tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31280054055460532492024-02-06T17:47:48.531-08:00Kindred WanderingsOur Family OutingsDave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-31693133874680517962020-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:002020-02-02T13:50:27.939-08:00Winter Cabin Life at Silent Lake Provincial ParkWe haven't seen much winter this year so when the snow finally started to fly mid-January we decided we should head north for a couple of days and take in as much winter as we could before it all disappeared. We discovered that <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/silentlake">Silent Lake Provincial Park</a> had some cabins available, so we booked one and started getting ready. While booking the cabin we noticed that there is no lack of availability during the week. If you can get away during the week this would be a great option.<br />
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We booked cabin 206, somewhat randomly and I think it turned out to best cabin for us. It was on the lake side of the road, which meant we could walk out the front door to the lake. The cabins on either side of us were empty for our stay. But most importantly, we were able to turn the hill down to the lake into a sledding hill. I don't think any of the other cabins had such a nice sledding hill right out the door. When you have kids your criteria for a successful location can be quite different.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin 206</td></tr>
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We were only able to spend two nights so we made good use of our time. Upon our arrival we notice that mother nature had set the perfect scene for us. The temperature was below freezing, but not by much; the trees were covered in snow, from a storm the previous weekend; and the sun was setting. We unloaded our belongings, had something to eat then headed outside. We roasted some marshmallows then made our way to lake to get a good view of the night sky. The night sky was absolutely stunning. One of our daughters lay on the frozen lake just taking it all in. We talked about how the sky might have looked different thousands of years ago and how it might look different thousands of years from now. We also talked about how vast the universe was and pondered questions such as: what if there are other universes out there? It was certainly the highlight of the day.<br />
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The next morning we headed out on the ski trail. We didn't really pay much attention to the map before we left. We figured we would ski until our six year old got tired, then turn around. That's what we had done last time we were here. We left from point A and headed towards point B. There's a steep uphill climb just before B. I was worried that our daughter would get tired or frustrated after climbing the hill then she'd have to walk down the hill and ski back. We decided that Sarah and the girls would turn around at the hill and ski back to the cabin. Our son and I would continue on and do the 5 km red trail. We all had a great ski and met back at the cabin for lunch. While we were out on the trail we realized that all of us would be able to complete the 2.5 km green trail. This would make a great trip for tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Ski Trails</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Across the Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And We're Off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream Flowing Out of Silent Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Much Snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Covered in White</td></tr>
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After lunch the plan was to do some ice fishing. We hadn't been ice fishing yet this year since it has been so warm, so we were looking forward to getting out there. Our son went to sort through the fishing gear while Sarah and I cleaned up after lunch. After a short period of time he came in asking where the fishing rods were. When he told me they weren't with all the other ice fishing gear, I realized that they were in the garage at home. Oh well. We dumped all the gear out of the sled and spent a good part of the afternoon sledding down the hill.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Down </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's Steering This Thing?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed for the Jump!</td></tr>
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After a bit of sledding I put the skis back on and did the 10 km yellow trail. It was very picturesque The warm-up hut (located at point F) would be a good spot to stop for lunch some day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small, Frozen Body of Water</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm-Up Cabin</td></tr>
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When I got back to the cabin we started thinking about dinner. The plan was to BBQ some sausages, but it was so nice out that we all wanted to just be outside. We decided to cook our sausages over the fire instead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tending the Fire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking on The Sausages</td></tr>
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The next morning we packed up (checkout time is 11:00), vacated the cabin and headed out for a ski. We brought a lunch with us so that we could eat on the way. The plan was to ski the 2.5 km loop, stopping about midway for lunch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY9ulzxS9LyZxtuVYM0PtjqISrwuK4Zb-aJ6176EZWMsbdxXdstdDl-VXXHSNRB7FubUzfEAQ2nFxmC1BgZbtz9535vwcaYqBt_V23vXcQhlhiljVTa1S6UFw7ucfJznZSFC8bnIlLyll/s1600/P1300356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY9ulzxS9LyZxtuVYM0PtjqISrwuK4Zb-aJ6176EZWMsbdxXdstdDl-VXXHSNRB7FubUzfEAQ2nFxmC1BgZbtz9535vwcaYqBt_V23vXcQhlhiljVTa1S6UFw7ucfJznZSFC8bnIlLyll/s400/P1300356.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Up the Big Hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JKWE51wlkwBwQ9DP7B4goH4T2IYCbWdGth4AlSICTwZkowhqgo1rrxOFyi9B9tGSAlPyfDzGIrlYZLF3sLRRxDlcRgEPrOr46DLKjH4-wiJRNqaSkSUjH8_9taEi8hWyNv6Mhzqi87rD/s1600/P1300357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JKWE51wlkwBwQ9DP7B4goH4T2IYCbWdGth4AlSICTwZkowhqgo1rrxOFyi9B9tGSAlPyfDzGIrlYZLF3sLRRxDlcRgEPrOr46DLKjH4-wiJRNqaSkSUjH8_9taEi8hWyNv6Mhzqi87rD/s400/P1300357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improvised Picnic Table</td></tr>
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When we finished the loop our six year old said "Let's do it again!". We were all shocked that she wanted to go again, but we were all happy to oblige. We had the rest of our lunch by the lake then proceeded to complete the 2.5 km loop again. She was so much better the second time around. She even wanted to go a third time, but we weren't sure we had time (or that she would have the energy). I guess next time we'll have to do the 5 km loop, possibly with an additional 2.5 km loop.</div>
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We had a great time at Silent Lake. It was so nice to get a taste of winter. The cabins are a great option. They're very spacious. They can sleep 5 and come equipped with a microwave, fridge, kettle, a small counter with kitchen cupboards and shelves, a dinning table and a BBQ outside. The cabins are very similar to the one we stayed in at <a href="http://kindredwanderings.blogspot.com/2016/02/five-fabulous-days-at-arrowhead.html">Arrowhead</a>. The big difference is that the enclosed porch was heated at Silent Lake and it had an amazing collapsible drying rack. The drying rack was a great place to put hats and mitts to dry. I think I want one of these for home!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwjysg7wKVOIrKACzwAfnaxJp72gyyJsD94rsDfyRyyzJl2ngGYj7goXjGJKJXqbF98TijA33AK0QklsnLW0bloHpjHWZYBUjGl6psjosdigsKbnRfXiM6ZUpRokkI2wtLVNiuzCb-gEd/s1600/P1300351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwjysg7wKVOIrKACzwAfnaxJp72gyyJsD94rsDfyRyyzJl2ngGYj7goXjGJKJXqbF98TijA33AK0QklsnLW0bloHpjHWZYBUjGl6psjosdigsKbnRfXiM6ZUpRokkI2wtLVNiuzCb-gEd/s400/P1300351.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collapsible Drying Rack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TyIzRwP_4nYtc77y_z-9MSbpWQCJH20uw9PH2j6wT6pT_tkVvGn19USV78d9GIvq1qsskKfL1iu-q4T3uyL98rwHEvKugpA4feyFzzB4vlrVmwATZWgTgsj-WF6-F3V2gskyLyn6SSsK/s1600/P1300352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TyIzRwP_4nYtc77y_z-9MSbpWQCJH20uw9PH2j6wT6pT_tkVvGn19USV78d9GIvq1qsskKfL1iu-q4T3uyL98rwHEvKugpA4feyFzzB4vlrVmwATZWgTgsj-WF6-F3V2gskyLyn6SSsK/s400/P1300352.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collapsed Drying Rack</td></tr>
