Algonquin Adventures-"Park Opener" Rock Lake, Spring 2008

In Rock Lake, Out Rock Lake (Paddle access campsite on Rose Island)

Wow ... to start off, I will say that this past weekend couldn't have been better! In the scope of 3 days and 2 nights, I was able to, pick up my brand new 15" Langford Prospector, give it a test paddle, get back into Algonquin park, camp at Rock Lake on Rose Island, see Native Pictographs, out paddle a mean wind (barely mind you), meet some wonderful Algonquin Adventure people, and make what I hope will become long time friends.

It all started off back in January, when I started "shadowing" Algonquin Adventures, in an attempt to ward off the winter blues. For 2 months I read, posting nothing, until finally I came across something that got me going; a spring trip back into the park. Having been reading, the forums for some time, I had gotten a feel for who was on it, and I decided to place a post. To my initial surprise, I found that people were incredible quick to respond, and very open to having new people join in the discussions. After a few weeks of participation, and knowing I was interested in going on the AA Opener trip, I asked if "Newcomers would be welcomed," to which I got a unanimous yes.

Well, to say that got me kicked into high gear would be an understatement, as I adamantly went about checking what gear I had that was appropriate, and what I would need to acquire. I learned everything I could about the Rock Lake, where the trip was to be held, and became addicted to watching the ice conditions over the past four weeks. In short, I was like a kid in a candy store, only my candy, while not sweet, was just as wonderful.

I left Toronto Thursday afternoon, and headed to the park, arriving at the West gates just after 5:00pm. I knew I wouldn't be staying there that night, but with the Rock Lake reportedly still frozen, I decided to take a look for myself prior to picking up my canoe at Langford.

Along the highway 60 corridor, I saw 13 moose, a beaver and a wild turkey; in short the animals were out in droves. I've been told that the highway corridor is moose and deer central in the spring as they are attracted to the left over road salt after the melting of the snow and ice, and this proved to be an understatement!

Upon reaching access point #9, I knew it would be fine, as clear water flowed down the Madawaska River on what was a beautiful evening back at the park. When I reached Rock Lake, I wished that I had already picked up my canoe, as I was ready and able to start my journey to Rose Island, but that would have to wait till the next morning. Satisfied in knowing the water conditions, I returned to my families cottage, where I spent the night.

That night I think I slept a total of maybe an hour, as my mind couldn't stop thinking about having been back in the park, and that in a few short hours I would be getting my very first canoe. As such, I was up by 7:00, and out the door at just past 8:00. I stopped in Huntsville for breakfast, and was at the Langford head office in Dwight by quarter to ten. Seeing my baby for the first time brought quite the grin on my face, as my heart sped up, and my eyes gleamed with satisfaction. The canoe was perfect, and I knew it would be a joy to paddle. Upon taking ownership I asked its weight, and after a few minutes of balancing it on a scale, learned it weighed in at a mere 46 pounds. I was very happy, but the Langford people were sorry it was over their 42-44 pound estimate for my canoe, and gave me free car straps and a full year day seasons pass to any Provincial Park I wanted to visit for the next 365 days!

After learning how to properly tie down the canoe to my car, I was off and running. This was the first time I had driven my car with a canoe on it so I was a bit nervous at first, but it stayed in place perfectly, as I enjoyed my drive back to Rock Lake.

I arrived at access point 9 in great time, and after a quick detaching of the canoe, and loading of my gear, I was off and enjoying every minute of the paddle. From Access Point 9 you journey down a short portion of the Madawaska River, where the Pines of the region smelt absolutely wonderful, reinforcing that the beauties of the park are not always seen but smelt.

