It is that time of year again. If you are Canadian eh, the good ol’ May two four weekend signals the arrival of summer. Cottagers and campers head off in hopes of warm temperatures, blue skies and that crisp fresh wilderness air. So what shall we take along to keep our “spirits” high? Here is what I would bring;
Beer:
Canned variety and lots of it! For me it is king cans of Budweiser. It brings me back to my childhood when we would venture to Traverse City Michigan and spend two weeks camping at the State park. It is a traditional US style lager, but brewed in Ontario.
It is light golden in colour, lightly hoppy and malty with a light body. Goes great with everything. It is a great camping lager! Plan on 1 case per day. A great place to keep it cool is a stream or do the city thing and bring a large cooler full of ice.
Carolyn’s Irish Cream:
When camping I like to start my day with a “special” coffee. My excuse is unlike milk or cream Carolyn’s doesn’t need to be kept cool so it doesn’t go bad. I find Carolyn’s a little smoother than most and less expensive than the bigger brand. One glug in my coffee and my morning starts off just right by the fire!
Mott’s Classic Caesar: If beer isn’t your thing there is nothing like a spicy Caesar. Motts Clamato spicy Casear comes in a can for weekends like these. They are lighter than the glass version and are ready to drink instead of mixing it from scratch. Some of you will still want to bring along the celery and rimmer but I am roughing it!
Smirnoff Ice:
At this point many of you are still looking for something that is portable and light and still has that sweet overtone. Smirnoff Ice is the answer. Available in cans (you must be getting the theme by now) this cold shot of sweet love will keep you happy. A winner with the ladies from the day it was released. It citrus flavours and nose are very refreshing. Buy lots to share and keep them chilled.
Boxed Wine:
Many wine aficionados turn there nose up at boxed wine but for camping there is nothing better. It is light, will last, and doesn’t require a corkscrew, not to mention easy to dispose of the empties. My choice is Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio. It will go with many a meal, is good on its own and will satisfy many a palate. I recommend getting some good plastic glasses for the trip. It is straw coloured, lightly sweet with apple and pear notes. You may need 2 to 3 boxes to get you through the weekend!
As always enjoy responsibly, share with friends and clean up the campsite. Be good to nature and we will all have a better life.
Cheers!
Clare Jackson
© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises
As seen in the May Issue of Main Street Magazine.
Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises
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Beer: 
Smirnoff Ice: 