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If you're looking for somewhere to go for a winter getaway, Silent Lake is a great option. They have 34 km of ski trails, 3.5 km of dedicated snowshoe trails (though you could snowshoe on the lake or on any of the unplowed park roads) and ice fishing (hand powered augers only). We will certainly be back, hopefully with our of our fishing gear.<br />
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-26026454156131723282019-08-03T18:50:00.000-07:002019-08-03T18:50:24.614-07:00Kawartha Highlands: Anstruther - Serpentine - Rathbun LoopWe decided to explore the north-east corner of <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/kawarthahighlands">Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park</a> since we have never been to that section of the park. One of the things I like best about this park is that it is so close to home (about an hour and forty minutes) and it feels a lot like the more northern parks. Our goal was to leisurely do the Anstruther to Serpetine to Rathbun loop. We planned on five days so that we could take our time and enjoy the sites.<br />
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<u>Day 1</u><br />
We put in at the Anstruther Lake Access Point. It was very windy when we got there, and as you might have guessed the wind was blowing directly in our faces, which made fro a bit of a tricky launch. Once we were on the water things were great. The kids all did an amazing job of paddling in such a strong wind. They really dug in when we needed them to. I'm so impressed with their growth as paddlers over the years (Our six year old paddles like a veteran paddler). Since we were battling a strong head wind there was no time for pictures.<br />
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As we neared the first portage of the day, into Rathbun Lake, we spotted a bald eagle flying overhead. I find these birds absolutely majestic and am happy to see that they are making a come back. We got to the portage, unloaded and sorted out who was taking what on the portage. We blasted through the portage then when back to check out the waterfall. I love that our kids are so excited to see and explore waterfalls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K9ALq7UaBDOphzRC5vycvopQwHBQHgHIaFyE2cTqplXCKj6AwhsPxql8bUOQsNbSj8GU4eJUp-s3clyqJ63ow9_Mai1d2l8qMsUlXii49E5MyFEi0cqISz0vGkl_H9scUAsqYbhIL91i/s1600/P7210206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K9ALq7UaBDOphzRC5vycvopQwHBQHgHIaFyE2cTqplXCKj6AwhsPxql8bUOQsNbSj8GU4eJUp-s3clyqJ63ow9_Mai1d2l8qMsUlXii49E5MyFEi0cqISz0vGkl_H9scUAsqYbhIL91i/s400/P7210206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the Waterfall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxg01u1XnEJ5bM33I7aJUtkEmJ6hhlT1AaLpEUSGglR8j-jEgGnAJAEEF_6RyEG8a1Fqyqrw3m3Fyccvxd0upeXzwqp1sTw5-iazU1vxuGIGzUKvgGRQR0yF1jf1UO8nmZmtniiy3Nuef/s1600/P7210208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxg01u1XnEJ5bM33I7aJUtkEmJ6hhlT1AaLpEUSGglR8j-jEgGnAJAEEF_6RyEG8a1Fqyqrw3m3Fyccvxd0upeXzwqp1sTw5-iazU1vxuGIGzUKvgGRQR0yF1jf1UO8nmZmtniiy3Nuef/s400/P7210208.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing(?) at the Waterfall </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MRsYDF4lA1X-YqUBWqFVZAmokKOVmkD-HUpmc4tTR9aHM9zJ0NQY5Sl2cuE7aDLUyHmG4h8BJgS04dL5WHcZldtVpdZ_-hHG__YkyIj1IC5z2t1BiC4EIjrcHggRerPZ1y_c2yFMXa4M/s1600/P7210209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MRsYDF4lA1X-YqUBWqFVZAmokKOVmkD-HUpmc4tTR9aHM9zJ0NQY5Sl2cuE7aDLUyHmG4h8BJgS04dL5WHcZldtVpdZ_-hHG__YkyIj1IC5z2t1BiC4EIjrcHggRerPZ1y_c2yFMXa4M/s400/P7210209.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Waterfall Climbing</td></tr>
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We spent longer than we should have exploring the waterfall, but the kids were having a great time. We had lunch at the end of the portage and watched the streams of canoes making their way out of the park (it was Sunday afternoon).<br />
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The trip across Rathbun was quick and uneventful but the portage into Copper Lake was a little busy when we got there. Sarah was able to land her boat and get going on the portage. Shortly after she left a couple were putting their boat into the water, followed by a trio in a different canoe. Our older daughter and I waited on the water until the portage was clear. This portage also had a beautiful waterfall. We didn't stop, we just admired it in passing since it was getting late and we were getting tired. The portages for the day were short, but they were both steep uphills. From Anstruther Lake to Copper the elevation gain is about 45 m, over about 600 m. The Highlands part of the park name isn't just a cute name to invoke visions of beauty. They're called Highlands for good reason.<br />
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Once on Copper Lake we paddled to our site (235).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVHabazv6bbb8YOl-VR8ZPMvNcBeD7zaUoZjNIhwquYuvSHiaSmjQ0epSISjoAoDOETqkdMge_XAqPj5wU0n6vjgS3UuE36lQUotQxMQFYpAGcLKm0YufdvPObmmUaxQYSt7yQdCVcRoQ/s1600/P7210210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVHabazv6bbb8YOl-VR8ZPMvNcBeD7zaUoZjNIhwquYuvSHiaSmjQ0epSISjoAoDOETqkdMge_XAqPj5wU0n6vjgS3UuE36lQUotQxMQFYpAGcLKm0YufdvPObmmUaxQYSt7yQdCVcRoQ/s400/P7210210.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Lake</td></tr>
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The site was nice but the swimming wasn't great. The water was a bit swampy. That didn't stop us though. We found a path through the lily pads and swam out to some cleaner water. It was a hot day and were were all ready for a swim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdPX0Tew2TYLzvMzhM7UpxjqfDSaf0Zzj_GGhlKQ0t8j5CeEI6fNDvTjFKGlbKGAM3e8U2LDneMxY23JuCx4Fahxla28aA8edRtGOv-x3ZEuLG271adjYhW8ERd7QN8ZLak6UrEahSfoW/s1600/P7210217+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdPX0Tew2TYLzvMzhM7UpxjqfDSaf0Zzj_GGhlKQ0t8j5CeEI6fNDvTjFKGlbKGAM3e8U2LDneMxY23JuCx4Fahxla28aA8edRtGOv-x3ZEuLG271adjYhW8ERd7QN8ZLak6UrEahSfoW/s400/P7210217+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Amazing How Much Cooking the Kids Want to do When Fire is Involved</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j4hkubUMY0vEv2Fa2r-7j6aclyt6M2fCNlRAJrNrRl3OYodt0klKXdbctJvKjigpQ-GVc1xDJT1v6Uhli9Tmv3AoUqzOdUZt2GlCpFCQFxjeWF63esd1Rp4OzHIF9sSO51ZHpsZgRQUZ/s1600/P7220218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j4hkubUMY0vEv2Fa2r-7j6aclyt6M2fCNlRAJrNrRl3OYodt0klKXdbctJvKjigpQ-GVc1xDJT1v6Uhli9Tmv3AoUqzOdUZt2GlCpFCQFxjeWF63esd1Rp4OzHIF9sSO51ZHpsZgRQUZ/s400/P7220218.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wind Finally Died Down</td></tr>
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As we explored our site we were amazed by quantity and size of the blueberries. They were big, bright blue and they seemed to be everywhere. Blueberries would become a common site on the trip. We couldn't get over how many there were everywhere we went.<br />
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<u>Day 2</u><br />
Our goal for the second day was to get to Serpentine Lake. We had booked the island site (221) and were looking forward to a couple of days there. Our older daughter was convinced that we should take the short route via the 200m portage into Serpentine. The rest of us really wanted to go the long way through the marsh, into Anderson Lake the across the 610m portage into Serpentine.<br />
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As we were preparing to leave it started to rain. We found our rain coats and setup a tarp so that we could finish packing up. We waited a few minutes for the rain to stop. It slowed to a very light drizzle so we headed out and as it turns out it didn't take long for it to stop raining. We made our way to the marsh leading into Anderson Lake. It didn't look like this root was very well traveled. It was a real challenge trying to determine which way to go and there was some tough slugging in some sections as we maneuvered through the mud, grass, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJvisT6OaPyuckJYksy7wUDu__IQ2p0XHnoZ62wTsP90pkalzOc0tEWnBRci3aOZszVIib81RASI7kRerAwEYClHXBofrtKDsa_a-cKDQGNRrxNtnulbUcYKKtPdPfAw34ciBeDNA6qNQ/s1600/P7220219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJvisT6OaPyuckJYksy7wUDu__IQ2p0XHnoZ62wTsP90pkalzOc0tEWnBRci3aOZszVIib81RASI7kRerAwEYClHXBofrtKDsa_a-cKDQGNRrxNtnulbUcYKKtPdPfAw34ciBeDNA6qNQ/s400/P7220219.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Might be the Right Way!</td></tr>