The Paddle to Rose Island while short was a great experience, as it gave me the opportunity to get my first feel of my canoe on the open waters. Since it was a bit breezy that day, I stayed close to the west shores of the lake, where I was protected from much of the wind, and only had to keep the boat on coarse through some periods of waves. For those who have never been to Rock Lake, it offers wonderful scenery of mixed forests, high cliffs, interesting rock formations, a view of Booth's Rock Trail, as well as several historical sites. My mind was primarily on my new ride, but I must admit that the sights and sounds of the park took a close second as I paddled. Surprisingly enough, I was met at the opening to the main portion of the lake by a flying military plain that I swear passed the tops of the forest by a few mere meters, as it dove towards I can only assume, the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa on the north-eastern boundaries of the park.

Just as I was about to reach Rose Island, I was also greeted by another flying object, this time a Loon landing near by, as it offered it's familiar cry and another sound that I had missed this past winter.

As I paddled closer to the Rose Island campsite that would be my home for the next two days, I was greeted by long time Algonquin Adventures members Markus, Stainless and Jeffrey M. All were very inviting to me, and offered up the last tent spot to me. While a bit nervous at first, as I was meeting them for the first time, they all offered a hand in unloading my canoe, as we chatted a bit about my new canoe, being back in the park, and the other usual camp chat. In short, I was made to feel right at home, and I new that my fears about joining in the trip while natural were also unfounded.

Later that afternoon, after setting up my tent and gear, we were joined by Paddlin (also known as Dave and Jeanine), as well as Bo Knows and Shelia shortly there after. Since the site I was on had the three-tent limit, Dave, Jeanine, Bo and Shelia occupied the "site next door" that was accessible by a short path along the shore of the island.

That evening we had on and off rainfall, but under the tarps that surrounded our campfire we stayed dry and warm, as we enjoyed a dinner and good conversation. Later that evening we were visited by another AA member, "The Sweedish Pimple," which I later learned was also the name of a fishing lore. By midnight it was lights out, but I didn't sleep much, as we encountered long, distant and gentle thunder storms throughout the area; the type that you'd expect in the summer months, and not this early in the year, the type that offer long booms of thunder follower by the occasional flash of a light show.

The next day, I enjoyed the solitude of the camp, as the others ventured to either near by Pen Lake or "Bo's secrete lake." For me, it was the first time in about four years that I was totally alone, and I let the afternoon pass by as it would, as I enjoyed the solitude of my surroundings. I did venture off later in the afternoon to the adjacent historic site of the Jefferies Cliff, where after about an hour of searching I was able to spot a few native pictographs. The etchings I saw are thought to have been drawn by the neighboring Ojibwa tribe's members in and around the 1600's. I'm told these pictographs were the result of "vision quests" that the tribes members wound partake in as they entered into adulthood.

Towards the end of my paddle, the rain started up, so I returned to camp, to find that the first of the Pen Lake ventures, Stainless, had returned as well. We chatted a bit, and he promised to give me some pointers on my "J-stroke" (So if you're reading this Stainless, know that I'm anxious for a tutoring session in the near future.)

Everyone else returned within a few hours, and I was surprised to learn that Bo had caught enough Speckled Trout for everyone, while Dave also was rewarded with his efforts, with the catch of a nice Speckled as well. With the rain stopped, and the wind dying down, I decided to take another evening paddle, this time to the shores south of Rose Island, where I saw a fantastic series of melt water waterfalls; of which I could hear from camp that afternoon as I was enjoying my "quiet time" in the park. On my way back though the winds picked up, and even with my up wind launch point across the lake back to Rose Island, I was pulled a long way down wind, just managing to make it to the tip of the island, where I rested prior to finishing the paddle back to our site. I must thank both Markus, on foot and Bo on boat, for coming out and checking up on me, it was much appreciated, as I could have just as easily ended up missing the island, ending up on the far side of the lake. It's nice to know that everyone was out to have a good time, but also to keep each other's back safe.

That evening we gathered at the neighboring site where Bo, Shelia, Dave and Jeanine camped, and enjoyed a wonderful communal feast including the days catch, as well as an assortment of nice beverages. The weather cooled considerably, with the stronger wind off the lake, but despite the chill, we managed to have a great evening. In fact, Algonquin trivia became the focus of much of the evenings conversation, where I learned that Bo and Jeffrey, know pretty much every thing about the park that you could ever dream of knowing. To say I felt a bit out of my league would be an understatement, but I was informed that given a few years, it would be flowing from me, just as easily. Never the less, I pulled out my Canoe Routes Map so that I could picture at least where in the park the adventures told had taken pace.

