Fri, Jun 29 2007 - Introduction to backcountry canoe camping (View Original Event Details)
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We started the trip by going through typical long weekend traffic up to Algonquin Park. After four hours of driving we found a RIDE check at the entrance to the park. To our delight, a pickup towing a small shed on a snowmobile trailer, and held down by two straps was taken off the road by OPP officers. It had been driving below the posted limit and had built up quite a convoy before hitting the RIDE checkpoint. All of our drivers were sober and most vehicles were “drier than the Sahara” (paraphrasing Warren), in terms of alcohol. We all met up at the Rock Lake campgrounds for the first night of basic car camping. We were “treated” to the first light rainfall that would be common in the days to come. Warren, Veronica, Bernadette, and Sue visited a local restaurant and found the washroom had been closed due to cleaning. After some negotiations, the staff re-opened the washroom for the restaurant patrons. The whole group worked together to set up the tents in a break from the rain. After a brief walk around the campsite, and testing the temperature of the lake, the campfire needed to be started. Warren found himself up against some wet firewood, and no kindling. The campsite newsletters were quickly burned up. Warren employed a plate to fan the embers, and after a time we had ourselves a roaring fire. Unfortunately it was around this time that we found out that we did not have any marshmallows with us. On Saturday morning Chuck cooked up some onion omelettes that were quite tasty. We then loaded up the canoes and headed out across Rock Lake. The canoe teams were as follows; Team 1: Chuck, Diana, & Darlene, Team 2: Bernadette & Jody, Team 3: Sue & Warren, and Team 4: Veronica & Justin. We had lunch at our first portage where we met up with another large group with six canoes. They were obviously out for their first time, as they were laden down with bags of firewood, Tiki torches, large coolers and several mini propane tanks. After crossing the 400 metre rocky portage, we canoed for a piece and saw a female moose in shallow waters near a marshy area. We searched the shoreline and eventually found an empty campsite, which we promptly claimed. It was the perfect site with benches around a rocked-in fire pit and a shelf build between two trees. After setting up the tents, and having a swim in the warm lake water, firewood was gathered and cut. Soon a roaring fire cooked up our first back country dinner of curried vegetables, textured tofu, and rice. Once again it was a meal were a sensation to the tastebuds. On and off rain started as we sat down to eat. Cherry and apple pies were on the desert menu. While washing the dishes, Justin introduced the GSI Compact Scraper, henceforth known as the squeegee , to the group. It was efficient at clearing food debris from plates and pots, making washing faster and a lot more fun. Almost everyone tried it out on their dishes. Citronella candles were set-up to keep mosquitoes away, although at times it seemed to attract them. One candle was set up next to the thunderbox for some light at night, and ambiance. Sue read us some ghost stories while we sat around the campfire. Everyone then turned in for the night. On Sunday morning breakfast consisted of wonderful strawberry pancakes and instant peaches and cream oatmeal. After cleaning up the group set out in the canoes for the day. We had lunch at another vacant campsite after a short portage. Some light rain hit again during our lunch. After a brief search for a river, the group headed back against heavy winds. We portaged again and returned to our base camp. Several among the group braved the now colder water for a swim. While cutting some firewood in the woods, Justin was mistaken for a bear by a member of the group who wasn’t wearing her glasses, and the rest of the group rushed over only to start laughing, upon finding the “bear.” Dinner was cooked over a roaring fire, which had been partially fed by citronella candle wax. Pasta and vegetable sauce was on the menu followed by cherry and blueberry pie. Some light rain and cool winds hit about this time. The group turned in early to get some sleep for the final day. Monday morning came and the crew packed everything in. A rotted rabbit carcass was found atop a tall stump behind one of the tents. Interesting pictures were taken... The canoe ride back began. After lunch and viewing the small falls, the last portage of the weekend began. More light rain hit during the final stretch. The canoes were returned, the Visitor Centre was visited and dinner was held at Kelsey’s in Huntsville. Everyone said their goodbyes, before we started the drive back to Toronto. Everyone agreed that the trip was excellent, and were eager to do another one.
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