Who's up for a vintage camping trip this August long weekend?

Perhaps it's the Girl Guide in me, always ready and eager to put up a tent, gather kindling, or fire up the Coleman stove. Maybe it's because I was born in a country so large and filled with such a diverse geography that it's practically a continent unto itself, each corner, stream, and back road just begging to be explored. Or it could just boil down to the fact that there is a great deal to be said in favour of, at least every now and then, shaking off the confines of daily life and slipping out into the woods for an evening or two spent getting back to nature.

Whatever the case may be - and I highly suspect it's a combination of all three - I've always wildly adored camping. Am I an intrepid outdoorswoman with countless hours spent in the backcountry under my belt? No, but I'm not a tenderfoot either. I like to think that my experience lays somewhere in the middle, and my theoretical knowledge of the great outdoors a little higher up the scale.

Canada, as long time readers have no doubt heard me say before, is in my opinion, rather short on holidays. Sure we have the standard handful, but after that things dry up on the holiday front faster than a puddle in Osoyoos come this time of year. Thus it is that I wholeheartedly welcome this upcoming weekend which brings with it the rather lackluster-ly named August Civic Holiday (for folks across the pond, think of it much like a bank holiday).

While I won't be camping this year, it's impossible for August's sole holiday (which - how cool is this? - just happens to fall on Tony's birthday, August 6th, this year) to round the bend without many wonderful memories of wildness experiences tumbling to the forefront of my mind.

From tent peg's staked near the waters of Shuwshap lake, to sleeping bags in Quesnel beneath a sky that was peppered with more stars than the ground in nearby Barkerville had once been with gold nuggets, this is a holiday weekend that spells outdoor fun across the board for me.

I know the same is true for many of you, too, just as - by extension - summer in and of itself is. For those who live in climates where winter is often present for six or more months out of the year, we know how to extract every last drop out of our sunshine filled months, and few activities can help you instantly feel at one with mother nature and all of summer's shimmering glory than camping.

Whether you'll be airing out your bedroll this weekend or just kicking back at home, I hope that following selection of vintage camping photos strikes a cord with you and that you'll find inspiration aplenty here for the next time you embark on a wilderness excursion.

Grab your favourite cooler, some bug spray, and all the fixins for s'mores, and let's head on out for a vintage camping trip!





First thing's first, do we have the gear we'll need for our excursion? Yes? You're sure? Alrighty then, let's hit the open trail!





If you're not quite certain what to wear for our trip, may I suggest a classic plaid shirt and dungaree combo? It's a fail-proof campground fashion winner every time.





Gather up your gear, lads and ladies, it's time we go scout out the perfect spot on which to set up camp.

Say, that looks like a nice spot, girls, good find - love your cute summer outfits, too!

Why don't we let the youngsters help set up the tent, the seems to have a never ending supply of energy during even during these roasty-toasty summer months.

Let's take a moment to bask in the beauty of the scenery, it sure is breath-taking!

Wowzers, the mercury just keeps on climbing, looks like we might have to slip into our swimsuits and hightail it over to the nearest lake or river.





Is anyone else starting to get a bit peckish? How about we fire up the grill and have ourselves an awesome picnic feast!





One must always keep a clean and orderly camp (as doing so means you're less likely to catch the attention of four legged critters out roaming around for a free meal), so let's wash the dishes. Good thing we've got this handy river right near by to do it in.





Anybody else feel like all that delicious camp food gave them a renewed burst of energy? Why don't we burn some of it off by taking a lovely hike up the hill to enjoy the panoramic view.





That was a great hike, wasn't it? Now it's time to just relax and unwind as nature play its serene melody as the sun finally starts to drop below the horizon.





This weekend has been terrific! Before we start packing up and heading back home, let's take a snapshot to remember what a marvelous camping trip we had this summer.


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That was such a blast, we'll definitely have to do it again next August!

Even if camping isn't really your (sleeping) bag, there's still tons of plenty outdoor fashion ideas to glean from these yesteryear photos, that would work splendidly for any number of summertime activities - think weeny roasts at the beach, daytrips out of town, meandering through the farmer's market on Saturday morning, fishing on a pristine lake, or throwing a casual barbeque with a few of your nearest and dearest out on the back lawn.

Happiest August long weekend wishes a little in advance, my dears, may you all have a fabulously fun holiday and last full month (hard to believe, I know) of summer!!!