The next morning we all packed up, and returned to the access point where we had embarked on our journey. While the wind was still heavy, it pushed me in the right direction this time, making my paddle more of a sail, as I returned to my awaiting car. While everyone arrived back at varying times, we all seemed to procrastinate the inevitable car ride home, as the conversations picked up again, and we continued to exchanged our summer plans for the park, it was obvious that while satisfied with our short trip we would have liked it have been a bit longer.

Alas all good things do pass, but with the end of one good trip comes the anticipation of the next. As I returned out of the park I was treated to 7 more Moose, and a single deer, a first in the park for me. As I drove home with my canoe on the roof, I grinned as I reflected back on the past weekend that I had so thouroughly enjoyed. While the acquisition of my new canoe was fantastic and being back at the park great, I can honestly say that the people I met were the best parts of the trip. Everyone was so warm, welcoming, exciting and fun to be around. People took each other for who they were, and simply embraced the moment and company that was there to enjoy. This is a type pf experience that I have missed since moving into the suburbs a few years back, but one that I know I can look forward to revisiting the next time I venture back into the park. To Bo, Shelia, Dave, Jeanine, Mark, and especially Jeffrey and Markus, thank you for making the "newbie" feel so welcomed, and know that with the coming summer months, and trips being planning, that I'll be back and until then anxiously await the next Algonquin Adventures gathering, and the growth of new friendships.

April 22nd Ice Report

For all those as excited as myself about getting to Rock Lake on Friday, I come bearing good, no make that GREAT news. According to today's NOAA Coast Guard satellite images, it appears that Rock became free of any major ice fields today!!!!! Please note that while much of the satellite photos are blocked by low hanging clouds, hence limiting my ability to point out other major lakes in Algonquin Park, Rock Lake is distinctive enough to point it out and identify as being coloured a dark blue (suggesting water) as opposed to the previous shades of white and grey (meaning ice and snow).

While I am still waiting for the Friends of Algonquin's official Ice report to be made, which is to be based on an arial survey of the Park they took this morning (April 22nd), I'm sure they will be reporting the same, so Rock Lake here I come!

As way of an update on my preparations for the trip, I have gathered all the necessary gear, and am now in the process of cutting it in half, so as to have everything fit nicely in my pack. Ok, I'm lying a bit, MOST of my gear will fit, leaving some of the more luxurious items, like a folding arm chair, to a second bag. Since I wont be portaging for this trip, I feel I can afford a bit more gear, if only in the name of comfort.

Here's to a great rest of the week everyone!

As always weather and trend forcasts can be found at, Algonquin weather and 14 day trend forecasts.

April 17th Ice Report

Wow, now we're talking! Obviously ice is on a lot of people's mind, as my blog hit the 100 mark for a single day, 16 hours after I posted my last ice update up yesterday; a record for me!!! What amazed me was that I had visits from literally around the globe, proving to me that Algonquin Park is not only loved by us Canadians, but people around from the world! I'll remember that the next time I'm driving north from Toronto to the park and thinking to myself' "man what a long drive this seems," for in comparison to say Brazil or China, that seems like a short hike.

As way of a quick update, the snow has retreated about another 80 km north today, and after a conversation with a friend that works in Dwight, which is located just west of the parks west gate, I was notified that the majority of the snow was gone, and that parts of some of the larger lakes in the area were staring to open with "holes" in the ice; specifically mentioned in my conversation were Lake Opeongo, Cedar Lake and Lake of Bays. In fact one guy was even spotted paddling along the shores of Lake of Bays, (very close to shore mind you, where the ice was retreating a bit faster.)

