The Ultimate Campsite
Trip Start
Feb 21, 2007
1
31
51
Trip End
Ongoing
Algonquin Provincial Park-Day II, Ontario, Canada
Saturday, September 22, 2007
It took us about 21/2 hours to complete the full journey the day before. We arrived in the later afternoon, around 4:30pm. The portages were short enough and didn't require that much energy. The key was they were short enough for taking two trips, so we weren't laden with really heavy gear on a long hike. Our last trip was like that, and even though it was really gratifying, there's something to be said about taking an easier route!
The portage routes along the way were well maintained, and with the fall colours starting to spread, more lovely then usual. The canoes are about 50-ish pounds each, ours slightly heavier, so the boys got the job of carrying them, although it's not too hard if the trail is short. It's when you've got to load a whack of gear on your back and then giver 'er a go that it gets a little tiring!
When we arrived we unloaded our gear and set up our tents. Because our canoe trip portage routes were short, we got the added luxury of bringing along our Coleman mattress, an item that does not make the cut on anything but car camping trips. Bliss! So comfy and warm since you're a foot off the ground. The scene of the slice of Algonquin Provincial Park off the large rock formations at the foot of our campsite revealed a large and gleaming Daisy Lake in all her glory. With the Petawawa River to our left and a thickly populated shoreline of trees with vermilion leaves and hilly terrain, we were in heaven.
I'd say we celebrated with drinks when we arrived at the site yesterday, but beer had the star spot at the bow on the entire canoe trip, the whole route long. Never forget how much Canadians love beer, and hey, portaging makes you thirsty! Besides, it's a nice way to slowly get into the swing of things on a canoe trip. The saw came out and the boys went hunting for deadwood for the fire. Never, ever cut live trees like some jackasses do. Since our site was on the main land, a couple of minutes of walking and presented dense forest, so it was great for foraging for kindling.
The boys got the fire raging in a matter of time. Our handy breakdown saw is the perfect tool. You really do need it if you want a decent fire as only hardwood makes for a truly long-lasting fire and the best coals for cooking. It helps if you know a bit about tree types. I only know a bit but Jer and Mike can identify most varieties. With the fire going we were ready for the hearty, home cooked meal of Jer's famous chili. Mmmm. Exactly what you want after a long day trekking through Algonquin Park.
