Smoke doesn’t deter long weekend campers

By Lethbridge Herald on May 22, 2023.

Gabriel Dos Ramos throws the bocce ball while son Wilmer looks on at their campsite at Park Lake on Saturday. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD

The May long weekend arrived and the smoke did not seem to faze people wanting use Park Lake and its campground over the last few days.

People were flocking to the beach for a picnic,  floating on or taking a dip in the lake and campers filled the sites around the water.

Wilmer Dos Ramos arrived on Friday night from Calgary for his first visit to Park Lake to camp.

“I’m glad, it’s a great lake,” he said.

“Just a lake right there. The campsite is like steps out of the lake and that’s great.”

Dos Ramos was looking forward to swimming, spending time with friends and family and being away from the city.

Jennifer Zammit made the quick trip from West Lethbridge with her family and friends to enjoy the beach and the water.

“Well, we’re just spending the day out here today,” said Zammit.

“We thought it would be kind of perfect weather to come and It’s still warm out . So even though it’s (overcast). But nice and quiet , and the water’s perfect and not too busy.”

Zammit said then there’s always ice cream.

“The ice cream’s always good,” she chuckled.

Zammit didn’t think the smoke was too bad.

“I don’t think it’s bothering anybody out today,” she said.

“None of my kids seemed to be bothered by it. But we’re not at high risk either, like we don’t have anybody in our family that would have any concerns with it,  like  asthma or anything like that.”

Eli Lermer also made the short journey from Lethbridge to take advantage of the camping with friends and family.

“Just the whole environment and  the trees and it feels like your camping (and) being away from Lethbridge,” said Lermer.

“You can’t beat being 20 minutes away from the house,” he said.

Lermer thought the smoke was not affecting the camping experience.

“We would’ve been here anyway; rain or shine or snow,” he said.

Shelley Hamilton took an opportunity with a friend to blow up the floaties and get on lake for the day.

“I’d like to see the sun but I’m fine if I don’t as long as it’s warm,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton was looking forward to getting some sun, having fun and relaxing after a long week.