Please don't think for a moment that the conditions are like Southern Ontario, where in Toronto the grass is starting to green, and perennials have in some cases produces leaves, as it is not, but do note that the Algonquin region is well on its way to getting there.

As such, for all those traveling north, now more then ever STAY OFF THE ICE, as it is thinning rather quickly, but also unevenly. In part I'm told these spots of "open water" and "thin ice" are as a result of the recent rainfalls that the area has endured. This is because the raising water levels can literally shift, lift and "push upward" areas of ice rather then a simple melting them off. In effect this leaves some regions with little of no ice, but others with thick and "chunky" ridges of ice buildups. Please note that I am by no means a meteorologist, and I don't fully understand the science behind lake thawing, so my explanation, while simple, is meant to illustrate the dangers of being on the ice in the spring, rather then providing a lesson in physics.

As well, as way of explaining the photo a bit more, when comparing yesterdays shot (which was taken on April 15th, with todays image, that was taken April 17th) if you compare the shading on almost every lake, you'll notice that the colour has changed from white to a duller grey; in short that means less ice, more slush, and a thawing of the lakes. As an obvious example to illustrate this consider Lake Simcoe, located an hour north of Toronto. On the 15th it was 95% white, and hence ice covered while in today's photo, it is now about 50% blue (ice free) with only the norther regions grey, meaning ice covered.

On a personal note, the melt is keeping my spirits high, as it is now looking like Rose Island will definitely be accessible via canoe from access point 9 making for a short paddle to the island site I hope to acquire for the park opener.

Again I will post updates as I can, and note that when Rock Lake appears "open" I think I'll have to open some bubbly.

Note: the photos are from NOAA Coast Watch and you can get the latest weather and 14 day trend predictions using these links.

April 16th Ice Report

Wow .... What a difference 20 degrees Celsius can make. For the last few days, I have been anxiously watching satellite photos, map web sites from various map service providers, ariel photos of Algonquin, even NASA images; anything I could get my hands on to get a clear idea of the melt down of the snow and ice, as we count down to the Algonquin Park Opening Weekend. Well, today was the day that I saw first hand, real and yes strong evidence suggesting that Rock Lake should be ice free for the 25th, and boy, I couldn't be happier then a little boy, as he opened his eyes to Christmas morning!

First off I should note that the images I've been examining are from NOAA Coast Watch and second I should thank a friend, and Algonquin guru, for reminding me of the site where I attained the images that I have been examining; namely Markus, of Mark in the Park.

I've annotated the photo with some key reference lakes, but the most exciting part is not that Rock Lake is ice free, as it is not YET, but rather that the southern most extent of the "snow and ice" boundary of the province has retreated north by a good 50-75 Km in the last 48 hours, and that the intensity of the ice colouring has muted from a solid white to a much duller grey (which from a photographic point of view means thinner ice, and more slush.) That along with the fact that several major lakes such as Simco, Balsma and Catchacoma are now showing small open areas on them (small yes but growing, as some were not present yesterday) clearly show that the number of days the "ice" has is limited!

Combining that with the long range forcast, and I'm betting on paddling to Rose Island on the 25th, and not having to stay at the Rock Lake campground. See the Weather Forecast and 14 Day Trend; They both look GREAT!

YEAHHHHH!!!!! What a thrill.

I will update my post again in a few days, and place updated Ariel shots as well, so stay tuned. In the mean time though, its shopping this week for supplies, packing till next Wednesday, and then off I go on Thursday :)

To view the image I would suggest downloading it (it is about 7.6 MB) and view it in an application, that you can easily zoom in with, such as Photoshop, Acrobat or Preview. Enjoy; I know I did!

The Next Best Thing

Having to cancel our Algonquin Trip this weekend, due to poor weather, the kids and I decided we'd do the next best thing. What did we end up doing, you might be wondering, well we "camped inside."

Seeing as I have a new tent, and we weren't going to use it in Algonquin Park like we had planned, we decided to set it up in the basement, pull out the sleeping bags and mattresses, and have our selves a good old fashion sleeping party in the tent.

