So here we are again, going back to Carcajou Bay off Grand Lake. We like this area and no portages to get to our campsite. So that’s a bonus. Just a little paddle in site and we can even take more stuff, cause you can never have too much stuff !
This year we are doing a longer trip, putting in at Opeongo Lake and heading to Crow Lake. Opeongo is the largest lake in Algonquin Park with a total area of 58 km2 (22.4 sq mi), average depth 14.6 m (48 ft) and maximum depth 49.4 m (162 ft). Opeongo has three arms, north, west and south. We are heading to the North arm.
Opeongo Lake has a store, canoe/kayak/gear rentals and also water taxis. If you aren’t familiar with water taxis, you can hire someone with an actual boat, WITH A MOTOR, to take you and your canoe/kayak to another part of the lake. Much faster, saves a lot of time and because the water on some of these big lakes can be very rough, it is safer. I am pretty sure I have mentioned more than 53 times, I hate paddling on big lakes. We are experienced canoeists but I still don’t like to paddle certain lakes and this is one of them. This particular lake has had many drowning deaths on it. As recently as 2014, four canoeists capsized. Two made it to shore and two drowned. Extremely sad for the families. Just be safe when canoeing or doing any kind of boating and wear your lifejackets.
Well here we are again ! Another summer, another trip to the back country of Algonquin Park. We decided this year to go to Pen Lake. Yes we have been here before but it’s an area we love and there is always a ton of wildlife. This is a photo of the canoe we had at that time. I believe we are on our fourth canoe now and it’s a Souris River 17 1/2 foot Ultra Light Kevlar weighing about 44 pounds. Super easy to carry ! ……….for Clint. lol
In 2006 we decided to head to Grand Lake and paddle over to the portage leading to Stratton Lake. This is a nice area of the park, however, in all the years we have been going to Algonquin, this area is where we have seen the least amount of wildlife for some reason. Maybe its the month of August.
See the little Canada Goose above is saying “come read her Blog, come read her Blog” or maybe not……………
Continue reading “ONTARIO PROVINCIAL PARKS – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY – Part One”
Today I thought I would share some favourites of mine.
First and foremost is a Podcast that my son is involved in. He and two friends, all live in Toronto, are creators of The ComPOSERS – The Movie Score Podcast. They combine their love of music and movies and there is much animated discussion. For full transparency, they do swear, so if that’s not your thing, please don’t listen ! I mean three youngish guys living in Toronto, not surprising. They have a few short animated clips on YouTube that I think are so well done. If you knew these three guys, you would know them as their “cartoony” characters right away. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxKG3xGoGYSnL4WyDVhD6cg
Some Blogs that I like:
Melissa lives in Perth, Australia but travels when she can all over the world. Your Travel Handbook
Diane lives in the USA and posts terrific recipes for any level of cooking skills. I love reading her recipes and trying some out. Her recipes include explicit instructions and photos so you can’t go wrong. and she will answer you back right away if you have any questions/comments. In Diane’s Kitchen.
Rachel is another great travel Blogger. The Historic Traveler who travels Europe and has great information if you are thinking of heading over the pond. Hopefully one day, Clint and I will be able to put her info to good use !
Kara and Bailey (USA) are two other traveling Bloggers who have great information to share and stories to tell. Peacoat Travels They include photos and how to buy tickets, how to get places, history of the just everything you need to know all wrapped up.
The Uncorked Librarian is another Blog I love to read. She does love her books and her wine ! She travels around the world looking for a good read and a good wine to go with that good read. Check her out.
Podcasts:
Wild and Exposed Mark Raycroft (Canadian) and three other fellows (Americans) travel extensively, particularly the far North. They have published over 10,000 photos, have been on over 500 Covers, published in National Geographic and over 50 other magazines. and they have had footage shown on Discovery, Animal Planet and National Geographic Channels. I was fortunate to hear Mark speak a couple of years ago at one of the Photo Clubs I belong to. He is an engaging speaker and his photos are incredible. Oh and did I mention he writes books?
Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe I love his podcasts. Stuart passed away in February 2017 but his podcasts are wonderful. If you have not heard of him or listened to his Podcasts, please do. We were fortunate enough to see him perform in our hometown and the show was a sellout as it always it. I am so glad I was able to see him in person once. We still listen to his podcasts even though we have already listened to them all !
If anyone has any great Podcasts, Blogs or whatnot that you think is great, let me know! I will check them out and give a shout out on one my Blogs.
I do have more but maybe I will save them for another time…………Stay tuned !
