Planning: The Key to a Successful Adventure
Every trip's success hinges on a bit of foresight and planning, and my motorcycle adventure was no exception.
The first task on my list was securing a campsite on Beausoleil Island. Post-pandemic, parks and campgrounds have been bustling, so I strategized to be among
the first to claim a spot. After a little digging on the Parks Canada website, I discovered their booking page. When bookings opened on February 5th, I was ready. Luckily, there were plenty of options available, and I knew exactly where I wanted to settle—close to the amenities like washrooms, water, showers, and the Visitor Centre.
With the campsite secured, I turned my attention to compiling a list of essentials for a two-day stint without refrigeration. Bringing a cooler filled with ice was out of the question. Reflecting on childhood camping trips, I remembered that cans of pork & beans, peaches, and fruit salad could suffice for sustenance. A morning coffee was non-negotiable too, so a pan and stove became priorities.
A visit to the local outdoor store was next on the agenda. I was taken aback by the high prices of ultra-light cooking and camping gear. Determined to save, I bought only the essentials and then scoured Facebook Marketplace for second-hand finds, but had little luck. That’s when my wife, my shopping saviour of 40 years, stepped in. She found a stove with included pots on Amazon for under $30, and a backpack for another $30. She also reminded me of the camping gear we already owned—sleeping bags, air pads, and a tent—saving me a bundle. I promptly returned the costly items to the store and continued my preparations.
My reliance on technology meant I needed a power source. Amazon delivered again with a solar-powered battery pack for less than $25, perfect for charging my
LED light and trusty old iPhone. My motorcycle’s power port, with a Harley-Davidson USB adapter, ensured my phone stayed juiced on the road, as GPS navigation was essential. Opting for a CAA upgrade to cover motorcycle emergencies was another necessary, albeit pricey, investment.
Finally, I delved into the logistical details. Searching for services in Honey Harbour initially proved frustrating. Still, through the Parks Canada website, I tracked down water taxi contacts. I connected with a helpful gentleman at the Honey Harbour Boat Club who arranged my water taxi and offered parking. He even offered to store my helmet and travel gear that wouldn’t be needed on Beausoleil Island.
With all these pieces in place, I was prepared. The countdown to my summer holiday had begun, and the anticipation was building.
More adventures to share soon.
Every trip's success hinges on a bit of foresight and planning, and my motorcycle adventure was no exception.
The first task on my list was securing a campsite on Beausoleil Island. Post-pandemic, parks and campgrounds have been bustling, so I strategized to be among
the first to claim a spot. After a little digging on the Parks Canada website, I discovered their booking page. When bookings opened on February 5th, I was ready. Luckily, there were plenty of options available, and I knew exactly where I wanted to settle—close to the amenities like washrooms, water, showers, and the Visitor Centre.With the campsite secured, I turned my attention to compiling a list of essentials for a two-day stint without refrigeration. Bringing a cooler filled with ice was out of the question. Reflecting on childhood camping trips, I remembered that cans of pork & beans, peaches, and fruit salad could suffice for sustenance. A morning coffee was non-negotiable too, so a pan and stove became priorities.
A visit to the local outdoor store was next on the agenda. I was taken aback by the high prices of ultra-light cooking and camping gear. Determined to save, I bought only the essentials and then scoured Facebook Marketplace for second-hand finds, but had little luck. That’s when my wife, my shopping saviour of 40 years, stepped in. She found a stove with included pots on Amazon for under $30, and a backpack for another $30. She also reminded me of the camping gear we already owned—sleeping bags, air pads, and a tent—saving me a bundle. I promptly returned the costly items to the store and continued my preparations.
My reliance on technology meant I needed a power source. Amazon delivered again with a solar-powered battery pack for less than $25, perfect for charging my
LED light and trusty old iPhone. My motorcycle’s power port, with a Harley-Davidson USB adapter, ensured my phone stayed juiced on the road, as GPS navigation was essential. Opting for a CAA upgrade to cover motorcycle emergencies was another necessary, albeit pricey, investment.Finally, I delved into the logistical details. Searching for services in Honey Harbour initially proved frustrating. Still, through the Parks Canada website, I tracked down water taxi contacts. I connected with a helpful gentleman at the Honey Harbour Boat Club who arranged my water taxi and offered parking. He even offered to store my helmet and travel gear that wouldn’t be needed on Beausoleil Island.
With all these pieces in place, I was prepared. The countdown to my summer holiday had begun, and the anticipation was building.
More adventures to share soon.
- Next entry in the series 'Beausoleil trip': Part 3: Final Preparations and the Great Departure
- Previous entry in the series 'Beausoleil trip': Part 1: Introduction
