Next weekend, Mike B, Jeff P, Jeff M, and myself are going to head to Fork Lake for two nights of winter camping.
A few AA'ers have expressed interest in hooking up for day-visits, to check-out our hot tent set-up, and winter camping practises.
New to AA, "Shawn", has jumped on board to join us, although he'll be cold tenting it(Brave Lad!).

I believe J-Wolf, ShoreBound Angler, Swede, Sean(of Ajax), Racoon & Bryce might want to stop by for a visit. You are most welcome to stop in.
If we are 'out', we'll leave a note as to where we can be located, Ice Picks should be worn.
Just head for the south end of the visitor centre parking lot, and follow the tracks thru a clearing(beyond the parking lot) southwest, then descending rapidly down to the spruce bog. It should take about an hour or less to snowshoe to camp.






Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Been looking forward to a winter overnighter for awhile now. Also looking forward to joining in and meeting some good folks from the AA forum! And it appears that there will be a gaggle of folk!

If the weather is on my side, I'll defiantly be there. This lad is brave, but I'm no Mel Gibson!

Cheers
Shawn

Props to you all.. hope you have nice mild temps. Have fun.. well done. Take pics.

Perfect timing! I was just starting to think about making plans for this weekend. Things are looking up for some fresh air

Thanks Markus for the info. Unfortunately, I have a family commitment on the Saturday and I will not be able to stop in!

Maybe on Sunday but it's not looking great either.

Sorry. I was looking forward to meeting more AAers. I guess I'll have to wait until spring.

SBA

The weather is looking good for the weekend folks.

Highs between -3 and -5 and lows between -10 and -14 for the weekend! I'm staring to twitch...

Cheers
Shawn

Glad to here that the weather is susposed to warm up
as the -25 with a -35 wind chill here in Ottawa
would be a tad chilly but in the hot tent you'll be warm

It's rated for -40 at least and that been tried and tested many a time below that temp (Brrrrrrr)

Sad to say, Racoon is unable to even drop by this weekend
as I've been informed that we have another commitment

Have a blast and I'll look forward to the trip-logs

Rac n

Sounds like a great time, wish I could make it, but gotta pick and choose. I did however manage to do some practice igloo building for our upcoming trip to Redbridge in March. No more tents for me. the ice box rocks!
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Mike,

Hardcore dood, awesome!
Not for me though! heh heh


Shorebound,

Sorry to hear you cannot attend, perhaps in March.
J-Wolf, hope to see you there.




Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Hey Markus it was -20 Saturday night and +1 inside. Call me nuts but that is almost Tropical....lol
Have a great trip this weekend

Three more days til I finally get away for a day of hiking. I'm really looking forward to this!

Got my sled ready, shoeshoes shined and the barrels packed!
Ready for much needed Algonquin fresh kool air!
Going to be a great weekend seeing old AA friends and meeting new ones.

Sad it is only for 2 nites but better then none at all!

Cheers
Mike

Looking forward to meeting you as well Mike! While its really snowey in Toronto (and the Park) today, the weekend is looking EXCELLENT!

See you then!

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

woohoo!



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Hey, Mike:
Great igloo !
I recently bought an "Eskimold", and while I think it probably pales in comparison to your kit, we had a nice one going just before Christmas.
My wife thought it was too close to the bird feeders, so my youngest son moved it. He added to it, but he could have used my help finishing the top layers, because his fainla product looked more like a termite colony than an igloo.
I noticed that it looks like you've improvised on your igloo's roof. How exactly did you do it ?

Hey, Mike:
Great igloo !
I recently bought an "Eskimold", and while I think it probably pales in comparison to your kit, we had a nice one going just before Christmas.
My wife thought it was too close to the bird feeders, so my youngest son moved it. He added to it, but he could have used my help finishing the top layers, because his fainla product looked more like a termite colony than an igloo.
I noticed that it looks like you've improvised on your igloo's roof. How exactly did you do it ?

Ya the last layer is the hardest, especially with the help of kids. We just put some metal stakes across for support, then a tarp and covered with snow. Saves alot of time, and the end result is the same. I will be making another one this weekend with all the fresh snow.

You guys are weird

J

Joan my deer...we love the snow!

We will make some snow angles for you this weekend!

Mike

whew! I was getting all panicky there Mike, no answer to my email this morning!
I think Joan is just happy the bus strike will be over soon, that getting up at 5am nonsense is killing her!
I'll take you in March Joan, you'll love it, you'll see



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Thanks Mikey, don't do anything rude to the snow angels please

Markus, i'll go but only because I want to go to that On the Rocks pub afterwards, heh.

Now, i'm going to go back to surfing Caribbean destinations.

All I have to say is that you guys better have coffee ready by the time I arrive on Sunday. Heck, Markus will probably still be sleeping... hahahaha... Hope to be walking in by first light.

