Life at Oak Grove

Well it is official, our camping season has started.  This past week-end many campsites have opened in Ontario including where our RV is parked.   So we packed and drove to Logos Land to open up our “cottage” like my mother-in-law says.   And once there, we realized we forgot some things…   But we were able to open it, spend two days there and enjoy the nature.   The Ontario provincial flower, the trilliums were in full bloom and we even found the loon’s nest.

So has the camping season opens in our area, we also pondered on what we could do while we are at the RV (and not on the road with it) this summer.   What are fun activites that our family could suggest to the you.   We are blessed to have a variety of things we could do around Cobden, Ontario.   To get the most out of your summer in the Ottawa Valley, you need to be open to try new things too!

You could rent a pontoon on White Lake and go fishing with your family.   It is a wonderful way to spend time in the outdoors, swim in a lake, make memories together and observe the nature around a lake.   We did that last year and plan to do it again this year.  The kids enjoyed their time on the boat and we were able to see some bald eagles in the area too!    It was a wonderful time with the whole family.

You could grab you binoculars and observe the birds as a fun way to discover nature around you.  This past week-end we were blessed to observe for the first time for us a Baltimore Oriole which is very colorful in the shades of orange.   It was such a pleasure to see it.

You can study the forestry development from the early years at Chutes Coulonge on the Quebec side at the historical park.  Not only will you have the opportunity of learning more about how timber travelled the river, but you will also have the opportunity to walk in nature.   They also have an aerial park where you can zip above the falls and be challenge with an obstacle course.

But the activity we discovered last year is about discovering nature and using your scouting skills to find something.  I’m talking about geocaching.   What is geocaching?  Simply put it is a treasure hunt anywhere in the world.   There are tons of geocaches around the world – literally.   All you need to have is to get a gps device, grab good shoes and be ready to search a while.

We decided last year to try geocaching.   We had my husband iPhone with the geocache app on it.  So one morning while we were camping we grabbed a lunch and went on a discovery adventure.    The first cache we were looking for was on a dirt road close to our campsite.    A long dirt road that was going straight from the highway 17 to another parallel road further down. Somewhere along that road there was a cache and our objective was to find it...    With the app you get the location of the cache using some positioning codes.   So we stopped where the GPS was telling us the cache would be. And we proceeded to look for it.   We walked through tall grasses, turned around a big tree, put our hands in holes on the ground to try to find it without success.   This was our first attempt to find a cache.    And the kids were looking as much as they could.    My husband decided to go down the road to see if we could have missed something.  The kids went with him.   I stayed close to the truck and thought... "If I were a cache where would I be?"    There a bit down the road there were some rocks.    Could it be?    So I went and looked around and I found it.    So I turned around and yelled at the rest of my family which was way down the road by now...    The kids ran to me and proceeded to search for the cache.    Dominic found it at the base of the rock - it was well hidden.

Each cache can be hidden in different ways.  You can find little trinkets in the caches and usually if  you take something you should leave something else for the next family or group of person searching for it.

Our next stop was in a cemetery.    A bit weird we found but we walking around, trying to figure out where it was.  This one was hard too.   When using the app, you can look at cheater pictures to figure out where the cache can be.    We gave up.   We looked... and even though the cheater pictures are not clearly indicating where the cache is, you can figure out the background and then look around there.   The cache was inside the hole of a tree...  No way our kids could have grab it.    This time the cache was a plastic container with army print duck tape around it.  This type of cache is easier to include little trinkets in it.  You could find toonies or loonies (2$ and 1$ in Canada), little toys, a piece of paper and a pencil to write your name and day you found the cache, and so on...

We did a third cache that day.  But it was located in between very passing roads and having little ones (my daughter was two and my third son four at that time), we decided that I would be the one looking for it.    I went and followed the footsteps of a previous group of people looking for it.   It's easy when there is tall grasses that have been walked on...   I looked and looked and was going to give up when I spotted it.    A small birdhouse was hanged on the fence.  Could it be it?   So I went and discovered the cache in the hole - an old film container.    A small cache that gave a lot of trouble.

I prefer finding bigger caches but there is different ones all over the place.   When we were back home we even found some close to our house.   All we have to do is pack a snack and bring water.    Geocaching is definitively a good way to create wonderful memories with your family during the summer.   If you don’t have a smart phone on which you can download a geocaching app, you can purchase a handheld gps device for about 150$.    I am looking forward to do more geocaching with the family this summer.

