Hi all,

The Great Wilderness Clean-up weekend is fast approaching. A bunch of us here on AA regularly
get together this spring weekend to enjoy Algonquin and help clean up the area we are canoeing.

This year we're hoping to go to Craig Lake. We just have to wait to confirm if the road to the access point is passable. If anybody has info. about the state of the road we'd appreciate hearing from you.

And please respond if you plan on meeting up with us.

Cheers,
Stainless

Hey Stainless ....

If all goes as planned, I will be attending!

Looking forward to it!

As long as I can get a ride .


Jeff

--

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

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!

I'm trying my best! I'll be in touch...

Woohoo! More Algonquin, I love it!
4 nights this time, and no motorboats buzzing around our campsite(I hope).
:-D



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

Stainless, do you mean the road to Access Point #1?

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/spring_accessICEsafety.html

Kawawaymog Lake (Access Point #1): As of April 20th, the access road is open.





Barbara

No Barbara.
We're hoping to take the road from Access #1 to the creek that leads to Nahma Lake and paddle from there
to Craig Lake.

Stainless

Heading in to Little Trout that weekend.

Hi All,

I am interested in joining the group and clean up crew if I can arrange things on my end. Are there any details on when and where people are meeting up? Is there anyone needing a paddling partner that might be heading in on the Friday?

S.

Okey dokey.

I think I found it on the topo map.

Are there details re: directions and parking that can be posted publicly?




Barbara

look at my map. If memory serves it's access point F.



Jeff

--

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

My Algonquin Park Map - Accurate, Detailed, Free - Version 2.0!

Ah, yes. Thank you.

Has an area for "overnight parking" been positively established?





Barbara

Barbara,
No we haven't determined parking yet, so we don't want to commit until we find out about that.
Pathfinder was supposed to check out the area and let us know soon.

SmedleyCo.,
Some people will be heading in Wed., some Thurs, some Friday I think, and even Saturday.
So keep checking this thread to see if you can get a ride in on Friday.

If the logistics of Craig Lake don't work, we'll pick another location.


Stainless

Thanks, Stainless.


Ok, will be watching this thread for updates.





Barbara

Amy and I looking forward to a get away to Algonquin this spring and meet up with old freinds and meet new ones. See you all where ever it ends up to be.

Dave Harman

OK guys. Looking forward to it.
Pathfinder will let us know how things look tomorrow re: Craig Lake.

Stainless

Headed into Craig Lake area this morning and the entire road is in great condition.

From Highway 11 to Kawawaymog Lake is 18 kms or 25 mins on a combination paved/gravel road that is wide and flat. Then directly at the Kawawaymog office there is a fork in the road to the right. Take that approx 8 km. This road is flat and in good condition, however there are a couple of depressions and two water holes (not deep at all and solid underneath) but nothing that would prevent a car to pass through or around.

After 8 km you will come to another fork. Straight ahead through the overgrown road, or to the right up a hill. Keep going straight through the overgrown road and less than 400 meters you will be at the put in.

Note: there are overhanging young poplars, maple and pine that WILL scratch your vehicle. This is only in a few areas and can be easily removed with a small hand saw or machete. I drive a a 4x4 and use it. So this doesn't bother me. But if drive one of those fancy trucks like Sean(Ajax) has , well you may want to trim some of these small overhanging trees back a tad.

After you travel 8 km past the Kawawaymog Lake office, you will reach this fork as describe above...

[IMG][/IMG]

Along this short route you will encounter this...

[IMG][/IMG]

this...

[IMG][/IMG]

and this...

[IMG][/IMG]

Again, nothing to scary.

*Note: This next set of photos was taken on the way out.

PARKING AREAS: There are three areas to park that will collectively hold approx 12-15 vehicles. (or more)

This area is at the fork in the road before entering the over grown road. This is just out of view of the fork picture I posted earlier..

[IMG][/IMG]

Next, about 75 meters in is this area on the side of the road...

[IMG][/IMG]

Then about 75 meters from the put in is another parking area. You can see the put in from this parking area...

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Approaching the put in....

[IMG][/IMG]

The put in...

[IMG][/IMG]

So, road is in excellent condition and only a short drive from the highway (35mins tops) I'll be tripping with Chris at this time but I wish you all a safe and enjoyable get-together.

If you have any other questions, just ask. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Cheers
Shawn

Thanks Pathfinder, great report!

Judging by what Pathfinder has reported, I think that we should make Craig Lake our destination. I LOVE the idea of trying out an "alternative" access point, and visiting a lake that NONE of us will have been on; so "adventure like"

I am definately a go for this trip, and will be leaving the city by 4:00 pm at the latest on Thursday.

Jeffrey, if you need a ride, I could pick you up around 4:30 or so.

Depending on the drive I would go to Craig that night (asuming we could make it to the launch by 7:00) giving us 2 hours to reach the lake, or stay at the cottage that night, and leave for Craig the following morning.

Questions:

#1. Pathfinder, about how long does it take to get to the launch site from Huntsville?
#2. How long do people anticipate the trek to Craig Lake taking from the launch site?

See everyone next week!

7 more sleeps!


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

Swede you coming? C'mon dood!

Jeff P, I'd say 90-100min each to answer your ? #1 & #2

See you there

So Craig Lake it is.
Make your reservations.
I'll be arriving on the Thursday around midday and leaving Sunday.
Markus and Joan, bring a machete and do a little trimming of the road on Wednesday would ya?

J-Wolf, what are your plans? I'll be solo again.

Stainless

One tip Mother's Day is on the 10th. Make sure that you have something in the bag for that before you head out.

Stinky Laundry and camping gear doesn't cut it.

Don't ask me how I know..... I just do.

Sal

Stainless -- I'll let you know by end of day today. I forgot that I have slightly tentative plans for the evening of the 9th... but that may be out the window. I'll know later on..

Well, it looks like I will have the time free next weekend... however, monetarily I just wouldn't be able to make it up there until Friday mid-day or so. Since anyone I would be able to share a canoe with would already be in by then, and I refuse to let anyone paddle all the way back out just to shuttle me in... it looks negative for my attendance on this trip. =\

Hi J-Wolf,

I am going to be heading in Friday afternoon as well, likely be at the put in by 1 or 2 PM. I am stopping in Huntsville to pick up a solo canoe, I'd be glad to change to a tandem if you were interested.

Let me know,
S.

SmedleyCo -- you are the next edition of saviours! I will most likely take you up on your offer. I'll post tomorrow to be certain. I had another idea which I was mulling around in my head that may still pan out... In either case, the prognosis is looking more positive!

SmedleyCo: Can you shoot me a quick email? (Click on my name on the left there...)