Rock - Pen Lake; Algonguin Park, Access Point #9

Wow... After having returned home from Pen Lake Campground for a mere 3 days (2 nights in my own bed) me and the boys decided to return to Algonquin Park, as I was missing the environment, and my boys the fishing. Seeing as the trip was put together rather quickly and would only be able to stay for two nights (3 days) as we had appointments on the Monday immediately after the trip, we chose to stay along the Hw. 60 corridor, and take on Pen lake via Rock Lake at access point #9.  I also chose this destination as it would bring me back to Rock Lake where my tripping had began this year at the "AA Park Opener on Rose Island", and give my boys the chance to experience the cliffs along Booth's Rock Trail that they visited last week while at the Pen Lake campground, only this time from the lake rather then the top of the cliffs. 

We left Toronto with overcast skies, and the chance of rain on Friday, July 18th early and arrived in Dwight by about 1:00pm, where I had hoped to pick up my replacement canoe at Langford.  As luck would have it, the boat was in and ready, but as we drove up the parking lot the clouds opened up and we had very heavy rain for well over an hour.  Not wanting to "switch boats" in a thunderstorm, the Langford people suggested I keep the loaner for one last trip, leaving me to pick up my baby on the way out, to which I did.  

By 2:00 pm we were at Rock Lake, and at the permit office.  As we get our permit (the last one for Pen Lake that weekend) I enquired as to if Rock Lake had a "launch point camp site" in the event that the weather didn't improve.  They informed me that they did not have one, but offered me their unofficial interior overnight spot at Rock lake (site #123).  As it was still raining as we got to our car, we decided to check the site out, just in case.  Well the site is more an overflow parking spot, that on that day was  under about 4 inches of water; in short a clear pass. It was then that we decided to try our luck heading out, and as we pulled up to the launch point the rain stopped (as it turned out for good).  Wow, what luck!  Taking that as a sign, we quickly unloaded our gear from the car and loaded up the canoe.  I changed the kids and I into our rain gear (just in case) and as we departed met a young kayaker by the name of Luc who was also heading to Pen for the weekend to hook up with some friends.  Luc was a bit faster to load and leave, as he had but a single pack to strap to the back of his solo kayak; something that I had never seen before. and so we ended up following him for much of our paddle.

Liam and Josh ready to Portage.

Our paddle was really nice, and the boys were a big help in getting us past Rose Island in under 30 minutes, as they were excited to be paddling again.  By 4:00 pm, as we passed Rose Island we spotted Luc unloading at the portage, and not questioning his sense of direction made the cardinal mistake of blindly following him.  To say this was no little mistake would be an understatement as that portage turned out to be the 2895 m portage to Lake Louisa rather then the brief 375 m path to Pen.  To make matters even worse, it wasn't until after about 15oo m that we caught up with Luc who by then was dragging his rented kayak that we decided we had made a wrong turn and turned back.  He  was very apologetic, but I had to take the blame, for it was me that while having stopped to take a picture of the portage sign at the portage, hadn't really bothered to read the sign itself.  (Look back at the last photo again, did you read it either?)

An end to an error's view.

Well, this put us about 2 hours behind, and approaching 6:00 pm.  As we left that ill fated portage (which by the way was mostly uphill and rocky) we finished the paddle along the southern narrows of Rock lake; what a fantastic part of the lake the narrows are!  

While the kids were still tired from the "1st portage" they were real troopers, and eagerly helped with the gear as we hiked to Pen Lake.  The portage was more a swamp, from the days downpour and took about an hour in total to exit the boat from Rock Lake and paddle off on Pen, as we doubled it.

Ready to take on the correct Portage.

Getting to Pen at about 7:00pm we were quick to depart, as we knew there was one site for us, just not which one it would be.  As such we had traveled the eastern shore of the lake in a southern direction, but also sticking to the shore line and each bay, to find the empty spot.  All the sites we spied were easy to recognize as filled (gotta love a brightly coloured canoe when hunting for an empty site) but also of a higher then average quality.  In the end as "Murphey's Law" would have it, the "end site" adjacent to the Dam between Pen and Clydegale Lake Portage was the site we got, to which we found at about 9:00 pm.  Unloading as the sun went down wasn't that fun, for while the rain had stopped and the wind died off, this meant mosquitos; and for the first time I felt the rathe they can be known for.  We were quick to get out of the rain gear and into the bug suites, followed by the fastest set up of camp on record, a brief meal, and then off to bed.

