad, and I saw nothing. BFF and dh have never been to Boldt Castle so we will be doing that too.

 

Most of all we will be chatting, relaxing and drinking wine!

The 1000 islands are beautiful. We will be staying at the KOA there, because it has all the amenities that I would like/need-- pool, hot tub, awesome bathroom with showers. It is close to the town of Ganonque too (maybe some shopping!)

 

Our itinerary is pretty flexible (hello-- no kids!!!!) , but we do know that we will spend Saturday taking the cruise through the Islands and visiting Boldt Castle. If you have never been there, I highly suggest it! In fact, after going here, I was very disappointed at Casa Loma.

 

 

 

Boldt Castle has a very romantic story-- the island is the shape of a heart, and there are many different nods towards loves and hearts. In fact, there is a hart (an animal like a deer) in many places on the island. Mr. Boldt built the castle for his wife. When she suddenly passed away in the 1920s, all construction stopped, and he never went back.

 

 

Of course I will have a full trip report with photos when we return. 

First Aid Kit

I have always carried a small first aid kit in my diaper bag for Toad, but now with the bus, I needed something more substantial.

I started by gathering some stuff. I actually have a bin in my bathroom with misc items, such as bandaids, manicure set, alcohol swabs.

I put it all together, and thought-- now what?

This was the "stuff" I thought I would need.

Out of focus, but children's and adults tylenol and ibuprofen.

Some things I organized in ziploc bags and used a Sharpie.

Some extra things-- off and hotshots-- instant heat pack. I also have a cold/hot pack in another ziploc.

First, I wanted it easy to access in an emergency, or if I needed it. I decided to use this: http://shop.ju-ju-be.com/Fuel-Cell-at-Your-PID10822-08AA09A.aspx. Firstly, I "collect" these bags. Second it has everything I want it to have:

1. It has a quick grab handle at the top. In fact, it has a lobster clasp and d-ring, so you can "clip" it on another bag or secure it on your stroller or somewhere else.

2. It has a rounded zipper so you can stuff it!

3. It has a zippered see through compartment at the top (see photo)

4. It is cute!

5. I had it in the closet.

Isn't it pretty? And functional!

The two way zipper!

The top pocket. I actually ended up folding the list and sticking it up there behind the scissors.

So, what is in a GOOD, COMPLETE First Aid Kit?

 

I started to look for lists, scour the dollar store, and compile my stuff. It is ALOT of stuff. But you should pack what you think you MIGHT need!

 

 

How was I going to know what I had or needed? I made a spreadsheet. This way I can see what I have or what I don't have and can add to the list if I think of something else.

 

I have one day of meds for my husband, as well as extra contacts. I also have latex gloves. I think the rest of the stuff is standard first aid stuff.

 Here is a list:

Medications

Cold and Flu Pills

Tums

Acid/Heartburn Reducer

Coryzallia – naturopathic cold meds for kids

Electrolyte powder

Tylenol 1 with codeine

1 day of meds for AB

Bottle of Ibuprofen (new)

Bottle of Tylenol (new)

Bottle of Children’s Tylenol (new)

Gravol (adults)

Gravol (Children's)

First Aid Supplies

Tweezers

Scissors

Hydrogen Peroxide (spray)

Polysporin (adults and kids)

Hand Sanitizer

Gauze/Tape

Alcohol Swabs

Hot/Cold Pack

Bandaids

Latex Gloves

Eye drops

Thermometer

 

 

Miscellaneous

Q Tips

Hotel Kit – emery board, floss

1 day of contacts for JB

1 day of contacts for AB

Nail Clippers

Off! Wipes

Sunscreen

Package of Halls

Blistex with SPF 15

Kleenex

Hotshots (mitts/boots) or instant heat pad

Feminine products

Extra ziplocs ( 1 of each size)

 

It fits nicely on the shelf in the vanity of the bus. I've used it ALOT. (thankfully not for any emergencies, but I am ready!)

Empty. Lots of room! Very deceiving.

Packed up with room to spare!

Do you have a First Aid Kit?