The 95-year-old resident at Muskoka Landing long-term care home in Huntsville paid a visit June 11 to the camp located on Lake Cecebe, accompanied by the home’s activation co-ordinator Pamm Griffin and restorative care co-ordinator Carrie Acton.

With Fuller operating the boat, the trio spent 2½ hours fishing at some of Fuller’s favourite spots to catch fish. Unfortunately, with the high waters and wind creating a less-than-ideal fishing environment, no one reeled in a catch.

“There had been rain and the water was strong, but the very fact that I went back to my favourite fishing spots was a pleasure,” Fuller tells The Morning Report.

Although many of the original patrons to the camp have since passed on, Fuller says some of their children are still regulars.

The camp’s cottages, he adds, have changed a lot since he sold it in 1975. When Fuller opened the camp 58 years ago, the cabins were not equipped with amenities such as dishwashers, electric heat or refrigerators.

The trip to the Manor Park Cottages was part of the home’s Make-a-Wish program. The program is a component at each home owned by Jarlette Health Services. Homes budget money to be spent on one resident each year to make their wish come true. Residents are selected by nominations from other residents, staff members and families.

Griffin says she enjoyed the excursion, adding she was amazed at all the work Fuller had put into the camp over the years.

“It was very inspiring to see all the things he built with his hands,” says Griffin. “He told us about how he built every inch of that place.”

Of note, Griffin says she was particularly impressed with a boat Fuller had made years ago that has been put on land and transformed into a children’s playground.

Despite returning home without a fish, Fuller says the trip was worthwhile.

“The fact is I had a few moments to look around,” he says. “I just had a moment to remember the water fights, the camp fires.”