Hi All...

In the spirit of doing a bit of recognizant work for the AA opener, I've decided you take my boys to Mew Lake for a signal night on Saturday. Sure this is also acting as a peace offering to the boys who were upset that they wouldn't be attending the opener with me, so this will appease them for now, and mask my real reasoning for going .... my own need

I;m planning on going to the family cottage on Friday night, and leave early to Mew Lake so that we will have time to check out Rock Lake first hand (I'll bring my camera of course) and then perhaps try one of the walking trails along the corridor.

I thought that the Whiskey Rapids would prove interesting so I may take them there, but I want to check with the park staff about how far away the trail is from the rapids, and if there are any possible melting hazards that might be present prior to heading out though. My second option would be to hike part of the Old Railway line off Mew Lake and check out that part of the park.

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Which bring me to a question; do any of the outfitters in the area rent snowshoes?

My kids have really been enjoying the warm weather of Toronto so far, and are enjoying only needing a light shirt on in the afternoon. Having said that, they are excited about putting their snow pants and coats on for one last time, and sleeping outdoors in a tent surrounded by snow. I only hope that while melting, the camps aren't too mucky, as that would have to change our plans. Perhaps then we'd have to return to the cottage to sleep, and leave the park portion as a day trip; but that's my last resort.

I also updated my blog to reflect AA's change in venue, and asked viewers for advice on Pen Lake. If any "AA ers" have a chance to check it out and offer some input I would greatly appreciate it. Even better, if you had any photos that could be tacked into a comment, even better, but no pressure.

My blog is at http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/.

One one final note, I promise to bring lots of "Hot Air" to Rock Lake in both me and the boys, (my kids never leave home with out a bit of hot air) so we;ll try it out on the ice, ans see if we can't help spped up the melt.

Jeff

Is the 8k road to rock lake open to the public before opening day?

The park never closes. In the off season it is still open for those who purchase the permits, so yes the rock lake road would be open as would any other part of Algonquin you wish to explore.
In the off season camping is not allowed at the summer season designated sights, unless you are at Mew.

I'm sure someone here, often it's Barbara, will probably follow with a an attached link with the exact wording.

Have a great warm melting day!

AM

I'm recollecting that the Rock Lake road may have been closed for exclusive logging truck traffic this winter. If so, that may still be in effect. best to check ahead before assuming its already open to public use. Even if logging use is over, you can bet that the truck traffic chewed it up pretty good and may not be yet graded back into usable shape for the public.

Algonquin Outfitters rents out snowshoes Jeff but if you're sticking to the trails you probably won't need them since (from what I hear) they've been packed down by fellow hikers and snowshoers and there hasn't been any significant snow since mid March.
Have a great weekend!

Can't let AM down....

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/geninfo/winter.html

Along Highway 60, as snow accumulates, the Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4) and the Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3) are not ploughed by Ontario Parks. These roads will be closed to public travel. Anyone wishing to camp in the Rock Lake area must park their vehicle in the Big Pines Trail/Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail parking lot (north of Hwy 60 at km 40.3) and travel by foot down the 8-kilometre-long Rock Lake Road. Day visitors wishing to drive a side road off Highway 60 may travel the Lake Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3) which will be ploughed to the locked gate (located approximately 3 kilometres from Highway 60) as equipment and staffing allow.


Day use fees:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/geninfo/fees.html


Backcountry camping in the Park in the winter:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/campcan/interior.html

Winter Camping in the Park Interior (Backcountry)
Camping in the Park Interior away from the Highway 60 Corridor is permitted during the off-season. The best way to access the Interior in the winter is on snowshoes. You may also wish to use one of the groomed ski trails to enter the Interior (no toboggans or snowshoes on the ski trails please!), but camping within sight or sound of the ski trails, or in trail shelters, is not permitted. Winter Interior camping is also not permitted on designated summer campsites nor within 30 metres of a lakeshore, trail, or portage. We recommend that you camp in low, sheltered areas where there is a good supply of standing dead firewood for warmth and cooking.

Hope you can find some time to get to the bookstore at the Visitor Centre.

Please bring back a really positive sounding report on the current conditions...photos are always welcome.


Barbara

So you're the Barbara that I've heard so much about, the one with the endless supply of kinks, and wisdom to share.

