The Last Leg

We packed up and headed out for our last day in the Park.

We paddled some quiet scenic creeks and few small lakes. There were a couple of portages, one being just over 1000 metres. We kept our eyes open for moose, but didn’t see any. It may have been due to the large number of people in the Park.

We had selected to make the trip after Labour Day weekend to avoid the bugs and people. There weren’t any bugs, but there were lots of people. Typically, we were looking for a campsite by 3 pm, and most were already taken. It appeared as though many were being occupied for multiple days at a time. That meant we didn’t end up with prime sites, but without exception they were still great.

The last leg of the trip was Canoe Lake. We were anticipating a tough paddle because it’s relatively large. We’d be going generally from north to south, and if there was a cross wind, whitecaps were likely and they would be hitting us broadside. The plan was to stay on the protected or upwind shore. Plan B was to wait for the winds to die down. Unfortunately, I told Marlene we’d be home that night, and hadn’t had the forethought to leave the planned return time flexible.

Many years ago, a group of 3 guys including a friend of mine, tried to cross Cedar Lake in the northern part of the Park. They had been camping and fishing for a week. It was early May and the weather had been cool and wet. The lake water was still cold. Ken had lots of experience and had told me of the risk crossing Cedar Lake. But that time, they didn’t wait for calmer water, got swamped, were a lifejacket short, the canoe’s air floatations leaked, and when the canoe sank, he drowned. He was the age, I am now. This recollection of that tragic day is in Ken’s honour, and there’s a lesson here.

For us though, the winds were light and at our back. It made for an easy end to our trip. Rather than focusing on survival, it was a time of reflection: 3 friends, 4 days, great weather, beautiful scenery, some wildlife at a distance, and Mike’s fine cooking. Even after all that, the MNR Station and Portage Store were still a welcome site.

Thanks for joining Mike, Joe and myself on our trip to Algonquin Park. We had fun, and it was nice to rough it for a few days.  We hope you enjoyed coming along, and that it may inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. Paddle a canoe, camp out under the stars, cook a meal over the fire, take a hike, or just spend more time in the great outdoors.