Algonquin Adventures - Fork Lake In Winter

Markus and I arrived at the West Gate around 8:00am, well before the office opened at 9:00am. We had a snowy ride all the way to Algonquin from Toronto and I was happy to arrive safely. After we purchased our permits we were off to the Visitor Centre and started to unload our gear into the sleds. Not soon after, the 2 Jeff's showed up and apologized for being late. Jeff P had been stuck in snow at his cottage driveway. We were soon all loaded up and made our way up a hill that I think was a septic bed beside the Visitor Centre.

From left: Jeffery M, Jeff P and Markus ready to transverse down "heart attack hill"

10:15am and away we went! I got stuck right from the get-go. Jeffery M gave me a push up the small hill. I know my sled's weight was well over 120lbs. I had two barrels full of Markus' and my gear, plus all the food, plus 2 cots.

Markus was pulling a sled loaded with his heavy hot tent and stove. The 2 Jeff's had there own gear to pull, having the lightest loads. We started to transverse down the hill. Markus broke trail with me taking up the rear. It was difficult, as the snow was 3 feet thick. We were all having problems.

My sled was packed to high up making it tipsy. I had the barrels on top of the 2 cots. Halfway down the hill, after capsizing my sled for the 6th time, I spent some time changing my load, putting the cots on the side of the sled ... made it much better. As I was doing this, the boys were at the bottom of the hill trying to cross the "hammock"... The "hammock" was a tree crossing a low area at the bottom of the hill. We all found ourselves laying down in the snow trying to cross. Jeff P helped me cross this area...thanks dood!

My sled covered in snow. As seen, I took my snowshoes off at this point.
I thought it was easier at the time because I had to keep unhooking my
harness and fixing the sled after tipping it in the deep snow.

Just before the marsh area where we decided to leave the sleds and break trail.

At the marsh area. Yep, that spot in the middle of the picture is Markus taking a nap!
We all did several times. (take note for myself: bring ski poles next trip!)

As we approached the flat marsh area, Markus and I dumped the sleds and broke trail ahead of the Jeffs'. Once we found our spot to be for 2 nights, we had a small break.

We went to the same area that was used a few years before by Markus, Jake R and DogByte. This is at the narrows between Fork Lake and Norway Lake on the north side. Some open water is nearby which is great. Markus and I went back to pick up our sleds. I must say that walking without the sleds is so much easier and less tiring. We were sweating like crazy even though it was about -15c out. Once Markus and I got to our sleds, we rested up with some food and drinks. Both Jeff's came and met us halfway back to camp. We were at camp around 2:00pm.

The deep snow tested the strength of our equipment. One side of my harness ripped from pulling and tugging my sled and Markus found out that his 2 rings that connect his harness to the sled were not strong enough and opened up. He had to use rope instead. Our simple 1 hour trip to camp turned out to be a 3 hour ordeal.

First things were to put up the tent, set up the wood stove (important!), get firewood and sort out our gear in the tent. By 4:30'ish we were relaxing in our now heated tent enjoying some drinks. Chili made by Markus was on the menu and was getting thawed out on the stove. It was getting very cold fast as the sun disappeared. I think -30C was recorded that night Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Good thing we were in a heated tent! Thanks Markus! We were all pooped out from the day's work and Markus and I had been up at 4:00am that morning. After a great supper we were all sprawled out ready to snore by 10:00pm. Markus and I were on cots with foam pads and the Jeff's were sleeping on thermo-rests.....Once Markus and I were situated and out of the way, they could make room to sleep on the ground.

I slept great that night, with only a few wake-ups to adjust my sleeping bag. The frost on the sleeping bag near one's head is not the nicest to rub against during the night. You have to breathe outside the bag to keep the moisture out.

I wore ear plugs for good reasons. Some are known to snore! The fire was left to burn out during the night. I got up first around 6:30am and lit the stove. I think I woke up everyone, but I'm sure they'd prefer getting out of their sleeping bags with the temperature above freezing.

A pot that had simmering water in it, on the stove when we went to sleep had about 1/4" ice on top! So, it got cold! Soon the fire was fired up and I went outside to boil some water for coffee. I had to break open the area we were getting water from the creek. There was this cold layer of fog over the narrows.