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After much meandering we made it to Anderson Lake. It's a small lake with only two campsites on it. I imagine it's a very peaceful lake to stay on. We didn't see anyone else while we were there. We found the portage easily, but it was a bit of a challenge to get to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYPEgPw5OyA2RShWXDn6NwfWKtQBa5PiW1Y6lZgA_EzkGsL1WwdxrvrraoOAj60fsRft-zlr4wNjKr-ddFoak0W_nkZ1SbDlWi0zEWYkiRJDYUOR4sYMudAJF88Udq1MtzjlLo3RL41eS/s1600/P7220224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYPEgPw5OyA2RShWXDn6NwfWKtQBa5PiW1Y6lZgA_EzkGsL1WwdxrvrraoOAj60fsRft-zlr4wNjKr-ddFoak0W_nkZ1SbDlWi0zEWYkiRJDYUOR4sYMudAJF88Udq1MtzjlLo3RL41eS/s400/P7220224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at the Portage</td></tr>
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There was a shallow muddy path leading to the portage. Most of us ended up with wet feet getting to solid ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-JF3baP2XoAkyublZ4oV4W6YnBD6AaJM3ix-mNMwOD0CNj4HD9I2Bs3_l9ffCLiAasDNZNPw4liJAjdj-zRsLbzzbNYyYvXRKfFhtDra5LgiohuAcIRxYG7eup7jYaQC2cFazvFKaEv5/s1600/P7220229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-JF3baP2XoAkyublZ4oV4W6YnBD6AaJM3ix-mNMwOD0CNj4HD9I2Bs3_l9ffCLiAasDNZNPw4liJAjdj-zRsLbzzbNYyYvXRKfFhtDra5LgiohuAcIRxYG7eup7jYaQC2cFazvFKaEv5/s400/P7220229.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Line</td></tr>
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The portage was wet, as a result of the rain and our younger daughter slipped going up a steep rock. She was frustrated about not being able to make it up the rock but was unhurt. We spent a short time regrouping (did I mention there were lots of mosquitoes and deer flies?) and everyone was on their way again. Unfortunately, there was no relief from the bugs at the other end of the portage since it was a bit marshy there as well. We got on the water and paddled to a more open part of the lake to get away from the bugs then had a snack. Everyone was in good spirits as we paddled to our site. It was still overcast but the temperature was rising. We made it to the island and setup camp. As we did so the sun came out and invited us for a swim. The water was nice. Our six year old daughter decided that she wanted to swim to the mainland. She didn't tell anyone this was her plan, she just started swimming. As we tried to get her to swim back towards the island we realized what she was up to, so we all swam to the nearest shore (a rocky point). It was a picture perfect afternoon and evening.<br />
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We were treated a beautiful sunset and went to bed shortly there after.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEKlFbjZBNeCsY_j5YYPNL_Ow45iKMcuzu3xLUhAYl8cVoY4P-HM0KiSluKRoM8A9HcIadAq_xtaGPXGhVkv1CO3UgN1CX14yn_aD63QA2Q5oIWUy04xlea2Kmx2h7JzeUA6Dacxth8YK/s1600/P7220241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEKlFbjZBNeCsY_j5YYPNL_Ow45iKMcuzu3xLUhAYl8cVoY4P-HM0KiSluKRoM8A9HcIadAq_xtaGPXGhVkv1CO3UgN1CX14yn_aD63QA2Q5oIWUy04xlea2Kmx2h7JzeUA6Dacxth8YK/s400/P7220241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible Sunset</td></tr>
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<u>Day 3</u><br />
This was a rest day for us. We woke up and leisurely cooked pancakes over the fire. After breakfast we headed off to explore. Our son and I wanted to explore the creek near the 200 m portage. We paddled a short distance and discovered it was all dried up. It was an interesting creek because it looked like it had cut right through the rock, creating rock walls on both sides of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhYwqEA6dd51Jfbeu3cgTVQrrizbYd_pleYdKNkKyKefV7bNBZBI3fMfCEPm37r81bp0mc9nVCZfMtMbg36m3GuiXK_4LFGN4zzlQSsb3KnVnBGDPjOAbCy9Zr1LkGZlv5sSBYDDO6EFQ/s1600/P7230247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhYwqEA6dd51Jfbeu3cgTVQrrizbYd_pleYdKNkKyKefV7bNBZBI3fMfCEPm37r81bp0mc9nVCZfMtMbg36m3GuiXK_4LFGN4zzlQSsb3KnVnBGDPjOAbCy9Zr1LkGZlv5sSBYDDO6EFQ/s400/P7230247.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to Explore on Foot </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Dried Up</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCJpeC5D3VeG_5YKPC95PNrCQ2NglE72m3zg2xlQtcXChpTZPx_dwXti_JBCTeWagh-H9GePRxkH91yTAd-XuPlIKtVvus0GgFbe3g7sVsyvjZuHPDml4tnrPlEyWhWcoCwwntq93A6XN/s1600/P7230251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCJpeC5D3VeG_5YKPC95PNrCQ2NglE72m3zg2xlQtcXChpTZPx_dwXti_JBCTeWagh-H9GePRxkH91yTAd-XuPlIKtVvus0GgFbe3g7sVsyvjZuHPDml4tnrPlEyWhWcoCwwntq93A6XN/s1600/P7230251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Guess This is Why There is a Portage</td></tr>
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After we finished exploring the creek we went to catch up to the others. They were going to paddle over to a small island not far from the one we were staying on, check it out and possibly go for a swim. It was warming up nicely so we all spent some time in the water cooling off.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9K9dGjKCere25PQ49zil8ksF0lR0h8sFifN5k0Rh_RNrt_495q2DFV6IsvPTCtQONgnUn-so7XYd_n4jkyacJHkkttPnktO3wOIm-I02BrUo7TLKIt2ujdYdgx0on5h4J6f3C9sX1I8o/s1600/P7230261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9K9dGjKCere25PQ49zil8ksF0lR0h8sFifN5k0Rh_RNrt_495q2DFV6IsvPTCtQONgnUn-so7XYd_n4jkyacJHkkttPnktO3wOIm-I02BrUo7TLKIt2ujdYdgx0on5h4J6f3C9sX1I8o/s400/P7230261.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Tiny Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vCedzY0lbs6OXcWwF3_zhGQpLW6dWrsCjA4BMbTeQAB6GD4dkXOCWcU219JznTrPpWOVTiYpvO9C8fmqyih1mNjS7StjBXrQOMqiU_F49PvAlGMZmwUl-8xE_U1ETUKUfIZ_t0rmtPPz/s1600/P7230263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vCedzY0lbs6OXcWwF3_zhGQpLW6dWrsCjA4BMbTeQAB6GD4dkXOCWcU219JznTrPpWOVTiYpvO9C8fmqyih1mNjS7StjBXrQOMqiU_F49PvAlGMZmwUl-8xE_U1ETUKUfIZ_t0rmtPPz/s400/P7230263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping In!</td></tr>
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Our son and I headed back to our site to pick up our fishing gear to see if we could catch something for lunch. We didn't get any bites so we headed back for lunch. We spent much of the afternoon hanging around the site, reading, improving our knot tying skills and just generally being lazy. We did some more fishing late in the afternoon and caught a couple of small fish. We decided it would be best to let them grow some more so we put them back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAzBkCUlOHqGqANfI6Ss96jigiNw0W_JxVT5TCXKWhmyKtloweeDj3xgnQ_zJBaMU-E6l3TYsNX4d63a306E4w3mPOoFiLyTrzTyLodg7g4UB5oDKmqwpqX7T9sbps1K5zE_VVXwlIgmW/s1600/P7220233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAzBkCUlOHqGqANfI6Ss96jigiNw0W_JxVT5TCXKWhmyKtloweeDj3xgnQ_zJBaMU-E6l3TYsNX4d63a306E4w3mPOoFiLyTrzTyLodg7g4UB5oDKmqwpqX7T9sbps1K5zE_VVXwlIgmW/s400/P7220233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knot Tying in the Hammock (Along With Some Silliness)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave it to the 6 Year Old to Turn a Hammock Into a Swing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1Xy9nTWN6wXGwAd05tWPCl3LwtWoAS7V26YCvv3lDvse97lhsSiozhHm7yPCs24rxZ0eyaQJ-cuXqyAGNKkNCBaBltELoT2FhcLKSm68Hl3N3CnER7e1o-OMnclpJuFEfG0E8i0o3pC/s1600/P7230269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1Xy9nTWN6wXGwAd05tWPCl3LwtWoAS7V26YCvv3lDvse97lhsSiozhHm7yPCs24rxZ0eyaQJ-cuXqyAGNKkNCBaBltELoT2FhcLKSm68Hl3N3CnER7e1o-OMnclpJuFEfG0E8i0o3pC/s400/P7230269.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Spot for Story Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxeeGr_qhzC76StgVKUIQtSBt6EiSubKsHj8ROogjNWLs8tylmBNDwpdIXkydHfluLRaEZ7j7nf-5uMRUVTdbhCm81jPRYlYiBxFUqgZ-rfne2VQdx1knadAjyir839hhyjWymxzf7Lps/s1600/P7230270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxeeGr_qhzC76StgVKUIQtSBt6EiSubKsHj8ROogjNWLs8tylmBNDwpdIXkydHfluLRaEZ7j7nf-5uMRUVTdbhCm81jPRYlYiBxFUqgZ-rfne2VQdx1knadAjyir839hhyjWymxzf7Lps/s400/P7230270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Great Spot for Reading</td></tr>