The following morning we woke early and had a light breakfast before we explored our site. We discovered the remains of what was a building of some sort (not on any of the maps thought) as well as a fantastic wild raspberry patch directly behind where we had set up our tent the night before.  The kids played while I lounged a bit, and then surprised me with a handful of wild blue berries and raspberries to add to the pancake brunch I had promised them for later in the day; mmmm camping pancakes, maple syrup and fresh berries.

Our Raspberry Patch.

After lunch the kids fished from the shores of our site, for the winds had picked up making fishing from the canoe awkward.  We were visited by Luc though along with a friend of his, to offer me a drink in exchange for the help I had given him the night before.  You see, we left the Pen dock before Luc, as he was tired from soloing.  Knowing that he was meeting friends I had asked any people we saw along the way to our site if they were waiting for Luc, and as luck would have it the people at the site next to us turned out to say yes.  Once finding his group of friends I had suggested they canoe out to give him a hand, as he was tiring (which they did) and hence the offer of a drink was made.  Tequila is not my poison though, so I declined, stating wine was all I could handle.  (God love tetra packed wine.)

Later that evening, having no luck with the fish, the boys and I enjoyed a spaghetti and meat balls dinner along with bread and desert.  Following that the wind settled down, and so we decided to explore a small island we had spied, the day before, directly adjacent to our site. The island while very small was beautiful and proved to be a good swimming spot.  

Josh casting an evening line.

Liam trying his luck on the island.

After a swim at the island, I enjoyed a glass of wine, while the boys tried some more fishing, as we enjoyed a beautiful sunset on Pen Lake.

Me enjoying the sunset from our little island.

Our wonderful sunset view.

By 9:00 pm it was time to return to our camp, where we enjoyed a warm fire, roasted marsh-mellows and a symphony that included the toads on base, and Loons on percussion; aaaah algonquin!

The following morning, we were early to rise, and after a quick oatmeal and power shake breakfast were off and packing up. I wanted an early start, as I wanted to show the boys the Pen-Rock rapids, the freshwater spring and pictographs on Jeffrey's Cliff. The boys were a great help in this, and within the hour we were off.

Josh and Liam about to board the canoe for home.

The paddle back along Pen was very calm that morning, and we even experienced some of that famous early morning lake missed that I'ver seen in so many photos.  As we paddled we passed Luc's site to say goodbye, and then made our was north on Pen.  The paddle was swift with the waveless waters, and we were amazed to learn how many of the sites were empty, where 2 days prior they were all so full.  Reaching the north end of Pen one is faced with two choices; option 1 go around the three small islands on the east side of the lake or option 2 try the narrow passages between the middle two islands.  Well we had come in via option 1 and was planning on doing so again in our exit, but as we approached the islands we spied several canoeist clearing the narrows with no trouble, and so we decided to make an attempt.  Ahhh how nice it was to replace several hundred paddles around an island with a few short strokes through it.  (For the record had I not seen others successfully canoed the rocky channel, I wouldn't have made an attempt.)

This brought us back to the Pen dock a bit earlier then expected, giving us plenty of time for site seeing along the rest our journey.

The Portage back to Rock Lake.

 "This will be a piece of cake Dad!"

Upon doing the Pen to Rock lake portage in about 30 minutes (again we doubled it) I decided to show the kids where "Real Spring Water" comes from, and what it tastes like.  Following the directions on Jeffrey M's Map I easily found the Spring that is immediately after the first boardwalk along the portage from Rock to Pen on the right hand side.  I followed what appeared to be a trail for several minutes, and while unable to find the board and pip to help in the filling of my bottle, had no trouble filling up our three water jugs with ice cold (and I mean ICE cold) clear, odorless fresh water.  Seeing as it was around 28 degrees out, it went down really well!

Spring Water anyone?

Following this we took the "left fork" along the portage back to Pen to visit the rapids between the two lakes. With all the rain we have been having, the rapids were still running strong. Surprisingly though, even though the portage was active with lots of campers, only a few seemed to take the time to visit such a beautiful site.

The Rock/Pen Lake rapids.

Liam & Josh enjoying the rapids (looking downstream.)

Josh, Dad and Liam enjoying the upper rapids (looking upstream.)

A final look at the rapids.

