Canada > Ont > EGL Spring 2017 - Return of the Voyageurs

[Chard]

EGL Spring 2017 - Return of the Voyageurs

Hey gang,

My first trips to Algonquin consisted mainly of long days in the canoe exploring the waters and portages of the Park, always pushing onwards and rarely seeing the sun rise in the same place twice. So, in memory of that bygone era, I propose that the 2017 EGL Spring canoe trip will be a little different this year, a little more taxing.

Tripping 150 km over five days with dozens of portages and the dreaded 5470m Dickson-Bonfield portage thrown in for good measure. That's over 30 km tripping per day, roughly the same as from Canoe to McIntosh and halfway back. That's like portaging from Toronto's Yonge & St.Clair down to Lake Ontario with a canoe on your head. But that, as my friends and I used to say, is the price of admission. The reward? Some of the most beautiful areas in Ontario.

Just like the old days I hope to be on the water at sunrise and paddle well into the afternoon, covering parts of the Park many of us have never been to before.

It's not a trip for the feint of heart, more of a test of endurance than a lilydipping daytrip. Plan to pack light and single carry. I've already started training.

When: Mid to late May 2017: 7-8 days (1 carcamp / 5 paddling / 2 layover)
Where: See below

Logistics: We'll be car camping in Algonquin the night before so that we can set up the car shuttle, obtain our permits and be ready for a dawn departure.

Those are the basics. We have half a year to get in shape and work out the details.

Are we having fun yet?

[Bubba]

This would be freakin' awesome but I can safely say I can't go a full week. I'm still up for a less taxing 2 night trip somewhere if anyone else can't go on this one

[Chard]

This would be freakin' awesome but I can safely say I can't go a full week. I'm still up for a less taxing 2 night trip somewhere if anyone else can't go on this one

The thought of a possible rendezvous on Opeongo just crossed my mind. We'll be in a desperate need of a resupply of whisky by then I'm sure!!!

[Bubba]

I was also thinking of a rendezvous at either end. Opeongo would be a good option. I/we could go up for a couple of nights and you could meet us on my/our second night.

[keg]

Again I'll echo Bubba. Can't do a week+ in mid may.


I had hoped to go paddle the south end of Opeongo at the start of November but life got in the way so I wouldn't mind hitting it in the spring.


p.s. Dickson and part of Lavielle were closed for part of last summer because of algal blooms. Hopefully it will clear up.

[Jayson]

Chard I am in negotiations with the BOSS. Keep your fingers crossed. Would you be interested in apaddling partner or rather solo?

[Chard]

Chard I am in negotiations with the BOSS. Keep your fingers crossed. Would you be interested in apaddling partner or rather solo?

Well hiya Jayson. Let's see what the Boss says. I did Canoe to Brent a few years back on my own and it was great fun.

For what it's worth, I've been wanting to do a route like this solo for ages but I'm pretty sure we'll be able to find you a partner for a tandem.

[Jayson]

No problem Chard I am fine with soloing! My challenge will be figuring out transportation to and from the park.

[ConnieB]

I would love to take part in this exciting adventure!

Gotta start researching about a boat, dehydrated food, and also workout.

Look forward to the dates so I can request the time off.

[KeeWayKeno]

This sounds like a great trip, if a little ambitious for an old man like myself. Will have to give this some serious thought but at the very least I'll hook up with Bubba & whoever for a few nights pre or post trip.