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After dinner and getting everything cleaned up, I headed out for a paddle while the others chose to do some more reading. There were fish jumping everywhere. It was amazing. On my way back I spotted a bald eagle that flew right past the island we were staying on. I wasn't the only one who spotted it. The two loons on the lake (one on either end) were giving out their warning calls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjats3hoGZ40yEkIA-_fd4SHEAVgS-DPsLRoJXloxeip8eLoAEyG1qfHp5oMWAJETvaVqu2BSgYpzihSqMrhyphenhyphenVU63JFhyphenhyphenT3LOTV0wfqxIv_bl_YxfadnCoo4Rz4TEC6-AdDXwh52oKLYrCM/s1600/P7230275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjats3hoGZ40yEkIA-_fd4SHEAVgS-DPsLRoJXloxeip8eLoAEyG1qfHp5oMWAJETvaVqu2BSgYpzihSqMrhyphenhyphenVU63JFhyphenhyphenT3LOTV0wfqxIv_bl_YxfadnCoo4Rz4TEC6-AdDXwh52oKLYrCM/s640/P7230275.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Great Sunset</td></tr>
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<u>Day 4</u><div>
Today wasn't meant to be a long day distance wise. The plan was to paddle to the portage from Serpentine to North Rathbun, do the portage, paddle across North Rathbun, down the creek and then do the short portage into Rathbun.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed for the Portage</td></tr>
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<div>
The only hiccup with the plan for the day might be the 1415m portage from Serpentine into North Rathbun. This would be the longest portage we've done (other than on day trips when we didn't have much stuff). It started with a very steep uphill section and finished with a long gradual downhill. I got everyone setup to go, then set them on their way and then carried the rest of our stuff along the first 150m of the trail to get to the top of the hill. I eventually caught up to our older daughter who had stopped (about 600 m from the end) to battle some of the bugs that had been following her. I didn't meet the other kids until the end of the portage. They had no troubles at all (other than the bugs, but there was a strong breeze at the end of the portage that was helping). Sarah and I went back for the rest of the stuff and finished in good time. It felt good to get on the water again. We had lunch in the canoes, letting the wind blow us where it wanted to. We took some time to explore the marshy area between campsites 211 and 212 but discovered that the water was quite shallow and muddy. We backed out quickly for fear of getting stuck. We also spent a few minutes looking for the remains of a tramway in the area, but we had no luck locating them. North Rathbun is a beautiful lake (our older daughter pointed out that I said that about most of the lakes that we visited).</div>
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The rest of the journey was easy and uneventful. It was getting very hot again and we were all looking forward to cooling off in the lake. The water was so refreshing. </div>
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After swimming we did some fishing. We had a few bites but didn't catch anything until we tried again later in the evening. Again all the fish we caught were small.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 202 From the Water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx2PyaOMQ88Xx-ZubsF6-UDxEcf024L8ip0Khifr6OJTEm6fTrz9mMy6uE4zE5oc4Z4MdRFMx-RIJ5K4TWiIRHavqcurnuCbTD1mv6U566E08rMplXprJDOLHyxPbe_0OrgU6LRWo7wx6/s1600/P7240295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx2PyaOMQ88Xx-ZubsF6-UDxEcf024L8ip0Khifr6OJTEm6fTrz9mMy6uE4zE5oc4Z4MdRFMx-RIJ5K4TWiIRHavqcurnuCbTD1mv6U566E08rMplXprJDOLHyxPbe_0OrgU6LRWo7wx6/s400/P7240295.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Incredible Sunset</td></tr>
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<u>Day 5</u></div>
<div>
We had a slow start to the day. We slept in and we were in no hurry to get going. While we packed up we were visited by the wardens again. This was the third time in five days our permit was checked. We figure that's more than all other trips combined. It's great to see such a strong presence in the park.</div>
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The paddle to the portage into Anstruther was easy as was the portage. Our youngest daughter wanted to visit the waterfall again so we did that then got on the water. We had lunch on the water and made our way back to the access point.</div>
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We had an incredible five days out in the wilderness. It's so nice to be able to spend so much quality time as a family exploring and challenging ourselves. The only thing left to do was to bask in our bug bites, sore muscles and long lasting memories. </div>
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Until next time Kawartha Highlands!</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-54560533583682721192019-03-02T17:03:00.000-08:002019-03-02T17:03:42.434-08:00Family Day Weekend In AlgonquinI'm pretty sure that Family Day is now my favourite holiday of the year. It's not commercialized (yet) and there's no reason to do anything but spend time with the family. This year I decided to take the Thursday and Friday before the weekend off so that we could have a five day winter camping trip in Algonquin Park.<br />
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We were all loaded up and ready to go Thursday morning and as we went to leave we discovered that our van would not start. It turns out the starter motor needed to be replaced. Eventually, we got it started but thought we should get it fixed before heading out. Fortunately, the shop would be able to fix it that day but not until 2:00 in the afternoon. This wouldn't leave us enough time to get to the park and setup before the sun went down. The kids were bummed that we would miss a day of camping. While we waited to have the van fixed we tossed around the idea of spending the night closer to the park so that we could be there early in the morning. At some point one of us suggested that we should see if there was a yurt available in the park. With a yurt we'd be able to arrive in the dark, get our sleeping bags out, spend the night then setup our tent in the morning. Sure enough there were a couple of yurts available. We booked one and headed for the park as soon as the van was ready.<br />
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We arrived around 8:30 after stopping at Just For the Halibut in Bancroft for a Valentine's Day dinner. I can't remember the last time we went out for dinner on Valentine's Day. Within two minutes of our arrival at the yurt the warden, Harvey, stopped by to make sure we had everything we needed. What great service.<br />
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We had an uneventful night in the yurt. Friday morning we setup our tent and vacated the yurt. The kids had a blast playing in the snow. We haven't had much snow at home this winter so to experience close to a metre on the ground was so much fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Set Up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perched in a Tree</td></tr>
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<br />After lunch we decided to go snowshoeing. There had been about 15 cm of fresh snow overnight, which would make for some fun snowshoeing. We couldn't get over how deep the snow was. Even in our snowshoes, stepping off the hard packed trail resulted in us sinking into the snow up to our knees. We had found winter and couldn't be more excited.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard Work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a Good Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such Beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n0vPAynws4Hun9fqBx5uvrZ8rupXWvmd0kzQaN66OJr1C8qFfsaqQ6t4HK-a5NksQlfovOtx8i7RDETTbknoBzNnAVkYTPXQFEtdniQhQLaSdNm_oaZnANROzb8sKklKuwDX0I2TEYV8/s1600/P2150115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n0vPAynws4Hun9fqBx5uvrZ8rupXWvmd0kzQaN66OJr1C8qFfsaqQ6t4HK-a5NksQlfovOtx8i7RDETTbknoBzNnAVkYTPXQFEtdniQhQLaSdNm_oaZnANROzb8sKklKuwDX0I2TEYV8/s400/P2150115.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break Time</td></tr>
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After snowshoeing the kids wanted to head to the rink to do some skating. We stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. I'm always amazed at how much better they get at skating. I guess it's no surprise given how much time they spend on the ice.</div>