Following this, we headed out on Rock lake back to our original launch point, and laughed a bit as we passed our "detour portage" from two days ago.  The paddle was very easy until we approached the open waters of Rock Lake around Rose Island, where all three of us had to paddle hard to stay on course for Jeffrey's Cliffs.  

As we passed to open waters of Rock Lake and were sheltered by Rose Island, we were lucky enough to spot a female Loon and her two babies. (What do you call a baby Loon? a "Chick"?) The mother let us paddle very close, but never left her chicks side, and after a brief cry asking us to go, we paddled on, but not before capturing a quick shot.  Now all I need to see is a Loon giving her chicks a "piggy back ride."

A mother Loon and her two chicks.

Once we reached Jeffrey's Cliff, it took me a few minutes to find the pictographs that I had seen in my April trip to Rock, as well as a few others that would have been under the water in April while now with water levels down almost a foot, at the waters edge.  We were also able to canoe about 20 feet into one of the cliff caves just west of the pictographs, but turned back as the kids got a bit frightened.  Next time I'm swimming in though, as the cave is massive!

Liam excited about the deer pictograph.

For me showing the kids the rapids, cave and pictographs were my favorite parts of the trip, as it gave me the opportunity to show them first hand all the things that I had told them about seeing back in April, and had spent countless hours planning on visiting back through the cold and snowy months of February and March this past winter. As well, it gave me time to reflect on my past 7 trips to the park this year, and how blessed I am to have had the opportunity to see not only so much of the park, but to share in these experiences with my kids and the many new friends I've since made from Algonquin Adventures (some in fact from Rose Island, which was a mere 250 meters away, as I pondered my fortunes so far this summer.)

After that we finished our paddle back to the car and headed to Canoe Lake for lunch and ice cream (a new tradition I have made with the boys; Moose Tracks is my favorite.) Following lunch we feaded along Hw. 60 and spotted lots of cars on the side of the road, and so too had to stop and investigate. We were glade we did, as we were treated by seeing a magnificent Bull Moose having lunch in an adjacent bog.

A road side Bull Moose.

After a few photos we were off and running, but not until I turned in my loaner green Kevlar 15" Prospector for my new red 15" Ultra Lite Prospector which weighed in at just under 44 pounds! Ahh what a difference from the loaners 58 pounds! If that wasn't enough, the weight included the front and rear skid plates that they installed for me at no extra charge!

Now, with all my gear back and in its rightful place, all I can do is plan for my next trip which is between heading to Booth Lake for some history or St. Andrews Lake for some "water sliding." 

So tell me .... Which would you pick?

Pog Lake Campground: km 36.9

It was back in February when my missing of the park came into full force last winter. Being keen on returning to the park, and knowing that 5 months was the earliest that a booking could be made for reserving a campground spot, I started watching the Ontario Parks website to get a feel for the demand on sites (wow, is it high in some areas). You see, during my reunion with the park, which happened last year at Pog Lake, I had promised my kids we would return to Pog the following year, and I was not going to let them down.

As such, each night at midnight starting on the 3rd, I would monitor the bookings of my favorite site, in hopes of acquiring it for the start of July. After 3 nights, the site came up, but it was booked but a mere moment earlier, leaving me to have to wait till 5 months prior to their departure date; the date the site would open up again for booking. As it would be, the booking was for a week, and so at midnight the following week, I logged into my Ontario Parks account, and scored the prize; a weeks stay at Pog Lake at site 435; the BEST site on Pog Lake!

It was after I booked the site that my participation on Algonquin Adventures (AA) really began to increase, as I found it therapeutic to read about others adventures in the interior, as well as about people’s general love of the park. It was then that came to know many of the people on AA, and found a refuge from my winter blues.
As winter passed and spring came, my energies were shifted to the Park’s interior, as it “open’s” earlier then the parks camping grounds. During the months of April and May, I would make 5 trips into Algonquin, and while each was short in duration, was rich in experience.

Liam & Josh along Hw. 60 Moose watching

Then came June, and the end of another school year, and finally July, and a mere week till my big tip with my boys to Pog. In hearing about my plans, my mother became more and more interested in the trip, and it was then that I invited her along. While I had initially thought she would stay for part of the trip, as 7 days seemed a bit long for her, she ended up being with us the entire trip, adding to not only my enjoyment of the park, but enriching my children’s experiences as well.