This year I think I would also like to visit the Bonnechere Caves.   It would be a good way to study geology with the kids and discover something else around our campsite.

So what are you planning to do this summer?   Which fun activity are you going to do with your kids?  What are your Summer Success Secrets?   Please take the time to give us some ideas.

This week’s question on the blog cruise is:
“How do you do nature studies where YOU live?”

Nature studies can be done everywhere we go in our city.   We are blessed beyond measures with a greenbelt around our city.  You can download the all seasons trail map here.

Not only that but there is a multitudes of trails and parks where we can go an explore around.  Look at what I found on our city’s website…

More than 850 parks within City boundaries

Maintains 2,853 hectares of parkland

6, 648 hectares of natural parkland

9,501 hectares of open space

234 km of trails or 0.27 km of trails per 1,000 persons

So there is tons of opportunity of exploring and discovering nature around us.   Within a 10-15 minutes drive you can find nice trails and go explore with your family.   

One of the special places I would love to go (yes in 10 years living here, I still haven’t find the time to drive the 40 minutes to go there… shame on us!) is the Mer Bleu area.  

We are also within driving distance (about 30 minutes) from the famous Gatineau Park which is Canada’s Capital Conservation Park.  While there you can also visit the Mackenzie King Estate which would include a bit of history in the homeschool.

Even in my own neighbourhood, there is one walking trail within 5 minutes of our house – literally!   
Honestly, there is no reason whatsoever to not study nature in our area.  There is plenty to do and it is good exercises too.

During winter, we could go skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway and enjoy the Beaver Tails.  

Our Museum of Nature has just reopens its doors this past spring after major renovations.   We haven’t had the time to visit it yet but I am planning to go to it during the school year. 

And to complete our time to study nature, we are blessed to have the visit of wild rabbits in our backyard as well as some birds.    So every once in a while, we observe the rabbits and enjoy their presence.   This year, we also had the privilege to see a squirrel running on the fence.   The kids were pleased to see that little animal.  

I think it is a blessing in itself to see nature through the eyes of a child.   It amazes me how much they get excited for little things – even ladybugs.

Earlier this summer, we discovered a dead dragonfly when we came out of the house.  How it got on our porch we have no idea but having the opportunity to see one up close was wonderful.   While on vacation, we found a dead butterfly stuck in the front of our truck.  Once again, it was a good opportunity to see one close and discover the fragility of its wings.   I am planning to pin it in a special frame.    Should be a fun activity don’t you think?

A few years ago, we participated in an activity at Petrie Island (totally at the other side of the city for us) on turtle hatching.   We learned about turtles and went on to try to discover a nest.   My kids did found one and we also found plenty of left over egg shells as well.   It was fun.    

The following spring, as we were opening our trailer for upcoming season, we witnessed a turtle laying her eggs in the ground.    It was priceless and a wonderful opportunity to complete the previous activity we did back in the previous fall.

There there is the fishing.    The kids loves to go on the boat with daddy and spent some time on the lake at Logos Land.    They have the opportunity to observe fishes, turtles, frogs, a family of loons (every year) and more.   This year, my 2nd son, Dominic, even saw a water snake during his one-on-one time with daddy.  And when we were at Science North in Sudbury, the kids had the opportunity to touch a variety of animals – water snakes, flying squirrels (which we didn’t know existed in Ontario), turtles and much more.

When you go out with your kids, don’t forget a camera to snap memories.   Recently, we started some sort of nature journal and are collecting trunk samples of trees we encounter.   We also stencil the trunk as well as a leave.  When we get back home, we try to find the type of tree and write it down on the page.   This way the kids are  discovering a new way to learn about trees. On the right, you can see the example of a paper birch (Betula papyrifera).   Did you know that this tree was used by Native peoples for birchbark canoes, baskets, and message paper?  (See the pictures below - taken at Elliot Lake Uranium and Mining Museum)

Discovering nature is easy.   Take the time to bring your kids outside and walk in trails.   Get a book about trees, birds, plants, and animals to learn the names of them.

On July 5th, we drove to White Lake and rented a pontoon boat for our first family fishing trip.  Here’s some images from our morning on the water.