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Saturday we decided to head to the <a href="http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/map_leaflakeskitrail.pdf">Leaf Lake Ski Trail</a>. Our goal was to ski the Jack Rabbit Loop (5 km) and have lunch at Dee's Cabin. I figured we'd all be able to make it, except for maybe our five year old. Given that the trail was one way, we really didn't have a choice. We did all eventually make it to the cabin where we had a nice lunch while we chatted with the other visitors. We had a very enjoyable ski back to the parking lot. The trail was absolutely beautiful. The trees were all covered with snow and the forest was gorgeous. The skiing was the highlight of the trip for me.</div>
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After our a great ski we headed back to the campground. I wanted to wander around the campground to check out the Winter in the Wild demonstrations but the kids were keen to play in the snow. They played in the snow while we took care of some chores.</div>
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Sunday morning our son and I went back to the ski trails and this time we skied the Leaf Lake Loop. It was a much faster ski with just the two of us. It was just as beautiful though.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Alone </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlq-qRQFMOgRZNeCUhZ1Mh4HnO9_YzbLgYOn6B9MTnVS1FUsowcGlCxVCJyyVg5AoAuI_w4fhnlvqLBBtxhNE3KeXUyRA05sebzP4OHfSSp5KVjkqBZFjhXLGknQLXzs7Ob5lBeoOrCnT/s1600/P2170126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlq-qRQFMOgRZNeCUhZ1Mh4HnO9_YzbLgYOn6B9MTnVS1FUsowcGlCxVCJyyVg5AoAuI_w4fhnlvqLBBtxhNE3KeXUyRA05sebzP4OHfSSp5KVjkqBZFjhXLGknQLXzs7Ob5lBeoOrCnT/s400/P2170126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dee's Cabin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplZ6HuO5AOwyzd1ArBVuGh2iPk67EabmJ2zgRsb5R_4-YU0DE9zC6SIEMhlTiyWzCUl6Q7g48-nMjNzsvA6OrZENnljSlCtvTbz5OCtiH2oo5ab1PG9YzJSgjzj2iF-RdWI8ERBCAeZ4f/s1600/P2170129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplZ6HuO5AOwyzd1ArBVuGh2iPk67EabmJ2zgRsb5R_4-YU0DE9zC6SIEMhlTiyWzCUl6Q7g48-nMjNzsvA6OrZENnljSlCtvTbz5OCtiH2oo5ab1PG9YzJSgjzj2iF-RdWI8ERBCAeZ4f/s400/P2170129.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Down</td></tr>
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After our ski we had lunch then we headed for the rink, where we would spend the rest of the afternoon.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a Great Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfruIjJD5HOnuWqdG1zoY541Yn2rUpmDCGIgfO3mC2RkUMWU83quRj6mefusKVIAoD4ldb4-sa1ZuEF11Ui7uSBW_B1JBhI69e3yq2dPP3UizMkOUANcTPxeb_NF9moN_nlPsjkC-XfWg/s1600/P2170135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfruIjJD5HOnuWqdG1zoY541Yn2rUpmDCGIgfO3mC2RkUMWU83quRj6mefusKVIAoD4ldb4-sa1ZuEF11Ui7uSBW_B1JBhI69e3yq2dPP3UizMkOUANcTPxeb_NF9moN_nlPsjkC-XfWg/s400/P2170135.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold On Tight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOEsvqnGD_bV6CSzXBt6ZCsuHUBEXdFPbGTq0-4QMAOWeXEqEIAxyX4hrNSs6FpxehKl-kOdNXU_svLVIyAifd1Won6lOCbVN-oo7pZQI1dyAe3vro026u0V0PGS91zn_41RPJjqffRO8/s1600/P2170137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOEsvqnGD_bV6CSzXBt6ZCsuHUBEXdFPbGTq0-4QMAOWeXEqEIAxyX4hrNSs6FpxehKl-kOdNXU_svLVIyAifd1Won6lOCbVN-oo7pZQI1dyAe3vro026u0V0PGS91zn_41RPJjqffRO8/s400/P2170137.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean Up Time</td></tr>
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We had planned to leave early(ish) on Monday. Once at home we would need to unpack and I had a bunch of work to do. We pack up our things in the tent. The kids headed for the rink and skated while Sarah and I took down the tent and got the vehicles loaded up. They had a great time with the rink mostly to themselves. Once Sarah and I finished packing up We headed to the rink and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine while the kids skated. We were in no rush at all! We slowly had lunch and cleaned up. Finally at about 2:30 we were ready to leave.<div>
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We had an amazing trip. It was nice to find winter. Trips like this always make me think that we should move further north so we can experience winter more regularly.<br /><div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-88623050745941023102018-08-11T11:07:00.000-07:002018-08-11T11:07:41.135-07:00Finally Back to Frontenac Provincial Park<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Frontenac Provincial
Park is located 45 minutes north of Kingston and is an easy drive for
us. We haven’t done a canoe trip there for a long time. In fact,
our youngest daughter hadn’t been born the last time did one. We
wanted to go on a fun camping trip with some family so we chose
Frontenac. Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it so we went by ourselves.</div>
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Frontenac is a
beautiful park and every time we go I think we should spend more time
there. I must admit that I’m not a fan of the clusters of sites at
Frontenac, but it wasn’t as bad as I was thinking it would be.</div>
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We left on a Friday.
The goal was to paddle up Big Salmon Lake to the portage into Little
Clear Lake, do the portage and make our way to the campsite cluster
on Little Clear. Our site was 9a. It turned out to be a great site.
The only downside was that the access to the water wasn’t super
easy.</div>
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We arrived at the
park just before lunch on Friday. We picked up our permits at the
park office then headed to the Big Salmon Lake launch. We unloaded
all of our stuff then had a quick lunch at the boat launch before
heading out.</div>
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It was a beautiful
sunny day with the wind that would push us along. I paddled with our two
daughters in the yellow canoe and Sarah paddled with our son in the
red canoe. The girls and I were a little ahead so we decided to
paddle around a small island. As it turns out it wasn’t an island
at all, but rather a long narrow point. If we’d had the map we
would have been able to tell, but it was in the other canoe.
Frontenac is probably the only park that we only have one map for. It
made for a nice detour. By the time we came out of the bay (on the
North side of the lake) the other canoe was way ahead. That didn’t
stop us from crossing the lake to the south side so that we could
paddle under the overhanging rocks. Very rarely do I paddle this lake
without going under the rocks. It’s such a cool formation. It was a
fair bit cooler under the rock and we saw a bird's nest along with
some raspberries on the rock ledges. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcBi46-bmsgKG6pptysQZXQB9bY_A83I3goXVfLLkE9EgxCvl4eW_ETxZ3QzVSH6t10HSs3QbAQ9rOkhJ24-8_1LA53TfApfhYi1dqC5DToyh9qoX300SKdDBKWrF4NIa7h2oGoNqFdhyphenhyphen/s1600/P7130150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcBi46-bmsgKG6pptysQZXQB9bY_A83I3goXVfLLkE9EgxCvl4eW_ETxZ3QzVSH6t10HSs3QbAQ9rOkhJ24-8_1LA53TfApfhYi1dqC5DToyh9qoX300SKdDBKWrF4NIa7h2oGoNqFdhyphenhyphen/s400/P7130150.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overhanging Rocks</td></tr>
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After visiting the
overhanging rocks we made a solid push to catch up to the red canoe.
We caught up a little bit before the portage into Little Clear Lake.
Sarah and our son had a good chuckle when we told them we thought
were going around an island. They had obviously looked at the map and
knew we were headed to a dead end.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKROax9b1WENGVj0M2nMI0bvnKnRRPIpbxDYmYZHNU6_N5K5F-VFY31UZbUKb_UGO3sEnYhcRODs6XXI8VJTWsz6P-0f4-xrrL2gbHslwSdr5tYbI_2HzJLVfZVhNKdQTUIZMehD4BPI27/s1600/P7130151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKROax9b1WENGVj0M2nMI0bvnKnRRPIpbxDYmYZHNU6_N5K5F-VFY31UZbUKb_UGO3sEnYhcRODs6XXI8VJTWsz6P-0f4-xrrL2gbHslwSdr5tYbI_2HzJLVfZVhNKdQTUIZMehD4BPI27/s400/P7130151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost Caught Up</td></tr>
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We made it to the
970 m portage, had a quick drink and were on our way. I made sure
everyone got off with a load then grabbed our barrel and the canoe.