Thanks for all the information.

I've been to the Visitor's Centre and its book store many times, my favorite part is that great old red mailbox that still gets mail pick up after all these years. Last summer my kids sent postcards from the park to some friends, and they loved placing them in that beautiful box, knowing that they would some how make their way to their buddies back in Toronto.

Do you happen to work at the book store? If so I'll stop by and say hello when I'm passing through. I always like putting a face to people; kinds a hobby I guess.

I've been told of some unfavorable weather reports for the park this weekend, and I may fave to change my plans a bit, but I'll know tomorrow.

In fact I got an e-mail from Bob M (see below)

Re your trip to AP this weekend.

Not saying you shouldn't go, but
seeing you're taking your kids, you should check this out:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?onrm16

regards
Bob M

I sent him back a thank you for the information via e-mail, but am not sure who he is. While he must be an AA member, I'm just not sure I've seen posts around from him. In any-case, I owe him a thanks as the weather link is for an ice storm warning for the park for Thursday - late Friday and into parts os Saturday possibly. Hopefully I'll have a better idea of the weather, and hence my plans tomorrow.

In short, its nice to know that I can post a comment, and know that there are so many people aout there thinking about the best of others, even if the've never met them.

Have a good one!

And for the record .... I like all your links!

Cheers!

JEff

Wisdom? Gotta be talking about somebody else.

No, but sure wish I did work at the bookstore. Or maybe not, if they had to take the cost of book purchases out of my paycheque....

Ok, made me look at the forecast. Drat. Darn. Heck. So much for my "outdoor" plans for Saturday.

Our forecast isn't all that wonderful, but at least it doesn't have a freezing rain warning. Just plain old rain mixed with flurries. Yippee.

I was really hoping that the weather of the last few days would hold out until Monday. The snow has been evaporating around here...one minute it's there, the next it's gone.

No, it's not worth it, the weather sounds a little too iffy. If nothing else, the driving could be "interesting".

Soon, soon....


Barbara

Say what!!!

LOL

Too funny, the difference one letter makes.

LOL


Barbara

I'm pretty sure the Bob M who emailed you is Bob McElroy.

Who has a super website, that I've enjoyed for a few years now.


http://www.mcelroy.ca/bushlog/



Barbara
(who will try to remember
everything in one post
from now on...LOL)

Hi all ....

With the weather not improving at the park, and a severe weather warning still in effect (its into its 2nd day), see http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-29_metric_e.html
I decided that I would have to stay home with the boys this weekend, rather then risking a cold, wet and miserable time for the boys. Alone, I might have gone, but the point of the trip was to get the kids back in, and have one last blast of winter. Unfortunately, freezing rain, ice, rain, sleet and snow are not my idea of a good time, even if I had cheated and taken an electric site (which I wasn't planning to do.)

That leaves me with one more weekend prior to the opener, so I have thought of taking my chances on the 18th, but I wont consider it just yet.

Sadly that means no Rock Lake update photos Sunday night for you guys (In saving guys I mean guys and girls; to me guys is genderless,) so if anyone else heads up, or has photos from the surrounding area, I'd love to catch a glimps, as I'm a bit bummed about the cancelation. To be optimistic, I told my self I would still go if Saturday morning their was a major change in the weather,,,, so we'll see

Barbara .... now would be a good time for one of your "magic links."

Jeff
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Two hours of sadness and I'm still waiting

Jeff

awwwwwww...i'm sorry.

(gee, i feel awful)

magic? like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB-wUgnyGv0


best i would be able to do would be to look for
some webcams. I think A-Channel has one at the
Gravenhurst wharf.
http://www.achannel.ca/home/news.aspx


How about some prep work for taking the kids
to Algonquin?
http://www.gettoknow.ca/

Click on "connect", then on "resources". There's
lesson plans and templates that could be fun. My
project for the weekend will be to print out a few
copies of the observation templates. Nope, don't got
no kids....they would be for MEEEEEE.

***fingers crossed that the weatherman was wrong, and
we get a return to nice, sunny weather before the
weekend is over***


Barbara

Barbara ....'


Are you planning on attending the AA opener? I hope so, as I would love to meet the link magician herself

Jeff