On Sunday July 6th, 2008 at about 12-noon, we left my home in two cars, filled not only with the necessary gear, but loads of anticipation for the week to come. After about a 4 and a half hour journey, which included stops in Huntsville for groceries, and gas as well as checking in Dwight to see if my canoe was ready at Langford (it wasn’t, so I kept my loaner for the week), and a final stop for ice cream at the Lake of Two Rivers Ice Cream Parlor (very good ice cream by the way) we arrived at Pog Lake, and began our trip.

Our first order of business was setting up our site, which included assembling my Columbian Bugaboo 5 person tent and sleeping gear, as well as a new addition to my gear collection, a 15”x13” Ozark Trail bug tent for the “kitchen” of our camp. In all, it took a few hours to do this, as I enjoyed a beverages or two along the way, and so following a dinner of hamburgers and walk around the camp, we were off to bed.

The following day we woke fairly early, and after our coffee and breakfast, we decided to tackle the Beaver Pond Trial at km 45.2 along the highway 60 corridor. The hike is 2 km long, and brings visitors past several beaver dams. The hike is moderate in difficulty, and took us about 2 hours to hike.

Liam, Josh & Mom at start of Beaver Dam Trail

Along the way we saw three beavers, a cow moose with her two calves, a blue heron and lots of frogs. Towards the end of the hike the path took us to the top of a nice lookout point of the marshes and dams we had just visited. In short, a great hike.

Dad & Liam have a "Beaver Snack"

Liam & Josh at Beaver Lookout Point

Large Beaver Dam

Following that we had a late lunch and the boys and me paddled up the Madawaska River into Pog Lake and explored the campground by water. It was there that I spotted three Painted Turtles, and I finally came to see turtles in the park! (Later in the week we would also find a snapping turtle in our bay that was particularlu interested in the kids fishing bobbers). We also stayed up late that night for at 9:00 pm we all went to the parks Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4), where we were entertained with “Ghost Stories of Canoe Lake.”  

Ghost Stories Play

This hour long play tells the tails of many of the key figures in the history of Canoe Lake, including the parks first warden as well as Tom Thompson. Incidentally, the next showing of the “Ghost Stories of Canoe Lake” is Monday, July 21st, 2008. See “This Week in Algonquin Park” for this other events in the park.

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2008, we woke a little late, as the kids had been up so late the previous evening. After a light breakfast of oatmeal, toast, coffee and juice (the kids skipped the coffee) we potted around our site, acquired some ice and wood from the park office, and enjoyed an otherwise restful morning. After an early lunch though, we decided to travel down the Madawaska River to Whitefish Lake for an afternoon of fishing.

Mom, Liam & Josh canoeing along the Madawaska River

Since our site is directly adjacent to one of the small inlets along the Madawaska River, we were able to launch from our site. After a brief paddle along the river we reached the only portage of the day, a very short 50 m detour around a dam. This took no more then 10 minutes, and we were back paddling the river. The Madawaska River in this part of the park is wide and fairly deep. It boasts a wonderful shoreline inhabited by lots of wild life including several blue herons. In fact, we found what we believed might be the nest of one of the birds, while we played “tag” with as we paddled down the river. After about half an hour we reached Kearney Lake and group campground. It was as we entered the lake that the boys were allowed to cast there fishing rods, and fish, while my mother and I continued to paddle. We continued our journey for about another 45 minutes, reaching the opening of Whitefish Lake about an hour and a half after our launch. Unfortunately it also started to rain as we entered the lake, and having my mother and two children as passengers, decided to turn around and head back. This proved a wise decision, for the rain quickly increased to a down pour and continued to fall for well over an hour. Ironically, it was as we were crossing back over the portage that the rain stopped, but being drenched we were glad to be back near our campsite.

It was after this rainfall that I put up a tarp over our fire pit area, in the event of further rain during our stay. That evening we enjoyed a great dinner and campfire and stayed up late chatting about the day’s events and our plans for the next few days.

On Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 we slept in and after breakfast and morning paddle with my youngest son Liam, my mother informed us that she was a bit tired and would stay at camp for the day. While hesitant to leave her, the boys and me ended up taking on Booth’s Rock Trail adjacent to the Rock Lake Campground located 9 km south from km 40.3.  