The kids stopped after a couple of hundred metres for a rest and to
shuffle who was carrying what. I passed them and thought it would be
a while before I saw them again. When I made it to the end of the
portage I unloaded and headed back. Within a minute all three kids
were coming around the corner. I was blown away by how fast they had
covered the portage.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While the kids were
waiting for us to return at the end of the portage they had some snacks. They
must have finished them because nobody offered me any upon my
arrival. Once the canoes were in the water we rafted up and paddled
most of the way to our site together. One of the nice things about
Frontenac is that it doesn’t take long to get far enough into the park
to feel secluded. Our entire trip took about two and a half hours and
it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe18RP_QWZNiH2bA4Tph9ZKTG6vkOlisinDZE0aGQIRyEYfFzReACZqFBtsJJIpzKiIzWOcjt4svvCflfRt57BBUoDVtP1qjy7AddSxZUtLOqSy9E9sHTexVLlokM69k8aPdu7571708O/s1600/P7130152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe18RP_QWZNiH2bA4Tph9ZKTG6vkOlisinDZE0aGQIRyEYfFzReACZqFBtsJJIpzKiIzWOcjt4svvCflfRt57BBUoDVtP1qjy7AddSxZUtLOqSy9E9sHTexVLlokM69k8aPdu7571708O/s400/P7130152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafted Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon arriving at our site Sarah and I setup the tents while the kids had a swim. We discovered the cool food storage bins that have been installed at all of the sites in Frontenac. It was so handy to be able to throw the food into the box and not have to worry about it. It was great that the kids would be able to retrieve food as needed. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbZj1c87U9kproL86X8l6TjuQqmBWrJTWjlfpAeeFsesbQWpQD4UoOzl3FUpFfbaqrP1BX9JuivOWCVmMo20ogidN2_G1e2sTKUGBgS9h9kl9uGd0gEz2e8odFKYbKGFNYfvMQBOrY4OF/s1600/P7140171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbZj1c87U9kproL86X8l6TjuQqmBWrJTWjlfpAeeFsesbQWpQD4UoOzl3FUpFfbaqrP1BX9JuivOWCVmMo20ogidN2_G1e2sTKUGBgS9h9kl9uGd0gEz2e8odFKYbKGFNYfvMQBOrY4OF/s400/P7140171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tight Squeeze on the Tent Pad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zOZiu_f-KR9de6d6ec5FAnpivYpzG58DTV28msBoTYvju0f7xIbTIoW9AyogC-lROGF5Or1HQRFyyRD3ngzHs59EwgAb7Ofpi7YZuKhYI4n2povqlZ-1PxT-GQm13pB2RNbj3EJBs7kl/s1600/P7140178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zOZiu_f-KR9de6d6ec5FAnpivYpzG58DTV28msBoTYvju0f7xIbTIoW9AyogC-lROGF5Or1HQRFyyRD3ngzHs59EwgAb7Ofpi7YZuKhYI4n2povqlZ-1PxT-GQm13pB2RNbj3EJBs7kl/s400/P7140178.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food Storage Bin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrBe-SyPTVdxpDZcH2hyphenhyphenrekNKZg2iMnd7yI32m1NWhGv_6YM696m7y_lnuPlG6l97BVTsbGfATHRWcb4D_3OUKR6tkZjUn16gb_Tnx0TlJDSccMWlAQyFhkvuqoNSujM6crqF3gnZGrRT/s1600/P7130153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrBe-SyPTVdxpDZcH2hyphenhyphenrekNKZg2iMnd7yI32m1NWhGv_6YM696m7y_lnuPlG6l97BVTsbGfATHRWcb4D_3OUKR6tkZjUn16gb_Tnx0TlJDSccMWlAQyFhkvuqoNSujM6crqF3gnZGrRT/s400/P7130153.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging Out in the Hammock</td></tr>
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It’s been a really
dry summer and while we planned for the trip we figured that there
might be a fire ban in place so we planned to do all of our cooking on the stove. As it turns out there was only a
partial fire ban in place. We were allowed to have fires from 6:00
p.m. to 11:00 p.m. We came prepared to cook all of our meals on our
stove and that’s what we did. In cooking our dinner we realized
that it has been a long time since we have actually used a gas stove
in the backcountry. Our go-to stove is a stick stove.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc-EXP_lu23SXfrAcLNhdGLlVxTU0nOYl0WpCFOCk2dYTc2BWOVh2zauWJUgJCUW7vlOf88J6IOxtoaOVeVuAmTjhtpVDAeMdXvk9j2mubfdEwRJE5KCbeFucH1xivParRa3GhGQhSYzS/s400/P7130155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haven't Cooked Like This For a Long Time!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhDz7mgEOIz6nPo969_uAr3E363tSzzXPYIME1bzljQqsy8v6m34cdVITfmXxWqmyHft8TFYj973_P2KHqd7f2IwL2u9_Ubc-vKs6cSlFsMhpNnLtm1dDfDNbPI3Zuwu109BE3KtMzljO/s400/P7130158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Can't See Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our son wanted to
fish after dinner so we paddled out to the island on the lake and
fished. He caught a good sized smallmouth bass and eventually I
caught a small one. I guess we should have fished before dinner.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vf7n1D2zBAlREiesVJcy3qxA2waqyXTP0csPW5gJpLL8XCsdiZvIXQacCGFFW5gN4V7pDU8_g8xi8__n9i4PKaFDFV1tCf5r-lrFkOYQ5VLOWE8I190ZJeh9tvaOn9XbhjvpoMLcYz1U/s1600/P7130163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vf7n1D2zBAlREiesVJcy3qxA2waqyXTP0csPW5gJpLL8XCsdiZvIXQacCGFFW5gN4V7pDU8_g8xi8__n9i4PKaFDFV1tCf5r-lrFkOYQ5VLOWE8I190ZJeh9tvaOn9XbhjvpoMLcYz1U/s400/P7130163.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Catch of the Trip</td></tr>
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It did start to rain
in the night which is when I realized that the new fly for our tent
needed to be seam sealed. It wasn’t a big deal, but through the
window in the top of the tent I could see drops forming perfectly
along the seams.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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The second day of
our trip was meant to be spent hanging around the site and exploring
the lake if anyone was up to it. Our son wanted to fish more (he was
keen to catch some lunch) so we headed out and fished. The girls
played in the hammocks and around the site as Sarah had a relaxing
morning of reading in one of the hammocks.</div>
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We had some lunch
then went for a swim. As part of the swim I thought it would a good
time if the kids figured out how to get in the canoe from the water
and how to jump out of the canoe without tipping it (We haven’t
practiced a canoe over canoe rescue yet but we probably should). The
kids and I got into the canoe and paddled into the lake. Our older
daughter wanted to jump out first. She jumped out without any thought
about what might happen. She ended up in the water, as did the rest
of us. The dunking was a good experience for all of us, especially
our youngest daughter. We brought the canoe back to shore, emptied it
out and talked a little about the physics of jumping out and getting
back into the canoe. We spent much of the rest of the afternoon
jumping out of the boat and getting back in. We had a blast.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMEJ8e_yGwVYm0A1XHNAoz4eszd2GY27A38ruFhHMwvSLx-Hi0IGfEDdXBh-NrWmk7xggd9AX5Co7htX5kWQtnrvfW5KIFFnmza5pAVhfE6_8xzWS9obDOIo714EXJFiitduJ3MDdMI8U/s1600/P7140170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMEJ8e_yGwVYm0A1XHNAoz4eszd2GY27A38ruFhHMwvSLx-Hi0IGfEDdXBh-NrWmk7xggd9AX5Co7htX5kWQtnrvfW5KIFFnmza5pAVhfE6_8xzWS9obDOIo714EXJFiitduJ3MDdMI8U/s400/P7140170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kids Exploring the Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />We came back to
shore and got changed. Most of us were happy to relax for a bit,
either lying in the hammock or reading. Our son decided that he would
fish from the shore. He tried for a bit without much luck. He was
about ready to give up but decided to cast one more time. Then we all
heard, “I got one!”. He saw the fish jump and by the time I got
to the water he wasn’t sure he had a fish anymore. He said it felt
like he was caught in the weeds. He kept reeling in and discovered he
had a huge largemouth bass. I helped him land the fish, we took some
photos and then I went off to clean it. While cleaning the fish
I decided that I needed more practice. I guess we’d better catch
more fish.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfVfcKPEuvB7wgdNxpiWuVUiqYvCCjJpLYbLY7Uqz4kdoKJmJ8a1p-FYp0Rbzl3UIKj615Ei1AQCScD5lH20Uo7WMskqZMLVsqpsah17K70Ob5N606WuIuRXFUom8831yhRklKVo4ueFF/s1600/P7140165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfVfcKPEuvB7wgdNxpiWuVUiqYvCCjJpLYbLY7Uqz4kdoKJmJ8a1p-FYp0Rbzl3UIKj615Ei1AQCScD5lH20Uo7WMskqZMLVsqpsah17K70Ob5N606WuIuRXFUom8831yhRklKVo4ueFF/s400/P7140165.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest Catch of the Trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I returned to
our site with the fillets we figured it would be best to cook the
fish over an open fire rather than on the stove. We waited until
6:00 then made a small fire to cook the fish. It was delicious.
