and was hoping for some feedback on my selected route (besides the fact that it's a baby route) as well as any comments on bringing kids into the interior in general. For the record, my kids, both boys are aged 7 and 9.
Thanks in advance, and assuming I survive the interior with my kids, I will post a log once I return.
I am planning the same trip the on June 6th, with my daughter for the first time. I figure thats an easy one to test on, I have brought my son in to daisy before, when he was only 7. This year he is almost 10, and we went to Rosebary and all the way to Sittingman and back....no problems, just be prepared to deal with the crappy weather and bugs. Let me know how you make out, as I am really looking forward to seeing little eagle too.
(no login) 199.43.148.227
Re: no problems
May 21 2008, 2:55 PM
I'm doing this route in July. I'm spending three nights on this lake, so I am curious to know what the campsite is like. When you return I'd love to know how the lake is (campsite layout, good areas for swimming, how difficult is the portage, etc). My partner is suppose to be joining me, but if not I'll be soloing it (figure it should be an easy solo trip depending on the portage). It will be my partner's first time in the interior so looking for an easy, good introductory trip. If anyone else has details (and pictures--I can't seem to find any pictures of this lake) please let me know! Thanks..James.
Anonymous (no login) 208.99.78.158
Re: no problems
May 21 2008, 3:06 PM
Ton's of advise that could be offered for a "kid's first trip". You've probably already searched the previous posts on this topic on this board, but if not take a moment to do so.
In general keep them involved and they'll have more fun, doing is better than watching others do it. A good example is sawing up firewood... most young kids love to do it, while most adult see it as almost a necessary evil, so be sure to take a saw that you are comfortable having them use. Be sure you have a first aid kit with antiseptic and small bandages (bandaids - clothe ones stick longer than the plastic) close at hand.
Let them help cook and clean up after meals.
You've probably already planned your menu, if there's anything on it that they don't eat fairly regularly, have them try it before you leave to ensure they'll like it on the trip. A good last minute meal substitute that many kids like might be Mac and Cheese, if you find something on the menu that isn't well received.
Let them know what tasks need to be done in camp beforehand and have them be responsible for some of them. That way they won't need to always be asking "what's next?" or having you calling out orders. set up tents, bear bags, get water, firewood, cooking, etc.
Lifejackets...have them put them on before getting into the canoe, everytime..no exceptions..if for no other reason for your peace of mind. Attach a whistle to each lifejacket for "Emergencies only"
Have a backup plan incase weather makes being outside impossible, card games etc.
get each of them a waterproof disposible camera to record "their perspective on the trip"
you said that the kids would carry their own gear, if they are able (weight-wise) let them carry some of the group gear and meals as well (even if it's something small - a snack, fuel canister, etc.). This helps them to feel like a contributing part of the group rather than just someone along for the ride.
take along extra beverages, hot chocolate, koolaid for when it's hot and when it's not (sitting out a rain storm is better with hot chocolate)
Don't eat in or near your tent, never. It's a bad practice that could be unsafe in the long run.
Don't let them leave camp alone (buddy system) and anytime they leave (even just to find firewood), have them take atleast their whistle. It's easy for kids to loose their way in the woods, the whistle will help you find them. Tell them if the get lost or even a little lost to find a tree, have a seat and blow the whistle untill you come. It's easier to locate a noisy stationary group of two, than it is to try to find a quiet, individual wandering around lost.
Have fun and be safe.
cls (no login) 207.210.21.175
Re: no problems
May 21 2008, 7:28 PM
Route sounds awesome - sorry to hijack the thread but I have a question; are you going solo with your kids (no other adults)? Wondering what are is a good one to throw them into the paddling responsibility. My son is going to be 8, is strong and responsible.
Thanks everyone for the comments so far; I appreciate all the input.