Being a lite weight 3 person tent, the Marmit Limelight 3p provided us with less space then we have been accustomed in our Columbian 5 person Bugaboo, but with a little creativity in terms of the floor plan, we managed to sleep quite comfortably.

The tent set up in no time, and was easier to assemble then any other tent I have put together before. Inside it is equipped with several wall pockets for gear, as well as a "roof cargo area." The kids were excited, and even got to use their new miners head flashlights lights, that I had gotten them the week before. We all slept well, and for a moment, when I first awoke, I almost believed we were back at the park. The room was dim, with limited light shining through the basement windows. The slight glare was enough though to light the walls of the tent the way the sun does as it first rises in the morning, creating the allusion of being in the outdoors. We even heard the birds chirping, which added to the ambiance, but even so, I was quick to remember that we were in the basement, and not on the shore of some lake in Algonquin Park.

In any case, it was a nice change of pace for me and the kids, and a reminder of things to come later in the spring. With the Algonquin Adventures Park Opener at Rock lake but two weeks away, I can only hope the weather improves fast, and opens up Rock Lake soon. While I'm unsure of the effects of the ice/rain/snow storm that occurred this past weekend, as I don't know if it means there is now more snow to melt, or if it means that some of the ice and snow was melted by the precipitation, I do know that I am longing to return to the park, and so will keep my thoughts positive and assume the latter.

So here's to warmer weather, sunny skies and a melt like we have never had before. But two weeks ago my back yard was buried under over two feet of snow, and it melted in less time, so the opener may still have a chance! I just wish that ice melted faster then snow, rather then the other way around.

A note on the Photo:  I came across this photo on the net last year, and absolutely loved it.  While I have long since forgotten the site it was found on, I would like it known that in posting it, I am in no way attempting to suggest that I took it, rather I am assuming the photographer’s permission in publishing it here.  If the person responsible would like it removed, I ask that they contact me, and I will sadly do so.  If anyone knows who the photographer is, would you please post their contact information hear, as I would love to see more of their work.  I do remember that the image was taken at Canisbay Lake in Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Park Spring Trip Revisions

After much deliberation in several Algonquin Adventures Forums, it was decided that for the comfort, ease of travel, varying experience levels, and desire for the event to be fun, safe and rewarding to all participants the Spring Venue be moved from Galeairy Lake to Rose Island on Rock Lake.

While I was excited to visit Galeairy Lake we got several warnings of strong currents out of the narrows of Rock Lake that lead into Galeairy Lake making the paddle into camp difficult from either direction. In addition with the numbers of people joining the Opener, at last count there were 14, the number of sites was just not sufficient. To ease everyone's minds, and to also have the best chances of an ice free lake, Rock Lake was chosen, as it is traditionally one of the first lakes to fully melt, and hence be able to paddle in, in late April in Algonquin Park.

I have wanted to go to Rose Island since last fall when I first learned it had excellent "Kid Friendly" sites; especially the south-west one, which offers a nice sandy and shallow beach. In addition to that though, with five sites on Rose Island, in close proximity to each other, and another 3 on the adjacent "Third Island", the locations offered participants ample sites to choose from.

What I'm really excited about though is that Rose Island is very central to a number of feeder lakes that I want to explore during my opener weekend trip; sort of research if you will.You see for my first trip into the interior with my kids one of my considerations is a Rock Lake>Pen Lake>Rock Lake>Out trip with my boys and so I hope to specifically check out the "Rock Lake/Pen Lake Falls" at their connecting 375 Portage, as well as the numerous sites along the east shore of Pen Lake. I figure that should offer me a nice solo mid day trip, and a bit of time to reconnect with a park that has preoccupied my thoughts for much of the last 2 months.

My plan is still to travel to the family cottage in Novar Thursday evening, and pick up my canoe at Langford by 10:00 Friday morning. This way I should be at Access Point #9 around noon, and get to Rose Island early enough to get the North West Site I am aiming for, as I am hoping for nice sunsets.

