Announcing the completion of judging of the latest cohosted Algonquin Outfitters / Algonquin Adventures photo contest

This spring photo contest was themed "Edited Algonquin". People were encouraged to edit their photos before submitting them to the photo contest. Over 150 photos were entered into the contest which turned out to be our largest spring photo contest ever.

You can check out all the winners, honourable mentions and entries at ... http://picasaweb.google.com/AlgonquinOutfitters/AO2010SpringPhotoContest#

Thanks to Algonquin Adventures regular Stephen Molson for bringing to our attention the " www.InvadingSpecies.com" website. It's a very informative and pro-active initiative by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

"In recent decades there has been a growing awareness of exotic species invading our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Purple loosestrife, the sea lamprey, zebra mussels, spiny water flea, and round goby are among species threatening our fish and wildlife habitat. The O.F.A.H. in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) created the Invading Species Awareness Program in 1992 to address the threats from exotic invading species."

Al LeBlanc and friend were all set for a 5-day stay at the Tattler Lake cabin. However, a glitch changed that into a 3-day stay on Crotch Lake. Making the best of things, they made an exploratory day-trip to Robin Lake. "Crotch Lake Trip Report – 2010".

"The intensity of the snow seemed to increase and within ten minutes a snowstorm seemed to envelope us. Next came winds howling out of the North and it felt like a terrible blizzard had engulfed us; biting cold winds, with heavy blinding snow. This went on for about fifteen minutes when just as I started to think that maybe we should consider making camp, the storm ceased."

The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists are proud to announce their online release of the "Backcountry Of Algonquin Park - Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics" guidebook. It's an eleven page presentation, made in partnership with Leave No Trace Canada .. taking the reader through the seven principles of Leave No Trace, as they apply to Algonquin Park's backcountry and its unique circumstances.

Algonquin's backcountry is a delicate network of wilderness-like lakes, watercourses, protected zones, watercourse setbacks, campsites, portages and trails. Polluted water, displaced wildlife, eroded soil, and trampled vegetation are just some of the impacts linked directly to recreational activities. Considerable damage could be prevented if all recreationalists were well informed, complied with regulations, and applied Leave No Trace skills and ethics.

The application of Leave No Trace principles and practices extends common courtesy and hospitality to other backcountry visitors and to the natural world of which we are all a part. LNT principles are based on an abiding respect for nature. This respect, coupled with good judgement and awareness, allows us to apply the principles to our own circumstances.

January 28th to 31st, 2010 .. Markus Rubino, Jeffrey McMurtrie and Mike Burns headed north to Wilkins Lake .. "Snowshoe to Wilkins Lake" .. this trip-log by Markus is the second account of the trip which was originally submitted by Mike in his photo-story-board .. "Wilkins Lake Winter Camping".

"The intensity of the snow seemed to increase and within ten minutes a snowstorm seemed to envelope us. Next came winds howling out of the North and it felt like a terrible blizzard had engulfed us; biting cold winds, with heavy blinding snow. This went on for about fifteen minutes when just as I started to think that maybe we should consider making camp, the storm ceased."

October 8th to 12th, 2009 .. Markus Rubino and friend Mike cross Kioshkokwi Lake and headed up Maple Creek to camp on Maple Lake. Joined by another friend Sean, they daytripped to Erables and North Sylvia Lakes. "Up Maple Creek" .. another great addition to his website.

"We should leave, NOW! Mister moose might come along any minute." Sean and I suddenly woke up to the realization of Mike's statement. Any minute now a bull moose could come crashing through the forest in a complete rage of hormones, as it was that time of the year when they are in 'rut'. It was very possible that the lone cow moose was being pursued, and it would be best for us to be...elsewhere."

June 20th to 29th, 2008 .. Markus Rubino headed north on Cedar Lake. He portaged by Laurel Lake to Carl Wison Lake and finished-up doubling back to the south end of Cedar Lake. Despite being the thick of mosquito and blackfly season, he was able to hook-up with friends Darren, Kevin, "Swede" and Jim. "Everything Is So Green" .. is still another great addition to his website.

"I grabbed the pole and started to real in immediately. The drag on the line was not as strong as before and this fish seemed to resist less even as it fought as I brought it to the surface. Once on the surface the fish really started to put up a fight and it took three tries before I got the fish into the net. I brought the fish into the canoe where I tried to subdue it. It tried unsuccessfully to get away from me, but I prevailed .."

September 17th to 26th, 2009 .. Markus Rubino and his friend Joan took a canoe trip from Access Point #3 by way of Ralph Bice, Little Trout and Queer Lakes .. the Tim River, north to Shippagew, Longer and Burntroot Lakes .. then south to Big Trout and White Trout Lakes .. west on McIntosh Creek to McIntosh and Misty Lakes .. then west on the Petawawa River to Daisy Lake and back to the access point .. "Lovely September Days".. another great addition to his website.

"The scene was fantastic, an island laden lake came into view framed by trees, a sandy beach and sun! Lots of sun, it was like we walked through a doorway into a different world, gone were the dark clouds and glassy waters, here it was fresh, a warm light breeze with scattered clouds, sunshine everywhere, and not a soul around...again!"