Liam & Josh at start of Booth's Rock Trail

The trail is 5.1 km long and rated as difficult. In all, the trail took us about 4 hours to hike, as we took an extended cliff side break to take in the breath taking views at the top of a 150 m cliff at points 7 & 8 along the trial.  

Breathtaking view atop Rock Lark Lookout

As well, we spent a fair amount of time exploring the Barclay Estate near the end of the hike, which proved to be not only historically very interesting; who would have thought a tennis court in the middle of a forest? (which is still in working condition by the way; just bring a broom) but also the home of countless tree frogs (my kids loved them and while they wanted to bring some home as pets, behaved and left them in the forest).  

Josh & Liam with Tree Frog

Simply put, this trail is a MUST see, and one I will visit again and again!

Returning to our site after a long hike, we rested, had dinner, and enjoyed a nice evening by the fire. An added bonus was to learn that my mother had done the laundry while we were out, and so the boys would have plenty of clean cloths for the duration of the trip! Thanks Mom, you’re the best! Unfortunately though it was as we finished cooking dinner that we learned that the fuel supplies were running low, and needed replenishing fast!

The following morning, on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 we woke early and after a cold breakfast were off in search of more camp fuel. The Portage Store didn’t have any, nor did the Lake of Two Rivers Store. It was at the Lake of Two Rivers Store that we learned that selling Non refillable Propane Tanks was not aloud in Algonquin (a good policy I think) as so many people continue to leave them behind at the garbage locations rather then bringing them home to a local hazardous waste site. I was then told to go to Whitney, where I was sure to find some. The drive was only about 20 minutes, and sure enough I scored two canisters (my last two ever, as I have switched to a mini-refillable propane tank, which I also learned could be traded in at Mew Lake for a full one once emptied) While in Whitney we stopped in at the LCBO for a few 1-liter boxes of wine. (I know wine bottles are allowed in campsites, but I’ve gotten used to the boxes after my many interior trips.)

On the way back, we stopped briefly at the Logging museum store where I picked up the kids their hiking badges for Beaver Pond Trail and Booth’s Rock Trail, a tradition I also started last year.

Following our return, and the acquisition of some more water and ice, me and the boys spent the afternoon fishing both Pog and the Madawaska River. While we caught nothing, the kids had a great time trying, and wanted to do it again the following day.

Fishing with Josh & Liam

That night an all night rainfall visited us, and so Mom and the kids headed to bed early. I however loving the sound of the rain in the woods, chose to enjoy the evening under the kitchen bug net while sipping my boxed wine and reading. I didn’t venture to bed until well after 2:00 am, as the rain continued to fall.

Friday, July 11th, 2008 was spent drying the campsite, taking down the tarps, relaxing and fishing. Since this would be our last night on Pog, we started gathering up and packing gear we would no longer be using to make the next days job a bit easier. We all went out for a paddle that afternoon, so the boys could fish some more, while my Mom and I enjoyed the hot sun of the day. That evening we ventured to the Canoe Lake Access Point restaurant for dinner, where we feasted and didn’t have to do “cold” dishes after.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and the following morning we were up bright and early to pack up the camp. Since we had till 2:00 pm at our site, we were leisurely in this job, but efficient nonetheless. We were finished by 1:00 pm, and after a stop at the comfort station for hot showers, and the office to say our good byes to the helpful front office staff, we were off heading home.

In all, the trip was fantastic, and while next years trip to Pog will be shorter, as I want to spend more time in the interior now, we will be back next year for another stay at this wonderful campground.

As way of thanks, I must mention that the staff at Pog were absolutely fantastic! In particular I want to note what an unexpected pleasure it was to see Wanda, a Park Staff member from Canisbay Lake Campground that I met last year in the fall. Like last year Wanda always had a smile on her face, and an answer to my seemingly endless array of questions. If you are going to Pog this summer, be sure to say hi to her for Jeff, for she is the best, and someone I am happy to consider a friend at Algonquin. In fact, she’s so smart, that she knew why worms are not considered “Live Bate” in the park, and hence allowed, but I’ll leave her to answer that question herself.

Dad, Wanda, Liam & Josh say goodbye for now.

So for now, I am left with wonderful memories, and an eager anticipation of my next trip to the park. Next time will be later this week, when I plan on taking a 3-night solo likely to Booth Lake via access #17, but I’ll write more once my plans are finalized!