To answer cls, yes I will be the "solo" adult. In other words, just me and the two boys. My oldest is 9, and is VERY responsible, and loves to paddle, so he will get "the front seat," my youngest, is 7 and will paddle a bit, but likely "play" so he'll get the middle, and I will be in the back. I'm assuming that I will be "solo" paddling for much of the canoeing, hence the short route, but know that the kids will do their best. Last year they got a kick out of paddling Dad around, even if we didn't get all that far.
Hi cls, I took my daughter when she was about 8. An easy trip to Cannisbay paddle in site, she had gone a few other trips where there more adults etc before hand. She loved it and was happy to paddle in a rather windy day that ended with a hail storm when we hit land.
For the second time I am taking her with my niece and myself to Kitty cabin. The two of them are great paddlers, although the one in the middle has a hard time reaching over the side of the canoe comfortably. I tease my wife saying the two of them are better than when she is up front!
If you feel okay being out alone with your kid than I say go for it, kids are always eager to do things.
8 is the entry age for our spring fishing trip. At that age the kids can help out on the portage, know enough to believe you when you tell them to put their hood up to stay dry and warm, and they can help out with the paddling, especially if you are strategic and only ask them to really work at it when you really need the help. eg: "It's going to be really windy when we get past this point and I'll need your help" followed by "Ok, it's a bit calmer here, go ahead and take a break if you want" and accompanied by a whole lot of not worrying about it when their attention wanders or they're lilly dipping. By the time they're 10, then the kids can be downright useful with the paddling and I know some kids who were insisting on portaging the canoe, or carrying the food barrel, by the time they were 12.
One of these days I'll get the picture of my daughter from our spring trip this year posted. She's bundled up, her feet are freezing, but she's holding up a fish and smiling from ear to ear.
Jeff - One portage in, camp, one portage out looks like a good route. I can see you only have the weekend to work with. If you had an extra day then the suggestion I would add would be to keep the basecamp and day trip for the day in the middle.
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www.loonislandoutdoors.com
Bo Knows (no login) 209.226.119.61
Re: no problems
May 22 2008, 5:46 PM
Yup, 8 years old when I remember being introduced to the greatest Park in the world!! But in those days I slept in a caboose, not a tent!!
But it formed the foundation for many, many trips in the future and an endless love of Algonquin Park that is hard to put into words! After all, what can you say about Algonquin that has given me so many cherish memories over the years! Except maybe that I have been privileged to really enjoy and experience what Algonquin has to offer!!!!
Algonquin Park to me is my home away from home, my best friend (next to my wife Sheila) and a very special magical place that I can't live without!!!
Bo
Barbara (no login) 99.239.36.128
Re: no problems
May 23 2008, 12:37 AM
Well, it sounds great.
There are two little quibbles I have:
1.) You've described the "perfect" canoe trip, with every minute planned. Things just don't work out that way. Don't be too disappointed if things go wonky, or exactly as you envisioned.
2.) I don't see a "Plan B"...or "what to do if it rains". Will you be taking a tarp, so you all can sit outside and enjoy the rain, rather than be crammed in the tent, getting cranky?
They're kids, you've got a very short trip to your destination....you can afford the weight of a few luxuries. A journal for each kid, heck even a cheap disposable camera for them to use.
Wow, when I posted my question I knew I would get some good ideas, but I never imagined so much feedback.
To say I'm excited would be an understatement, as I can't waite to leave work this afternoon, and get the car and kids packed up!
All the advice given is really appreaciated, and I am planning on acting on a lot of it. With the short distances in the travel plans, I have a few "tricks up my sleeve" for the kids, and am looking forward to seeing their reaction to the whole "interior" experience.
Funny enough, I slept like a baby last night (something that doesn't usually happen on the eve of a trip) and have left most of the packing to this afternoon. Don't get me wrong, I've organized, re-organized and re-re-organized the gear so all that is left is packing it up.
The kids too were really excited, and Liam, my youngest, was disapointed that he had to go to school before we left, but promised to be "extra good" today in school as the kids were told that only good kids get to go to the park:)
Again, thanks everyone for the feedback; its much appreaciated.
