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Camping for beginners in Algonquin - Yurt style (4/22/2016)

PRE-REGISTRATION & ADVANCE PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.After you sign up at the bottom, you will be presented with information about how to pay. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Overnight
Event Location: Mew Lake - Algonquin Provincial Park
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Apr 22 2016, Sat, Apr 23 2016, Sun, Apr 24 2016  5:00 PM  (Carpool Departure: 5:00 PM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 1 2016 11:55:00 PM
Event Duration:3 days, 2 nights
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Dave M
Stacy
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:$70.50/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 19 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 8 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
There are three basic camping types:
  • Beginners: "roofed accommodations" (cabins or yurts),
  • Intermediate: "car camping" (in a tent but your car is very close by), or
  • Advanced: "backcountry" (by backpacking or canoe).

The emphasis of this trip will be to introduce new campers to the three different camping styles, while our lodging for the weekend will be in the warm comfort of a yurt. Campers of all levels are welcome! We will be spending the weekend as a group so please read on to see if the itinerary for the weekend is of interest to you.

Mew Lake campgrounds in Algonquin park is home to several yurts, and many car camp sites. We will explore the camp grounds on foot to get a good idea of various car camping styles. On Saturday we'll hike to the nearby Highland Backpacking trail, where we will explore backcountry backpacking trails, and visit some of the backpacking sites! (Approx distance there and back will be 10-12 km over some rugged terrain.) Weather permitting, we’ll demonstrate some basic camping skills, e.g.: setting up a tent; hanging food (to keep the bears from getting to it), gathering wood and starting a fire.

We booked 2 side-by-side yurts for the weekend. They are like large heated 'tents' that we don't have to carry or put up ourselves! Each one has two bunk beds, so we'll have four people per yurt. This does mean that a yurt could be co-ed, but you will have your own bed. The yurts are very close (2 min walk) to the comfort stations, which have heated bathrooms, and private shower areas.

There's a mandatory pre-meeting at Chalkers on Tues April 12 @ 7:30 PM.

The itinerary for the weekend will be:

Friday:

  • Car pool to the yurts
  • Stop at a restaurant for dinner (Kelsey's or East Side Marios)
  • Weather permitting, we'll get a fire going.
Saturday:
  • Communal breakfast
  • Tour of car camp sites
  • Hike to Highland Backpacking trail and visit some sites at Provoking Lake (Note: trails are rugged and may be icy at that time of year - icers are mandatory to bring)
  • Trail lunch at one of the backpacking sites
  • Return to yurts
  • Communal dinner
  • Weather permitting, we'll have a fire.
Sunday
  • Communal breakfast
  • Drive to and tour the Algonquin Visitors' Centre
  • Day hike in Algonquin (trail TBD)
  • Back to the city. Arrive in Toronto approx. 8 PM
Here are a few need to know before you sign up:
  • The yurts may be co-ed, depending on who signs up. Be prepared.
  • Cost per person is based on 6 people signing up. If 7 or more sign up, cash refunds at the event will be issued.
  • Hikes are rain or shine, and everyone who signs up is expected to go as a group.
  • Conditions are unpredictable in early spring. Expect mud, snow, ice, and everything in between!!
  • This is a group event! Everyone will be expected to chip in with duties like help with dinner, cleaning up, cleaning the yurts at the end of the event. Also, we will all be hiking together, going to the visitors' centre etc.
  • Car pool is 5 PM on Friday. Please only sign up if you can make it there on time!

Disclaimer: This event is not intended to be an exhaustive how-to on camping skills.


Required Items to Bring:
appropriate clothing for weather - layers!
rain jacket/pants
hiking boots - mandatory
icers (mandatory), gaitors, hat, mitts etc.
day pack for hiking

food / snacks
coffee / tea
water bottle / bladder
plate/mug/utensils

sleeping bag / pillow
pajamas
personal toiletries (toothbrush etc.)
towel

More details to be discussed at pre-meeting...		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
hiking poles
thermos
camera
sunglasses
camp chair (there are plastic chairs there)
slippers
ear plugs (if you're a light sleeper)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Given to drivers at carpool
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):600Km
Carpool Departure Time: 5:00 PM
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $154.80 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Thursday, May 2, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

Notes:
photo credits: Stacy
- Registration is NOT COMPLETE until you've signed up and paid by the registration cut off date. The money must be in the TOC's possession by that date. No exceptions.
- When a minimum group size appears, this is to let you know that the event will be cancelled with full refunds to those who have already paid, if the minimum number of registered participants is not met. For any events where TOC needs a minimum number of participants, there will be absolutely no refund of money if you cancel.
- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$70.50/Person
Cost Includes:2 yurts * 2 nights = 410.72 / 6 people = $68.45/person
+ 2.05 (3% TOC transaction fee) = $70.50 / person
In the event that more than 6 people sign up, cash refunds will be given at the event

Cost does not include, and will be collected evenly from all participants at the event:
car pool cost per passenger;
communal food (to be discussed at pre-meeting);
additional parking fees;
firewood

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the TOC on Fri, Apr 1 2016.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.
 
Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!