Cedar Lake, Access Point 27; 4 Day Trip

With another academic year having come and gone, it was time to celebrate the start of my summer vacation with a brief trip to Cedar Lake, located in the northern region of Algonquin Park. While Cedar Lake was not on my "to do" list for this year, a few weeks back I had been invited by long time AA member Markus to meet up with him and some other AA'ers on the tail en of a ten day trip several folks were attending and so in the spirit of seeing some AA friends, as well as visiting a "new" part of the park for me, the destination spot to start my summer was set.

Deciding to leave directly from work I was able to leave Toronto at 12:30 pm.  The drive was fast, as the highways were empty, and I was in Dwight to pick up my loaner canoe at 2:45.  After selecting my boat for the trip, I ended up going with a green Langford Kevlar 15" Prospector, I was off and back on the road north by 3:00.  After about another 4 hours of driving (which also included stopping for gas and dinner, as well as two bags of ice to cool some beverages for awaiting fellow AA'ers) I arrived at the permit office, only to learn that the office closed at 5:00 pm on Mondays through Thursdays.

 Cedar Lake Permit Office.

This left me with a conundrum.  Do I (A) ignore the fact that I don't have a permit, and drive the 40 km to Cedar Lake, and then the 6  km paddle to the meeting spot, (B) Return to the nearest town and stay in a hotel, and continue the trip the next morning or (C) Drive to Cedar Lake in the hopes of acquiring a "first-come-first-serve" site, and return to the permit office the next morning.  Seeing as I had already driven on highways for about 6 hours, and not wanting to do any more, option (B) was quickly ruled out.  As such, I headed down the well maintained dirt road to Cedar Lake.  Arriving at the dock at 7:30 pm, and not knowing how long the paddle to the site would take, I decided to take the first-come-first-served site, and stayed the night at the Brent Campground.  After checking in with the grounds "host" for permission, setting up a mini camp, a walk around the grounds, including a visit to the "famous" Brent Store and a few cold ones (why waste the ice) I was off to bed.

The Brent "Central Business District: The Brent Store."

The next morning I was awake by 7:00 am.  Having noted the night before that the office didn't open until 9:00 am, I decided to sleep an hour longer, only to awaken at 10:45 (not a bad hour eah?!?!?)  After a quick meal, I drove to the office to acquire my permit.  Along the drive back I stopped at the Brent Crater Lookout and Trail, took some shots of the Crater and acquired a trail guide, hence returning to my campsite at about 11:30.  (Remember the dirt road is 40 km, and while well maintained this year, still a 40 minute drive each way.)

Brent Crater Lookout Point.

Brent Crater Plaque (click to read.)

View of the Crater from the Lookout. (The shadowed area is the far edge of the crater.)

Interestingly enough, it was as I slept in that fellow AA'er "Sean of Ajax" took off from the dock at Cedar Lake and as I packed my mini site that "Jim C" exited the water at the same spot.  I would later meet Sean, but unfortunately did not get a chance to meet Jim; next time for sure!

By about 12:30 I was packed and my canoe loaded and ready to go at the launch point at the Brent campground.  As the day was a bit windy, and being my first time on Cedar Lake, I stuck to the shore, as I made my way north east to the beach island site where I would meet up with Markus and Sean.

Cedar Lake area map.

The paddle in was wonderful, as the sun was out in full force.  Normally I paddle with my lifejacket on, but decided that since I was sticking to the shore line the whole way, that I would enjoy the sun to its fullest and work on my tan.  Along the way, I passed the Brent Store, and Ranger's Cabin (a former Deputy HQ), some rally nice beach areas, several beautiful mini islands and lots of fantastic shore line; in short I saw why Cedar is an AA favorite.  After about an hour and a half I arrived at my to be home for two nights.  Markus and Sean were out for the afternoon fishing, but left me a sign, literally, in the form of an AA t-shirt mounted on a camera stand.  Knowing I was at the right spot, I set up my tent and gear, hung my food and relaxed on the beach that the site boasted, as I enjoyed a cold one in the sand.  (Before I left for the site, I got a chunk of solid ice at the Brent Store that ended up lasting the weekend).  