Create a free digital slideshow

On Sunday we packed the kids in the truck, brought lunch with us and decided to go pick more apples... Well there wasn't apple left in the trees where we went so since we were about 20 km from a bird sanctuary we decided to go.   We had the time of our life.   We had fun and watched the Canadian geese flying around.   Then since we were 45 KM from Massena, NY... well you can see where I am going...   We crossed the border - good thing we don't have to have the passport yet!.   We then went to Wal*Mart and Kentucky Fried Chicken (believe me when I tell you the Kentucky int he States is WAYYYYYY better than the one in Canada - finger licking good!).  Then we drove back to home crossing the other bridge....

Make a Smilebox photobook

This morning we packed the kids and drove to one of the universities in town to visit the butterfly exhibit.

 

Make a Smilebox slideshow

On Friday we went to a field trip about turtle hatching.    The kids watched a little video about turtles in the park were we went and then we went to find evidence of turtles (and maybe find some baby turtles...).   We did find evidence but no turtle... 

Here's a few pictures of our field trip!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Anyone knows what I am talking about?   Chewy taffy from York, Maine.    I still can’t believe that the place where you can stand outside and see the owners do the candy is still existing.   As I wrote this, I am eating a few and can’t believe that the taste is still the same.   The restaurant was opened in 1896 and is still there at the same place in York.    In the past, the owner would work the taffy by hand.   Now part of it is made by hand and the stretching is done by a machine… but still this brought back memories to my heart.   This is part of the few memories that I remember…    The other memories I will remember is the time spent “Au Trois” a piece of land that belonged to my uncle… but this is another story for another time.    The Goldenrod Restaurant is still there and it still belongs to the family who started it more than 100 years ago.   It is the fourth generation who now make the delicious candies but it’s still have the same good taste.

I’m glad that I was able to bring my children there.   Mind you I will have to bring them back someday so that Jasmine can enjoyed it too!    And I sure hope to have start a tradition… Maybe one day my grand-children will discover the great taste of the salt water taffy of the Goldenrod in York, Maine.    I pray they do and they enjoy it as much I as have in the past and still do right now.

BTW – for those of you who would like to taste it, you can order some on the internet.   So don’t be shy and try them…

 * Check out how Salt Water Taffy is made by going on their website.   Reading it is interesting but it doesn't beat seeing it...

As promised, here's some pictures of our first official field trip at Upper Canada Village with a bunch of homeschoolers...

We had a great time even though it was very hot and humid...

A machine that holds new wool.

Inspecting the weight at the mill

Installing a new shoe on the horse...

Quilting time!

Broom making... very interesting!

Preparing for the fair - they are seying dried flowers to make a special design on the moss...

with the homeschooling organization in town...

We went to Upper Canada Village today!   Very hot and humid but so instructive.   We were blessed to have my in-laws with us as well and grand-papa did told how things worked to the boys... well the two older one anyway!

Upper Canada Village is a re-enacted village life from the 1860s.   It was so interesting to see people working at the mill, the broommaker, the shoemaker, the blacksmith, the bakery and so on...   I promise to post pictures soon but right now I need to relax and figure out supper!

Yesterday, we decided to go for blueberry picking at the Blueberry Ranch.   MmmM!

The kids enjoyed it and we came back home with tons of these little berries.  So delicious with ice cream!   So tasty just fresh from the bush.  

Yesterday, we decided to go for blueberry picking at the Blueberry Ranch.   MmmM!

The kids enjoyed it and we came back home with tons of these little berries.  So delicious with ice cream!   So tasty just fresh from the bush.  

After adding water, honey and yeast, this is what the mixture looked like:





Now, mind you, we do have a bread machine at home and sometimes Alexandre does help.   But it was fun to do.

Here's the recipe:

3/4 cup of water
1 tbsp of honey
Mix well together!

Add 1 tbsp of yeast
Let rest for about 7 minutes...

Add 2 cup of flour (we had whole wheat flour!)
Add 1 tsp of salt
Mix well with a spoon then use your hands...

Shape in the form of bread you would like to have.
Put in the oven.

... BREAD!

At the field trip at the Canadian Children's Museum today we learned how to make bread...   The kids really enjoyed it and it was really hands-on.  

After adding water, honey and yeast, this is what the mixture looked like:

Then after a few minutes... the yeast has eaten the honey and it got BIG!!!

It was now time to add the flour - the job of my son, Alexandre.

