Just want to preface this by adding this is NOT in APP. (beat ya to it Barry

Headed out the other day to do a bit of small game hunting and to scout a location to construct a lean to so that I can experience a night out in the bush cold camping and field test my sleep system, and of course, to enjoy the outdoors.

While doing a bit of rabbit hunting I found a great spot to set up a lean to and make a fire. Spent the day scouting around , made a fire and had lunch, then headed back home. No rabbit stew tonight.

Today, I headed back with plan and spent the day constructing a lean to that I am able to spend some time in the bush before this weekend,. I dont want to be a total winter overnight cold camping virgin. Gotta make my bones so I dont get ribbed too much this weekend in APP!

Anyway, heres a short photo report on what I accomplished today. Its very time consuming when youre alone, but I took my time to get it right. Never built one before today.

This is the spot that I chose

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Closer shot with one side pole strung up

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The roof skeleton completed

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This is my rigging setup for twine. I know, I shouldnt have stuck the knife in the tree. I never thought of it until I went to post the photo. My bad. But at least Im honest. Wont happen again.

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Took a break and had a snack

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I packed it down and shoveled more snow

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Put on the pine boughs, weaved some of them in

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Close up photo

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On the way out, I spotted a classic roughed grouse tell tale sign. They burrow themselves into the deep snow for the night and then in the morning up they come and fly off.

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Well thats it, short and sweet Im headed back tomorrow am to finish the sides and the three sided firewall. Also, to cut some wood. I found all kinds of dead wood; spruce, pine, and birch everywhere. I think Ill be pretty comfortable.

I had a pretty good day...

Cheers
Shawn

Great job on the leanto Shawn, anybody going winter camping with you should know that they're in good hands. What kind of mattress are you going to be using? Have a hoot in AP this weekend!

Harry

Wow, it looks like you were busy and working hard.

Looking forward to meeting in person this weekend.

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

Hey great lean let me know how it works out for you. I am interested in your sleep system, like everyone else im sure. We used to take a half bail of straw with us for bedding when we slept in quinzees, If you have acces I would strongly recommend this.

Look forward to hearing how it goes

Chris

Hey Harry,

Thanks! I'm using the MEC ThermaRest Pro Lite 4 regular on top of a reflective blanket. This particular Thermarest is supposed to be good for winter. I guess we'll see!

Jeff,

Yup, see ya this weekend!

Chris,

I will be using 2 CF goose down sleeping bags. The extreme cold weather bag inside a CF mountain bag with a surplus nylon bivy. Also have the winter CF hood. All this on top of the Thermarest and reflective blanket I mentioned earlier.

Here's a shot of the whole sheh bang...

Cheers
Shawn

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I think I can fit about 25 Hot Packs in my sleeping bag. Maybe more.

i thought small game hunting season ended jan 14th according to my regs,, unless you a native card,, what up with this thread????????

If I understand correctly, Shawn is from the North Bay area....WMU 41, if I'm reading the WMU map correctly.


http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/239852.pdf





Barbara

Snowshoe hare is open Sept 1st to June 15th of the next year with no bag limit, in Unit 41 which is the North Bay area. Read The Regs.

Originally did a copy & paste of the WMU's and the dates, but decided it would be better if folks read it for themselves.

I couldn't find any WMU where the season for rabbits/hares ended in January.




Barbara

Mike and Barbara,

That's correct. WMU 41 offers Rabbit and hare hunting until June 15th with a valid small game permit.

Ran behind the other day but managed to get some work done on the leanto. I put up the west facing wall and built most of the firewall in front of the leanto. Also, I moved the fire pit closer to a large boulder so that the that would be reflected.

I only took a couple of photos but here they are...

Cheers
Shawn

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Man, you must be tough as nails to be out in what looks to be work gloves! My digits would be numb in no time!!!

Awesome stuff Shawn!




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

Finally finished it off!

I convinced my g/f to stay in it with me this weekend. A perfect weekend to get her into cold camping as it is going to be balmy, and I mean a balmy +5C! I'm so stoked about it!

When I arrive there on Sat am I will fabricate a make shift door. Just something to throw in the doorway so my g/f will be more at ease.

Here's a few shots...

Cheers
Shawn

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Looks really warm! Tell us how it goes!



Jeff

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Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free

Shawn, wow that's some luxury winter living. Add some draperies and you could rent this baby out!!!

You clearly demonstrate some highly practical bush skills with your work. How long did it take you to put this together.

I hope you impress the lass with this handiness of your's. If not, you've certainly impressed a few of us blokes :P

Hey Sean....I would love to stay in that shelter...

Looking forward to hearing how it goes this weekend...please post more pics after the trip.


Cheers
Mike

Hey Shawn ....

looks like you've done a fantastic job on your shelter; noo need to treck out your tent (hot or cold) for this weekend.

Let us know how it holds up, I hear we're getting some rain in the next few days

Speeking of hot tents .... did yours come in yet? If so, I would love to see it, as I am thinking of getting one myself. Perhaps another weekend is in order?

Later

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

Jkr,

Thanks! And I sure hope my shotzee appreciates it too, I know she will.

Mike b,

Right on Mike! I will post a TR with photos when I get home Sun for sure!

JeffP,

Not in yet Jeff (i wish) But Guy indicated that it would be complete around Valentines Day. And yes, another weekend is in order!

p.s. I finally figured out the name thing. D'oh

Cheers
Shawn

Pathfinder eh? Sounds good.

Pictures of the hot tent will be in order when it arrives .



Jeff

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Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry - abrweb.ca

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free