Sean (of Ajax)

I'm right with you on Caribbean surfing Joan. One of my favourite sites is
www.locogringo.com -- at the maps tab click on aerial photos. You can view the entire coastline from Xcalak to Cancun.

I used to go the Akumal area frequently 10 yrs ago before the increase in development of the coastline and accompanying increase in cost of going there.

Hey anonymous,

I stayed in a condo on the beach in Akumal in 2007, I booked it through locogringo (La Joya). Love that site and Akumal too, especially the turtles! Next time i'm thinking of Tulum in one of those Casitas without electricity.

And Grenada ... and St.Martin (again and again) ... and Belize ... and St-Lucia

I am still wishing I could go ...........what time are you guys breaking camp on Sunday? Early?

Joan - Winter is awesome! I just wish I had more time to do more Snowshoeing, X-country skiing, and Ice fishing (not in the park of course)..........and maybe sometime soon winter camping.

SBA

ahhh sweet restful Algonquin Slumber..can't wait...no traffic, no triplog writing, no cats a meowing, no alarm clocks!
all that fresh oxygen, not that pretend oxy I breathe down here in the Big Smoke



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

oops forgot to answer your question Shorebound.
I don't think we'll be in any hurry, but probably by 10m or so I figure, we'll be on our way or just breaking camp.
Who knows...maybe we'll get snowed in or something and we can stay longer..heh



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Personal update...

Sadly I won't be able to make Friday BUT will be in on Saturday for sure.

ShoreBoundAngler, if you can make it in I won't be in a hurry to leave on Sunday. I have no commitments for Monday so I will be around for the day on Sunday until around 2 or 3pm. In fact, I would stay until Monday.

The weather is looking great for cold tenting!!

Cheers
Shawn

Hi Shawn,

Depending on when you show up on Saturday, we might not be in camp, most likely we'll be out on Fork Lake, thus the ice-picks warning. So look for us there...somewhere.
See you then!



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Woohooo!



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Have fun guys I can't make either day now.



SBA

I'll have to make the March gathering. Too many obstacles for me this weekend, unfortunately.

But naturally, a triplog, pictures, and a few good laughs to share when you're all back!

Just finished packing for early tomorrow am. I just realized that whether you are going for one night or three, the only difference in the amount of gear you bring is the food! When I look at my gear on my sleigh, the amount appears to be overkill. But, better to have than to need i guess.

I should be at the west gate between 8:30 and 9:00am. Then on to find the motley crew! I'm pretty excited. I may have to do a shot or two of NyQuil to get to sleep! I don't drink alcohol anymore and you know what they say....apparently NyQuil is the 13th step!

Cheers
Shawn

At least the tent is a HOT TENT



Well thats the shown temp on AA main page

In fact the weathernetwork says is only -23 in the Whitney
area so I will expect some T-shirt photos


The good news is it's warming up as snow is expected!!
Looking forward to trip log



Rac n

Live from Fork Lake...currently. Minus 22.We're all fine and warm. Rogers is now in the park.
Coming to you live from the park. Jeff P Jeffrey M Mark B Markus Sean from NB and
JWolf

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Mike B I ment
Wishing u were here

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

What,. no live web cam?

It's currently minus 11.9 outside however in side it is plus 26.1 inside. .)

Drunkin .


Working on the webcam. Many next time.

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Hey guys thanks for inviting me out for the day -- I thoroughly enjoyed it, even the awkward start to the trail you made Currently sitting at a Timmies south of Barrie, and Yes, I made it back to Oxtongue AO with a few mins to spare! Climbing that mountain-- err, hill on the way out was the hardest I've had to work inside The Park! LOL ... Great to meet Shawn, JeffP, JeffreyM and MikeB for the first time, and a pleasure hooking back up with Markus again.

Enjoy tonite guys! That hot tent setup is sweeeeet. Hope you didn't have to use the ice pick on that bag o' chili!

Cheers!

JeffB. (The third Jeff.)

Hey Joan, Sorry really OT, but I'm interested in your Akumal stay. I travelled the Yucatán last year, it was amazing, and I really fell in love with the Akumal area and the people. How much was the condo, and the elec free Casitas you were talking about? I am in love with the area, thinking of going all summer with my boys. Did you go to any of the local cenotes, or find any less touristy snorkeling sites? Any info would be great. TY.

yeah..ummm sorry J-Wolf, climbing back up that hill was never our intent, but we hadn't considered daytrippers might want to go that route, slipped our minds..oops..sorry!!!

Yup was great to see you again, sorry it was brief. I had hoped you guys would've joined us out on the lake. Next time



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Hey J-Wolf ....

It was great to meet you, and share in a few iPhone tricks in the hot tent. Hope we can do it again some time.

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/