Salt was included after by one of his classmates and then it was mixing time...

 

 With a bit of hands-on....   Funny feeling for them!

After that, they all got a little piece to mold in a little bread.

And in the oven, they went.   After a little activity of recognizing the different types of bread we can find around the world and a special delivery to different part of the world, the kids got the chance to eat their little bread.  Here's the finished product.

One for mom and one for son!  Mmmm!  Good...

Now, mind you, we do have a bread machine at home and sometimes Alexandre does help.   But it was fun to do.

Here's the recipe:

3/4 cup of water

1 tbsp of honey

           Mix well together!

Add 1 tbsp of yeast

        Let rest for about 7 minutes...

Add 2 cup of flour (we had whole wheat flour!)

Add 1 tsp of salt

       Mix well with a spoon then use your hands...

       Shape in the form of bread you would like to have

        Put in the oven.

 

The first thing we did as we arrived there is to get a little "course" on planet Earth.   Does rotatio and revolution mean anything to you?   When the Earth is rotating on itself and by doing so we see day and night.   A rotation takes 1 complete day.   At the same time, Earth is doing a revolution around the sun and this takes 1 year which is why we have the seasons...   To illustrate how the Earth is doing both, the lady needed a volunteer... and Alexandre went to wear the Earth costume and to illustrate the rotation and revolution at the same time.

The first thing we did as we arrived there is to get a little "course" on planet Earth.   Does rotatio and revolution mean anything to you?   When the Earth is rotating on itself and by doing so we see day and night.   A rotation takes 1 complete day.   At the same time, Earth is doing a revolution around the sun and this takes 1 year which is why we have the seasons...   To illustrate how the Earth is doing both, the lady needed a volunteer... and Alexandre went to wear the Earth costume and to illustrate the rotation and revolution at the same time.

This done, we went into a planetarium to look at the stars and the position of the sun depending of the season.   Very interesting!   Makes me want to learn more about astronomy for sure.  After lunch, the kids could explore the museum as much as they wanted.   The crooked kitchen was a hit as well as the snowmobile.   However, after a certain period of time, I wanted to make sure Alexandre could learn anything else.   So I brought him close to the area where there is an old snowmobile.  There we saw a box with on wheel on one side and a track on the other side.   The box seemed to be filed with false snow.   So I asked Alexandre to tell me why we don't find wheels on a snowmobile but tracks.   He told me that we would go deep in the snow if it had wheels.  I said yes and then showed him why a track was better.   We also explore the internet section and he sent an e-mail to his dad.  

Here's him looking at the wheel-track display.

Even though this museum is almost as it was when I was younger, I still learned a few things during the few hours we were there...

Today there is a field trip for Alexandre's level (Senior Kindergarden). So I was planning to go with my three year old, Dominic, and accompanied the class. As a good mother, I wrote a note to the teacher and she wrote me back saying that I could come but not Dominic as I will have to help to keep track of the kids. I'm a bit frustrated but I understand as well. So last minute, we had to figure out babysitting - meaning my mother-in-law - and Rob will go pick them up at lunch time to bring them back for nap afterwards. OUF!
I will prepare my lunch as soon as the bus pass and grab a few things for the other twos. They will spend the morning with their cousin Sam so this is good.

Got to go. Will tell you more later.

PS Another PD day is coming up so I should plan to go somewhere with the kids.... Either the museum of Agriculture or the museum of Aviation. It has been a while since we went to the museum of Agriculture... probably this one and see the new baby animals...

Today there is a field trip for Alexandre's level (Senior Kindergarden).   So I was planning to go with my three year old, Dominic, and accompanied the class.   As a good mother, I wrote a note to the teacher and she wrote me back saying that I could come but not Dominic as I will have to help to keep track of the kids.   I'm a bit frustrated but I understand as well.   So last minute, we had to figure out babysitting - meaning my mother-in-law - and Rob will go pick them up at lunch time to bring them back for nap afterwards.   OUF!

I will prepare my lunch as soon as the bus pass and grab a few things for the other twos.   They will spend the morning with their cousin Sam so this is good.

Got to go.   Will tell you more later.

PS Another PD day is coming up so I should plan to go somewhere with the kids....   Either the museum of Agriculture or the museum of Aviation.   It has been a while since we went to the museum of Agriculture...  probably this one and see the new baby animals...