It felt a bit unusual heading out on a Monday since most of our trips in the past were over long weekends and holidays, but being on maternity leave gives us total flexibility on when we camp. There were a few perks to camping during the week though, first and foremost we were able to take advantage of Alberta Park's special Midweek Camping Offer of stay for three nights and pay for two plus the campground was very quiet. No "man-made" noises, just the natural sounds around us.

We first visited Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, two years ago when Matthias was just a yearling and we enjoyed it quite a bit so we've decided to go back. This time Derek had three walleye tags so fishing and canoeing were high on the agenda.

This trip was Logan's third camping trip. Yes, third, some may call us a bit crazy but he is a great baby and enjoys being in the outdoors very much and we've already made so much great memories in his first three months with us.

*Matthias - On the Beach at Pigeon Lake - 2014*

*Matthias - Pigeon Lake Shoreline- 2016*

Getting to Pigeon Lake Provincial from Calgary; head north along the QE2 for 209 km, take the highway 13 turnoff to the Pigeon Lake South shore, turn right onto AB-771 then right onto township road 470. There are signs along the route so you can't miss it. We had a bit of a chuckle when Matthias asked "where are the mountains Mummy?" so we had to explain that there are other campgrounds outside of the mountains.

It took us just about three hours to get to the campground, not too bad if you consider we've got a toddler and newborn on board. If you do need to stop at one of the roadside turnouts do pay careful attention, as the QE2 is very busy and the turnouts are, or at least we felt that they were not very safe.

The weather on Tuesday turned out to be perfect for a walk around the campground. Do note that these trails are also used for winter skiing. and part of the campground is also open in the winter months for those wanting to ski or ice fish.

The forest reminded me so much of back home in Trinidad where I grew up in Brasso Venado. Its lush richness and serenity seemed to bring back very happy memories of walking through the bushes in my grandfathers estates. If you are a bird watcher do bring those binoculars as Pigeon Lake is known as a stopover for migrating birds, waterfowl, shorebirds as well as the forest dwellers.

Matthias had loads of fun "feeding the lake rocks" and Logan just loved the fresh moist air. As expected he slept through the walk.

*Boreal Forest at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park*

It's amazing how much the landscape changes just a couple hours drive away. As you head north from Calgary the pine trees seem to disappear and as is the case for this area you are completely surrounded by Boreal forest; don't be fooled though, as bears have been spotted here so do keep the bear spray handy.

Derek got a bit of fishing in on Tuesday with no luck but after trying several different rigs, he finally found one that worked and his luck completely changed on Wednesday. So much that folks were telling him that they had never heard of anyone catching eleven walleyes in just one day. No keepers though, as they were all bigger than his Class C license allowed for. His advice is to get a Class B or if you have several persons fishing get all three classes (A,B and C) if you can. His largest walleye measured 62 cm.

Matthias is really turning out to be quit the chef as he roasted some yummy pork on the fire with his dad. Sorry no photo to show but it was yummy. But here he is at it again cooking up some curried chicken and potato.

*"Patching" the curry for curried chicken*

Logan on the other hand is becoming increasingly observant and loves looking at the trees swaying in the wind. He's still at the point where he hates the wind in his face so our time spent outside was still a bit minimal on this trip due to some windy weather. The weather did change enough that he finally got to sit around the fire for the very first time in his very own chair that "of course" Matthias tries to steal from time to time.

On Wednesday we ventured out a bit. One quick stop to the supermarket in the Village at Pigeon Lake (just twenty minutes drive from the campground) and then off to Battle Lake which we were told by a fish and wildlife officer has really good pike fishing.

*Canada Geese and Goslings - Battle Lake*

We have started cooking more of our meals over the fire now that the weather is warming up and its amazing how great it tastes. This also gives us the bonus of getting the kids involved in making a fire, cooking and just getting more time outside.
When we were here two years ago it was early August, and because of the hotter temperatures there was blue-green algae in the water. Once present, you are advised against swimming as it irritates the skin and you get what is called "swimmers itch". This time though, no algae but it's still too cold for swimming plus there were leaches in the water so I guess you'll have to weigh the pros and cons. No swimming for us although Matthias did venture into the water a bit to get his toes wet.

The campground is big and the sites are well treed giving you that "wilderness" feel that we so like when camping. The bathroom facilities are one of the newer ones and if not for having to use loonies and toonies for a shower we would have said that it was one of the best. This campground is wonderful for kids offering a sandy beach, large playground and wide open grassed area perfect for a picnic.

There are quite a few attractions nearby, most of which are open from Fridays to Sundays. We would have liked to do some strawberry picking at Steven's U-Pick or visited the Gone Green farms but we were just too early. The campground has a great area map at the check in desk so be sure to ask for one when you get there.

Our last day was just about perfect. Ending it off dancing to some old school rockers, Julio Iglesias and Billy Joel.

It was a day and trip that we will definitely remember for a very long time as this was the trip that Matthias caught his very first fish, with a little help from Dad of course. He was so excited to tell us all about his 48 cm walleye. In his own words "Mom, Dad, I had sooo much fun fishing". He did also complain about the fish "touching" his pants. We are so proud of him and he had so much fun doing it...not just the fishing but getting the canoe ready and fixing his fishing rod with his dad. He's just so much like his parents and so much more if you add his passion for trains and dinosaurs.

*Matthias' first fish - 48cm Walleye (not the best picture on a rocking canoe)*

*"I'll just help Dad get this canoe out of the water"*

A week well spent for sure and we'll definitely be going back. This was the first trip where everyone had a great time TOGETHER;

Matthias caught his very first fish
Derek had some great fishing action
Logan and I both got to sit around the fire and most importantly
We all spent most of the days together just enjoying each others company.

We definitely recommend spending some time at this campground.

We are back home now and believe it or not, Matthias is turning three years old in less than two weeks so it's birthday party planning time and then it's off to the Ol' McDonald Resort for his birthday week adventures and Canada Day celebrations.

Until then, HAPPY CAMPING!

Some menu ideas from this trip:

Blueberry pancakes (breakfast)
English muffins with eggs sunny side up (breakfast)
Corned beef and rice with avocado salad (lunch)
Curried chicken with potato, rice and salad (Supper)
Pepper Shrimp (without the pepper), spaghetti and broccoli (supper)

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