Getting warmer!

Well things in the weather seem to be heating up this week in Algonquin, leaving me to remain hopefull that my second annual "Algonguin Adventures Park Opener" trip to Rose Island on Rock Lake will go ahead as last year, rather then being frozen in at the Rock Lake Campground.

So far indications are mixed, but I have a feeling that while ice may still be floating around the waters of Rock Lake, that Rose Island will be accessible by canoe.

Like last year I will be meeting up with several members of Algonquin Adventures, only this year I won't be the "Newby" any more, and look forward to passing on the title to any new folks that decide to join us.

My plan is to arrive at the park as early as possible on Friday, staying until the last possible moment on Sunday.

Here's hoping the heating keeps up!

For those interested, below is a list of sites that have been discussing the ice conditions of the park as of late.

• Friend's of Algonquin Spring Roads report


• Canoe Lake Ice Out


• The Weather Network


• Algonquin Adventures Opener Thread


• Algonquin Outfitters Web Log


• Coast Watch Space Images of Park Area (updated several times a day)

Time for this years "Ice Out Predictions"

Every year Jefferson Ridpathon of Canoe Lake Ice-Out holds his annual Ice-Out predictions poll. This year I casted my vote early (today in fact), and voted for Friday, April 24th, 2009 (at noon.)




I must admit that I am a bit biased in my vote, as this selection will be just in time for my arrival at what has become an annual gathering of Algonquin Adventures members, but hey I'll take anything earlier as well.

Judging by Jefferson's posting of historical dates, the opener should be a go (the ice was fully out the morning I set off for Rose Island on Rock Lake, for last year's Algonquin Adventures Opener), but with recent temperature variations of plus 11 to minus 25 degrees celsius in the last week alone, one can only hope and wonder.

Here's to a quick end of the winter, and the start of another paddling season!