We will depart from Toronto early on Friday night and camp overnight at the Achray Campground, in a remote section of Algonquin Park. On Saturday morning we will head out to the Eastern Pines backpacking trail.

We will spend Saturday and Sunday backpacking, arriving back in Toronto Sunday evening. We will backpack a 15-km loop on the trail, camping Saturday night at Harness Lake.

Previous backpacking experience is not a prerequisite for this trip, however, you must have completed at least one TOC hiking event rated D4 or higher or at least one TOC backpacking event (any rating) to qualify. You may also qualify with equivalent experience: if so, detail it in the Notes field upon signing up.

Please review the following very carefully to avoid disappointment:

1. We will be traveling through Ontario backcountry in conditions that can be extremely dangerous. As a result, there will be an extreme and constant focus on safety.
2. Walking will proceed at the speed of the slowest member. This is a team effort. It is not a chase-the-leader exercise that you may be accustomed to from day hikes or perhaps even other backcountry experiences. Why? See #1.
3. It up to you to procure all the necessary gear for this event. Individual and group gear will be discussed at the pre-meeting. There will be a gear inspection at the point of departure. Only those individuals who have the necessary gear will be allowed to depart. Why are we being so strict? See #1.
4. During the trip everyone is expected to follow the organizer`s safety instructions. Failure to follow safety instructions will result in disqualification from this and possibly future events. See #1.
5. Note the early departure time. It takes over 6 hours of driving to reach the campsite and we must get as much sleep as possible on Friday night. It's up to you to escape the corporate world/school/family early enough to make it to the carpool on time.
6. There will be a mandatory pre-meeting at Chalkers at 7:00pm on July 16th. You must attend it to participate in the event.

• TTC:
  1. Take University line north to Downsview Station
  2. Meet at the Passenger Drop-Off Point outside the station entrance
• Car from 401:
  1. Head north on Allen Road to Sheppard Ave
  2. Turn right on Sheppard
  3. Turn right into the station entranceway
• Car from 407:
  1. Head south on Dufferin Road to Sheppard Ave
  2. Turn left on Sheppard
  3. Turn right into the station entranceway
• Carpool drivers, take the first right and proceed to the Passenger Drop-Off point to meet the event coordinator
• Non-Carpool drivers, please leave your car in the parking lot, which is free at the weekend - drive past the Passenger Drop-Off entrance to get to the parking lot entrance