By around 5:oo pm or so, Markus and Sean arrived back for the day, and we chatted about their days fishing excursion (Sean had thrown back his first catch, as it was caught on his first cast; something he later would regret.  Together with some "ones that got away" they returned with no fish, but a good time none the less,) while I explained why I had arrived a day late. As we chatted we practiced our "tarpology" skills, as we put up three large tarps around the fire pit and cooking areas in the event of rain.  That evening Sean treated us with burgers on the grill, while I provided cold pasta salad and beer. We chatted until about midnight by the campfire, and then retired for the night.

Our site's beach.

The following morning we woke to rain, and so while Markus and Sean chose to explore and fish some more, I decided to wait out the rain a bit and then try my luck on the lake.  In the end I waited about two hours, and during that time read my "Brent Crater Trail" guide, made some lunch and went for a long swim. 

Later that day I explored the various islands surrounding our island, as well as trecked back to the Brent Store for some extra supplies.  This time I took the direct path across Cedar, which shortened my trip to about 40 minutes each way.  Once I returned, I tried to paddle around the island we were on, but had to turn around half way because of high winds, and the return of some rain.

The islands around our Site.

Later that day I returned to camp to enjoy a second swim, as the sun had come out a bit, and by around 6:00 was rejoined by a soaked Sean and drenched Markus.  While wet, they had had a nice day, as we chatted and prepared a dinner of rice and Pork curtsy of Sean. After dinner Sean and Markus tried their luck at fishing around the camp, while I explored the bogs of the island across from our site.  It was as we all returned that I learned that Sean and Markus had spotted a mother moose and her new born calf in the same area that I had traveled after dinner.  While I had no luck at spotting them, I did see my fair share of frogs.

The islands where Mom and calf were spotted; view from our site.

That night was fairly early, and by 10:00 we were off to bed.  Prior to ending the day though, we betted on the nights weather, as the clouds above were dark and traveling in, it seemed, every direction.  While Sean and I thought we would miss the rain, Markus felt a storm was brewing. It wasn't until midnight that we would learn that Markus was correct, as I was awaken to gail force winds, heavy rain and some incredible loud thunder and lightning.  While short, the storm left be preying it be over, as I'm not ashamed  to admit that its quick approach and extreme intensity had me wondering if  "we weren't in Algonquin anymore." 

The next morning when I woke, I was convinced I would find our camp in a mess.  While the winds had died down, they were still around, and to my surprise the camp was intact, and we had all survived the nights storm warm and dry.  While in no real hurry, as this was our last day, we knew it was time to pack up camp, and head back to the access point.  As we loaded Sean discovered the hard way one of the largest spiders I've seen in the park.  

Now that's a spider.

While the initial plan was to pack up and paddle to the access point, unload and then continue for the day to the Petawawa rapids, after a pretty hard paddle in, we decided to stay put and explore the rapids next time.  We all took our time packing up, but after about an hour had finished the task and were ready to depart.  Sean wanted to visit the Brent store before leaving, so Markus and he went one way, while I having visited twice already, headed another.

All in all the trip while, wet at times (because of rain) and frustrating at others (due to timing) was fantastic (because of the scenery and company.)  Cedar Lake left me wanting to see more, and I will likely return for years to come.  I would like to see the Petawaw Rapids, and look for the cross marked for A. Corbeil, 1888 as well as portage to (and camp on) Gilmour Lake via the Brent Crater Trial and Tecumseh Lake.  Then of course I'd like to try the Cedar-Little Cedar-Bug-Ironwood-Carl Wilson-Little Cauchen-Laurel-Aura Lee-Little Cedar-Cedar loop trip.  

In short, Algonquin's second largest lake Cedar is a fantastic destination. While motor boats are permitted on the lake, I heard nor saw any my whole trip on the lake.  The area is quiet and peaceful, and the locals I met really nice.  The water was warm for swimming in late June, and the bugs not all that bad.  To quote Markus in regards to the bugs "I found by the end of the weekend, the blackflies were all but finally gone(whew!), and the skeeters could be fierce at times. Deerflies, horsefliess, and those darn stable flies are all out. "  In fact, I'd go a step further. While the above mentioned bugs were annoying at times, and I did get a few bites, they were no where nearly as bad as I had expected. Not once did I put my bug gear on, and after the first day on the lake, all I used was "Off Skin Tastic" which was just fine at keeping the bugs away from me. (We did have a wind though much of the time which obviously helped). The worst times were under the tarps, where, protected by the wind, the skeeters seemed to flourish.

Simply put, It's worth the drive to Cedar Lake!