It was great out! I yelled at Markus to come on out to get some pictures. Everyone was up by 8:30am and soon breakfast was being warmed up. My wife Laurie had pre-made egg/spinach patties. Just warm them up on the stove with a cooking sheet. I also had some pre-cooked peameal bacon and English muffins to warm up.

By 11:00am we were off on a day trip to check out Fork Lake. It was a beautiful day. We followed each other, taking turns breaking trail across the lake. As we rounded the corner to the island, we noticed someone pulling a sled on our trail to camp. We were too far away to yell and knew it was Shawn of North Bay coming in for one night. We would see him later or hoped he would follow us out after setting up his tent.

On the way, we encountered slush here and there. You could see snow pocket type craters in the snow in many locations, making crossing the lake feel unsafe. We all had ice picks ready if needed and were spaced far apart in case someone fell through. We stopped at the island with a campsite and had a break.

We then crossed the lake again to check to see what type of tracks we'd spotted. The tracks turned out to be moose and were fresh. The moose crossed the lake at many areas. I suppose if the moose can cross the lake, it must be safe for us eh? Made me feel better.

We continued on towards the portage to Jean Lake but crossed to the north shore to check out the ice waterfalls. We took some pictures and followed the shore towards the rapids to find a spot on shore for a "shore-lunch". We found a sweet place with a large rock to make the fire beside and there was lots of dead wood around to make the fire.

Heading towards the ice falls

Mark is in ice jail

The Jeff's in jail

It was great to warm up and have some sausages & buns. The day was great, doesn't get much better ... well, some paddling would be preferred. But this would do for this time of year.

We headed back to camp to see if Shawn made out okay setting up camp. The others went ahead of me while I ....well, stopped for a break at a campsite. When I got back to camp J-Wolf was there. He came all the way from Burlington for a day trip. He commented on our trail and called the hill back up to the Visitor Centre "Heart Attack Hill" for good reason. We for sure are not pulling sleds back up that hill on the way out tomorrow! J-wolf could not stay long and soon left so he could return snowshoe rentals by 5:00pm. I think he left not until after 3pm and would have to make hiking back a quick one.

We chatted with Shawn for awhile and he went back to his campsite area. He was staying alone up a hill a few minute walk from us. Shawn was cold tenting and was his first time doing so. I invited him back for beef/venison stew for supper but he wanted to experience the cold weather tenting for future trips. There is for sure some security knowing people are near by if needed. Specially in the winter.

Shawn getting wood.

Shawn's camp site....COLD tent! brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Everyone coming up to see Sean....Jeff P, don't spill the "ice" wine!

Jeff P, Markus and Jeff M cutting fire wood for the night.
They did the bulk of getting wood...thanks guys!

Jeff P went back a few times to check up on Shawn and re-invite him over to our warm or HOT tent as it was tonight! It was a warmer night around the -15c. In the tent was well over 20c and I was cooking the meal! Peeling off the cloths to t-shirt was needed.

"Open that darn door!" We all enjoyed some drinks and had many laughs. What a great group of guys to go with. First time tripping with both Jeff's. Hope to trip with them again. Very helpful around camp to boot!

The stew took some time to defrost and heat up. Must have been past 8:00pm before we had dinner. A little note of making things easier for winter camping. I find that doing dishes in the winter is a pain because of freezing soap etc. For this trip I brought many paper bowls and plastic spoons. Not doing dishes after dinner except for one pot to deal with is great. Some paper cups are also nice for that quick drink!

Jeff P making contact with the outside world by internet on AlgonquinAdventures.com.
I believe a first from the interior on AA.

Our last night on Fork Lake

We turned out the lights by 10:00pm. I was freaking hot during the last night. I had my sleeping bag open and was still hot. I tossed and turned until 3:00am and said "screw it, getting up!" I got dressed and wondered outside by 3:30am. I got some water and boiled water for coffee. I made a nice fire away from the tent and sat for an hour or so. I enjoyed the quietness of the forest. It sounds weird now, but it was great medicine! When a slight lightness was apparent I put on my snowshoes and daypack and went for a walk. I walked to about the last point on Fork Lake before the marsh. I could see the Visitor Centre. I sat down against a tree blocking the South wind. It was snowing slightly also. I fell asleep for 20 minutes.

I was waiting for Sean to show up. He was to come bright and early this morning for a day trip. I decided to perhaps break a trail thru the marsh to help us out on the way out today. I got about 300 feet and just stopped and decided to go back to camp. I was a little tired and my legs are still not 100% from pulling the sled to camp the day before. Still no Sean .......

