Algonquin Hike

Well the past weekend's weather forecast was for 1 degree Celsius with rain. That seemed like as good a time as any to do a camping trip so N and I wandered off to Algonquin Saturday morning. We went with lots of gear and food but no plan. We did not establish if this particular adventure was being classified as a "notion" or a "whim".

The west gate at Algonquin looked pretty dreary when we pulled up to it and the slow ice drizzle wasn't doing much to inspire us to a plan. We found out that no yurts were available. We also heard from the counter staff that there had been a recent fatality in the park. Despite efforts by park staff, police and Algonquin Outfitters the man in question managed to head out into the wilderness with seat cushions for sleeping and a complete lack of appropriate clothing to stay warm. I got the impression that hypothermia was the cause of death. There were other stories of the mentally unstable trying to live in the park. We heard about one that was convinced he was from outer space and needed to build a spaceship to get home. The local police bought him a bus ticket to Ottawa which sort of explains the strain on social programs in our major cities.

We decided to try a quick hike into Provoking Lake on the Highlands backpacking trail. The weather actually co-operated a bit and the drizzle turned to light snow. We found a decently sheltered site on Provoking Lake West that came complete with a pair of running shoes hanging from a tree.

We had intended to do a short side trip after setting up camp but there was so little available firewood we took too much time gathering what we could. The resulting fire was super smoky. I blame the extra smoky fire for my buzz saw snoring. I don't normally do that, honest!

All in all a fun little mini trip.

More pictures from the trip are posted here.