Cooking it over the fire was certainly the right thing to do. As we
ate the sky looked a little threatening. We were prepared to retreat
to under a tarp we had setup but it wasn’t necessary. It turns out
the clouds blew right past us. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS0d_ZT-PIoq_8WKMiu2xBU_WD_2uW2d-h8wOCSqTtKC-KHZPv1KHUvkuPXW48BxX2ksmHcsBtN3T8Jg_FCjAEPdT-1vGiY-d1VokeppRPieZrGkoItajeZWi2ZoinzEg9_nflReisOI1/s400/P7140173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fresh Fish Over the Fire<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzRxojmcI4_yS2q_wlGj_5R6Um6UUaLVvAsOmGNpq_UbLg_u7cbLL9YfMFfiuXSFyp3T3ACv-TbaN4_VrQGuMjklW6xQe0-YDuK7X7Jnk2cJfZVVg5DIb4tyJ7tvi_398CssaqoCVY9_X/s1600/P7140172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzRxojmcI4_yS2q_wlGj_5R6Um6UUaLVvAsOmGNpq_UbLg_u7cbLL9YfMFfiuXSFyp3T3ACv-TbaN4_VrQGuMjklW6xQe0-YDuK7X7Jnk2cJfZVVg5DIb4tyJ7tvi_398CssaqoCVY9_X/s400/P7140172.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Millipede Friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkePWsjQBzqVhSCjkL59hFaP6Z4Dryg8QfAoVUB-LeVAYq9nd228-LMmYHV4gldovMChfbQhgrKTF6Vmt4TGvrPwwaGBDDzrPTXppi-tyeq7HIM2Y2klLhVF45f-CeM5iyXsUEQTpSvKV8/s1600/P7140176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkePWsjQBzqVhSCjkL59hFaP6Z4Dryg8QfAoVUB-LeVAYq9nd228-LMmYHV4gldovMChfbQhgrKTF6Vmt4TGvrPwwaGBDDzrPTXppi-tyeq7HIM2Y2klLhVF45f-CeM5iyXsUEQTpSvKV8/s400/P7140176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JjX-UMXxGaAklqFULWrpLdmuLwff3IDAW6YlpNjwT4hpPzYLQ5qbk_Xy0L8uqwZSTSPw6GkgC8LfleRUj0LDbnHqpN0cT1BZ_OrbupcxDQrHxy-XZ2up5VCIQrFH4SmiiEAI2YIMdfyH/s400/P7140182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing Sunset</td></tr>
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<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next morning was
sunny and calm. I went for a short paddle and brought back some
water. We had some breakfast and began packing up. While we packed up
the girls played and our son fished and helped pack up. While our
son was by the water he noticed a large snake along the shore it
turned out to be a beautiful gray ratsnake (formerly known as the black ratsnake). It’s been
a long time since we’ve seen one of these beautiful creatures.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7b5DQPSvzMDFw1t_NBacHmUuzKKvfFQ2YjpazpuNSPAm4AOy9mCzc6XI3DWutX2mrDjaD2ww0YD3_60tS9b2ECoXPPwrVJer4fYE9dUCRyvQjgPj9gt__gzZIEHvWD1tBREKSs7nCfD7/s1600/P7150187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7b5DQPSvzMDFw1t_NBacHmUuzKKvfFQ2YjpazpuNSPAm4AOy9mCzc6XI3DWutX2mrDjaD2ww0YD3_60tS9b2ECoXPPwrVJer4fYE9dUCRyvQjgPj9gt__gzZIEHvWD1tBREKSs7nCfD7/s400/P7150187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We left our site
around 10:00. It was quite warm and the air was very still. It was
going to be a very hot day. We leisurely paddled the lake and covered
the portage quickly. When we were done the portage we had a great
swim. The water was so clear and refreshing. We had lunch at the
portage and kids tried fishing for a bit.
It was a hot paddle back to the access point. Our son got hot enough
that he decided to jump out of the canoe to cool off. He managed to
get out and back in without upsetting the canoe.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-qyNrTrXBvlWzIsQY6e7fAqO7KNEz5gyLeG1AtHvGp2Ff6IxgmxffMEyR1UnYPjbQVltdbseTaTI9LTVQFAtiIfPhNq8z1M_1v5R55iXWsLKI4MZbWgilysiuWxoiMeAuBJ0pJyCJ6h0/s1600/P7150196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-qyNrTrXBvlWzIsQY6e7fAqO7KNEz5gyLeG1AtHvGp2Ff6IxgmxffMEyR1UnYPjbQVltdbseTaTI9LTVQFAtiIfPhNq8z1M_1v5R55iXWsLKI4MZbWgilysiuWxoiMeAuBJ0pJyCJ6h0/s400/P7150196.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blasting Through the Portage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3PLR8iT2X-MflFKJ4qwUCHqlAogEwHTo52jn5B93lLUPHmNGAFKdGZvUOmU58DLpri9x7VDRn_0C4m9Yqjta9ay2j_aMRtotkX_KdcOGMZF4JC28Xa9KtymQMeFv-21pZ6FsWCQMCD85/s400/P7150199.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Loaded Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVDWz97p4s_DzPXmlOE_ro2t0T7FSVVqrlz-kw7Y5J3S45KFAEqa5aNE2jcziZsEzdDztzcSAPxayHSiI4WHeaUboBLxpnjldVqgv1s5AwJKwRJLlkR-UtimwZjTMCU6JyCoYgmWghLgM/s1600/P7150205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVDWz97p4s_DzPXmlOE_ro2t0T7FSVVqrlz-kw7Y5J3S45KFAEqa5aNE2jcziZsEzdDztzcSAPxayHSiI4WHeaUboBLxpnjldVqgv1s5AwJKwRJLlkR-UtimwZjTMCU6JyCoYgmWghLgM/s320/P7150205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Refreshing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSnVj8eFOcEK52vY6gKdVFjObxQb3s5j53OaA-GOK8RMBP0CihH9jmV2TWVZhFj-hIBiafWiopQOe_G9FZ3qHdhNcq156qo3uY18kh1sVXEuGqkAuHt6dbfxKOo_hJg0rl3dGOxXRCsV2/s1600/P7150206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSnVj8eFOcEK52vY6gKdVFjObxQb3s5j53OaA-GOK8RMBP0CihH9jmV2TWVZhFj-hIBiafWiopQOe_G9FZ3qHdhNcq156qo3uY18kh1sVXEuGqkAuHt6dbfxKOo_hJg0rl3dGOxXRCsV2/s320/P7150206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Day on Big Salmon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem6j_j-lREDqkASdKXCQNKgJQ9YmV-BdzkW_NVhNYI7o1l4tqMwIJmmgzD7ejF-BDFCOD8ctOlx7y8nUqeV0VpheV1IhhAefWHNpeci9zUgVisUxFTvP8zpufnyWDtmYkcPDPTiuIelKQ/s1600/P7150207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem6j_j-lREDqkASdKXCQNKgJQ9YmV-BdzkW_NVhNYI7o1l4tqMwIJmmgzD7ejF-BDFCOD8ctOlx7y8nUqeV0VpheV1IhhAefWHNpeci9zUgVisUxFTvP8zpufnyWDtmYkcPDPTiuIelKQ/s400/P7150207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't Ask For Better Swimming Weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOS37BvOX02MB9N84RCMwTkDyOrjVSs06U4H0rlZ_6oNU7K1sB_yVu_KVdF-C38_bbXzV5FnJi4LUwqVqtmjI6zRi6isVLgss_9B-ebmkEYAW98kM7k2rd9vAvFonTP5yGePPC2Zzekzm/s1600/P7150213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOS37BvOX02MB9N84RCMwTkDyOrjVSs06U4H0rlZ_6oNU7K1sB_yVu_KVdF-C38_bbXzV5FnJi4LUwqVqtmjI6zRi6isVLgss_9B-ebmkEYAW98kM7k2rd9vAvFonTP5yGePPC2Zzekzm/s400/P7150213.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Lunch Fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPthCo8EWqkhJyHiB1x-E8CkYd7swsEJkWWm2sT85qjxRne7jQeAawUh1QpaENMIZCevSLd0J5rmT-I0U7V3lAfhR_8f0XSdxd7LpCRpYPDI5f286Sb6ajeatFwni5vfGb2S6DFw935Hx-/s1600/P7150214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPthCo8EWqkhJyHiB1x-E8CkYd7swsEJkWWm2sT85qjxRne7jQeAawUh1QpaENMIZCevSLd0J5rmT-I0U7V3lAfhR_8f0XSdxd7LpCRpYPDI5f286Sb6ajeatFwni5vfGb2S6DFw935Hx-/s400/P7150214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArOJMEWg8FWat7C7Z2kBKnPXnu_-afzvSNabKtg75B8lmnGOv4DJnO1LjSHbb9-15XmYusvNlPEmthtYboSckyhYMyKtLjg6MyS4Sz-PRfpUEVCu-BbtiYkfd5doGGDX1i9EUgoKCs_-5/s1600/P7150216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArOJMEWg8FWat7C7Z2kBKnPXnu_-afzvSNabKtg75B8lmnGOv4DJnO1LjSHbb9-15XmYusvNlPEmthtYboSckyhYMyKtLjg6MyS4Sz-PRfpUEVCu-BbtiYkfd5doGGDX1i9EUgoKCs_-5/s400/P7150216.