I got back to camp to find Markus out near the creek asking the where-abouts of Mr. Sean. We were surprised not to see him yet.

The guys were coming alive now and Jeff P made us some coffee. We were all standing around the outside fire. Some snow was falling from the trees and it's funny to watch others get hit and not so nice when it's your turn. Just as Jeff poured our coffee we hear Sean say "giddy-gig" in the distance. It was not until 10:00am when Sean arrived. Just in time for coffee! He explained that the main gate to the Visitor Centre does not open until after 9:00am sometime. He had to park before the gate and pull his sled up the road to the Centre. Just as he approached the Centre a truck pull past him. I think he was pissed that he wasted at least 20 minutes walking the road.

Sean, where the heck have you been dood?

Markus and Sean warming up

Shawn came over from his campsite to meet Sean. I was soon getting my gear together to pack up. Jeff M and Jeff P were making breakfast. Fried bacon with bagels and jelly. Yummy. Soon the tent was being taken down and our sleds got loaded up. The fire was put out and our site cleaned up. Shawn went back to his site to pack. We were on the way by noon. A little later than I would have preferred. Jeff P and I discussed how long it would take to get back to our cars. We figured 1 1/2 to 2 hours. We did have to break a fresh trail under the Visitor Centre thru the marsh. 3 feet of fluffy snow is not the easiest to transverse through while pulling a sled. My sled was perhaps 20lbs lighter with less food but it felt the same! I was first on the trail and Markus, the Jeff's, Sean and then Shawn.

View looking back at our camping area with the boys following me out.

We continued on our broken trail and then the 300 feet or so I did earlier this morning. It was still cloudy and a south wind with flurries. I began to break a fresh trail but only lasted perhaps another 100 feet and stopped. I was winded and my legs were tired. I fell a few times getting my snowshoes hooked on small branches here and there. I was sweating up a storm even with no hat and rolled up sleeves.

Shawn took the lead and continued on for a long time, stopping and going until we got about even with the Visitor Centre. What a strong guy! Thanks Sean! The sun was out now but the wind was strong. From here, we all took short turns leading. Everyone was having a hard time for sure. Sean of Ajax was taking some film footage along that way. I was kidding with him that he was the caboose hanging back last.

In the distance you can just see the Visitor Centre. The sun did come out about 1/2 hour later.

Shawn up front .. Sean in the rear.

We were all fighting to see who could go next. NOT! It was decided that Shawn would let Jeff M pull his sled and Shawn would break trail for the rest of us. Thanks Sean and Jeff for pulling 2 sleds! Jeff's sled was light but pulling another one was tricky going around trees and such.

Jeffery pulling 2 sleds. Darn trees!
Note: when pulling trees do not make tight turns around trees. They will hang up.

Sean having a great day

Finally 1 1/2 hours later, we were at the gate/road that goes to the Visitor Centre. The last 500 feet was hard trying to pull the sleds thru the trees. Sean shuttled a few of us back to the parking lot to get our cars and to load up our gear.

Sean was great offering us lunch at the Visitor Centre. Thanks Sean! That was great and we were all hungry. The sun was just pouring in the windows as we had lunch and chatted about our fantastic short trip. We all took pictures from the observation deck. Our trail was well visible and it was kool to see the distance we covered from Fork Lake. Sean had his tripod and video camera rolling. It was getting late in the day and I had a 7 hour trip home. I said farewell to the gang and was on the road a little after 3 pm.

Fork Lake from the observation deck at the Visitor Centre.

View more north of the deck.
You can see the trail in the snow from our trip out.

Well. I missed a great opportunity! So did everyone except Markus and Sean. They stayed behind to take more pictures and perhaps do a trail on the way out of the park. Anyways, I'm still ticked-off writing about this. They spotted 4 wolves on our trail heading south away from the Visitor Centre! Sean was able to take some video of them walking our trail and Markus took pictures. What a sight that must of been. I'm happy that Sean and Markus saw them and specially Sean, as he came all the way from Toronto just for the day. Spotting the wolves made his trip sweet and oh ya, seeing us was special too! Right Sean? heh heh...

Another great trip in Algonquin to remember. Only problem I had with this trip was it was way to short for all hard work it takes to winter camp.