Throw Back Thursday

1000 Islands – A place that holds a special spot in my heart! Married in 1972, and on a budget, Ed and I borrowed the family camper and headed to 1000 Islands. My first time there and a love affair of man and islands was born! Over the years, many trips were made to enjoy this magical place. First as newlyweds, then as a family.

Our first week in 1000 Islands was at Wellesley Island State Park. I remember the little convenience store on the corner on the way into the park where we tasted our first sourdough bread. Then proceeded to order many loaves to pick up and take back home on subsequent trips. We ventured into Alexandria (Alex) Bay to shop and enjoy the area. We boarded a tour boat and visited a much different Boldt Castle than is presented today. We marveled at the vision that was on Heart Island. A bowling alley! In a ‘house’! Sadly, when we first visited Boldt Castle, there was much decay and neglect. It was years before we returned to see the many positive changes. Another hi-light from our honeymoon was staying at a well-known local resort for one night – The Edgewood Resort.

A favorite spot that was visited many times over the years by both water and land, was Foxy’s Restaurant. A favorite to order was Mud Pie, served with a red bobber on top! That bobber indicated many a fish on the line, which meant a fish fry at camp later. Mmmm! We coated the fish with crushed corn flakes or dried potato flakes before frying.

One of my all time favorites, even to this day, is a campfire. I just love the smell of it! But not the smoke, which always seems to find me no matter where I sit! S’Mores were always a must. Campfire pies, made with buttered bread and fillings of choice, placed inside a hand-held campfire pie maker, were also a favorite. Bananas stuffed with caramels, marshmallows, chocolate and other fillings, wrapped in foil were placed on hot coals, for an ooey-gooey treat. Mmmm! Makes me hungry just thinking about these campfire treats! We also ventured forth into cooking meals over the open fire. Everything from fish, to corn bread, to hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken and sausage and even breakfast! We definitely did not go hungry when camping!

From our borrowed camper, we graduated to a pop-up trailer, and eventually to a 27′ Class A motorhome. We started out renting boats and canoes, to buying a 12′ aluminum Mirro-Craft fishing boat to a 17′ Steury I/O open bow boat. Oh the times we had! Learning to waterski, jumping the waves in tubes, fishing, sightseeing and just loving the islands. We also rented cabins at DeWolf Point State Park from NY State. It was a lottery system, so it was never for certain that we would get in or get the cabin that we wanted. But it was great when we did!

Many vacations were enjoyed in the 1000 Islands with other family members as well. We all had our favorite campsites but we also all managed to enjoy the water and gather for campfires and meals. Karen and I have talked about going back ‘upstate’ for a visit. Just another reason to travel locally. No need to fly. Even though it may be a long drive. We’ve talked about a family reunion at the islands, but trying to get everyone together as adults, some with young children, is like herding cats! Almost impossible!

Throw back Thursday…a great trip down memory lane. You don’t have to fly. You don’t have to cross the ‘big pond’. Adventure and memories are just outside your window!

Sometimes you won’t know the value of a moment
until it becomes a memory.
–Dr. Seuss