It's also nice to see that so many Algonquin Adventure's folk will be attending the event, as I have engaged in several forums with many of them, and so it will be nice to put faces to people; I only hope some one brings name tags. :)

All I can do now is hope that the weather will cooperate, and that the ice that is covering that lake will hurry up and melt. It's been predicted that the water will be ice free, but that being currently under 3 feet of snow, we might be having snowball fights at camp.

I've been monitoring the ice at Flash Earth as the little x in the middle of the screen represents Rose Island, on Rock Lake. For all those interested, Rose Island is located at:

Latitude: 45 degrees, 30 minutes, 4 seconds North
Longitude: 78 degrees, 23 minutes, 56 seconds West.

If anyone has been to Rose Island, and reads this blog, I would appreciate your feedback on the island sites, as well as Pine Lake in general. If you had any picures that could be included or links to such that would also be appreaciated.

Until then, though, all I can do is wait. Historically the water is open in late April, and the weather lately has been fantastic, but with a weekend of only plus 2 degrees coming up, well one never know.

Here's hoping for sunny skies, warm winds, or even rain in the next few weeks, anything to rid the lake of that ice!

Algonquin Adventures-"Park Opener" Galeairy Lake

Well it’s official; I’ll be heading out, (ice permitting of course) on a Algonquin Adventures “Opening of the Park” weekend on Galeairy Lake the weekend of April 25th. I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive at first, as I am a new “member” to the Algonquin Adventures, but after a few postings, comments and enquires I have quickly learned that the group is comprised of very wise, open minded and above all else kind folk.

The idea of getting back in the park is incredible exciting to me, especially this year as it will be the first year I have my own canoe. That added with the fact that I’ll be able to put faces to some of the people on the Algonquin Adventures web sit that I have gotten to know over the past month on the sites Forums, makes for a nice “added bonus.”

Heading out solo but ending up with a group is also really appealing, for while I have camped in groups many times, I have yet to solo a trip; perhaps this will be a good intro to soloing, of which I plan on undertaking this year in the park.

Since I have always camped with a group, or with my boys, my equipment has always been selected to accommodate at least 4 or 5 people. While I love the choices I have made over the years in terms of gear, most is just too heavy for soloing, so in preparation for my trip I got to buy myself some new “toys.” My favorite being a new light weight tent made by Marmit. I selected their Limelight 3P model, not only for its weight and size, but also because it is one of the few 3 season tents I found that offered so much “ceiling window space” for nighttime stargazing, when the Tent Canopy is off. Man, I can’t wait to try it out!

As for the trip, I’m planning on entering the Park via access point #13 in Whitney and heading west along the north shore of the lake towards Farm Bay. According to the
Natural Resources Canada, the crossing of the lake is about a kilometer, so I am planning a direct crossing from the launch point, although I’ll know for sure once I get their. (This is my first venture into Algonquin Park from Access point #13). Once I’ve crossed Galeairy Lake, I’ll head towards the Park interior via the southern route towards Echo Bay and the 100m Portage. Luckily, my destination is one of the three campsites on the east side of the portage by Aubrey Lake, so I’ll be able to paddle into my site directly from Whitney with no portaging, affording me the luxury of a little extra gear.

I figure the canoe in will take somewhere around 4 hours, as I plan on taking my time, but that should leave me lots of daylight to arrive at camp, set up and met the other people who will be attending the “Park Opener,” as I will be leaving early in the morning. I’m particularly looking forward to meeting Bo Knows and Markus Rubino of Mark in the Park, as they have been particularly welcoming to me.

Later in the week I’ll be posting ice updates, as right now Canoe Lake is still under about 2 feet of ice, but with the warm weather that we’ve been experiencing, along with some recent rain, I’m confident that Galeairy Lake will be thawed in time for the planned opener.

In any case, I’m keeping my fingers crossed, and enjoying the anticipation of returning to Algonquin Park.