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off Again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSJZZVanFaky2Njc_RJWQYbP6GjdEV08G1FEyKVw7XWKN_s75RVk7OGhe4nW6SkPRMUjMAfXrYav-dKd01bqKfwTF-IaEXkekkW17aWTfEJ31I86EZI1NeaYMKC1PLkZaThBVtzanS5FR/s1600/P7150218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSJZZVanFaky2Njc_RJWQYbP6GjdEV08G1FEyKVw7XWKN_s75RVk7OGhe4nW6SkPRMUjMAfXrYav-dKd01bqKfwTF-IaEXkekkW17aWTfEJ31I86EZI1NeaYMKC1PLkZaThBVtzanS5FR/s400/P7150218.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man Overboard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8hNClRRwSAQWNHlA8VL5Xr9hlVEcTmAHUlpNPkqycTShmnu2JJFxOo-92yWKsT99xDrDXIgNy80uEtqG7VzMy2F6McdjMRrSUAN0cCNBNUzxpXyge0ZUPLhK-k1hE-bw2-9tRSbT5gF7/s1600/P7150226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8hNClRRwSAQWNHlA8VL5Xr9hlVEcTmAHUlpNPkqycTShmnu2JJFxOo-92yWKsT99xDrDXIgNy80uEtqG7VzMy2F6McdjMRrSUAN0cCNBNUzxpXyge0ZUPLhK-k1hE-bw2-9tRSbT5gF7/s400/P7150226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the Rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj18tJTvgrWDxCt9E78k7vxTHsUdQWYzFq5SK78qHhgbNiybGC5DTqt619WJfjRJPzhLPiCiB66WC4KCweiqiWTknhYT1hGAsz_yuo0LYn_jgkUH-O_9Rpbq2Psm-xCAxQLN9lINgKIoxt/s1600/P7150230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj18tJTvgrWDxCt9E78k7vxTHsUdQWYzFq5SK78qHhgbNiybGC5DTqt619WJfjRJPzhLPiCiB66WC4KCweiqiWTknhYT1hGAsz_yuo0LYn_jgkUH-O_9Rpbq2Psm-xCAxQLN9lINgKIoxt/s400/P7150230.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We made it back to
the access point. The kids were so hot they wanted to swim. The water
is a bit swampy at the dock but that didn’t stop the kids from
swimming. After a bit of shenanigans that included a sandal stuck in
the mud and a knee split open on the gravel parking lot, we were
ready to go. Although the trip was short we had a great time. We
will be back.
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</style>Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-73140629315866218742018-06-02T05:20:00.000-07:002018-06-02T05:20:00.891-07:00Victoria Day in AlgonquinThe May long weekend was approaching and we didn't have any plans a week before. The weather was looking good so we decided we should go camping in Algonquin Park. We thought we'd check the online reservation system to see if there were any sites available. As you might expect all the sites were booked except for the non-reservable ones. We decided to take our chances and to see what was available when we got there. We did this once <a href="http://kindredwanderings.blogspot.com/2016/05/first-family-trip-to-algonquin.html">before</a> but arrived really early on Friday. We weren't sure how quickly the sites would book up but thought we'd give it a try.<br />
<br />
We left early enough that we made it to the park by 6:00 p.m. I guess that's early enough for non-reservable sites since we were able to get our first choice. We chose site 114 in the Pog Lake Campground. It was only a couple of sites away from the beach and it turned out to be fairly private on the one side (not so much on the others).<br />
<br />
We headed for our site, set up the tents and had some pasta salad that we brought as a quick meal. It was a beautiful night to be outside. It seemed more like summer than spring. It was warm, the sun was shining and we were about to be treated to a beautiful sunset. After eating and cleaning up we headed to beach to take it all in.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK0Cb_MwuT8ojOcAFBx2UjdwV6HrBOq4Aj89ElPm8XST3TC8wv0ZoeeWJHMFlyhpwhdJy4VZ5kwX98_mjd4BAGAJGcT4ob72NDssetYeiwk7iA1aAs-cP8KbhcJARLjnLcucugK9vHgA6/s1600/P5180026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK0Cb_MwuT8ojOcAFBx2UjdwV6HrBOq4Aj89ElPm8XST3TC8wv0ZoeeWJHMFlyhpwhdJy4VZ5kwX98_mjd4BAGAJGcT4ob72NDssetYeiwk7iA1aAs-cP8KbhcJARLjnLcucugK9vHgA6/s400/P5180026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tents All Setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQhmfkOdQv7rO8G0_uHyNITcRN0aGYTFTvhNKiPW0wIHlIr_WBv6e3cc6dvso9a6KPDYD0m72VXWH1pnHnnbtZSYb9WjAvUYYrCfMMkZi0wsAAhHn_hs6Eze87uGvM0XcCP4NH-0ZPJV2/s1600/P5180029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQhmfkOdQv7rO8G0_uHyNITcRN0aGYTFTvhNKiPW0wIHlIr_WBv6e3cc6dvso9a6KPDYD0m72VXWH1pnHnnbtZSYb9WjAvUYYrCfMMkZi0wsAAhHn_hs6Eze87uGvM0XcCP4NH-0ZPJV2/s400/P5180029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at the Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the sun had set, Sarah and the girls headed for the tent while our son and I grabbed the canoe and began exploring the lake. I hadn't looked at a map so we had no destination in mind. We paddled across the lake and found a river. We started paddling the river and before long it became clear that there was another lake close by. We made our way around a few more bends and eventually came upon the lake. We noticed Highway 60 across the lake and realized we were on Lake of Two Rivers. We often like to look at maps and plan where we're going, but it can be a lot of fun to just go with the flow (or against it as the case may be).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdPsXHN1LryxQ8fTzD-Ml-mn7WybM5B0PB7Zjf7qxDFsCrN0mTuZQ4PgFGMdYLWe0JRcyy637QAfxGi8IjU0J40iRtGGuTgJoFm7yX-vvtyfzhCigxWlmWkGeO6_7mTdbsiJp4A-q_l8H/s1600/P5180030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdPsXHN1LryxQ8fTzD-Ml-mn7WybM5B0PB7Zjf7qxDFsCrN0mTuZQ4PgFGMdYLWe0JRcyy637QAfxGi8IjU0J40iRtGGuTgJoFm7yX-vvtyfzhCigxWlmWkGeO6_7mTdbsiJp4A-q_l8H/s400/P5180030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring the Stillness</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzTZQtv7WuRc7zepVQIRue6s-8bUmENjGwkEmHeYEl2SuudB5lvsdoJpY3NMYXFUwPNx0HwSb9U6cXZU8Gc9qN2ngzGHtpfsYI1Ig6E9ZTPMUKGI9GXEk8icd9I_pa7gjyYgcy6VJQYtO/s1600/P5180032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzTZQtv7WuRc7zepVQIRue6s-8bUmENjGwkEmHeYEl2SuudB5lvsdoJpY3NMYXFUwPNx0HwSb9U6cXZU8Gc9qN2ngzGHtpfsYI1Ig6E9ZTPMUKGI9GXEk8icd9I_pa7gjyYgcy6VJQYtO/s400/P5180032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth as Glass</td></tr>
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It was cloudy when we awoke Saturday morning. After breakfast we thought we'd go for a stroll around the campground to see if there were any good sites we should consider for next time. By the time we were ready to go it started drizzling a bit. We grabbed our raincoats and headed out. The rain got heavier and heavier as we went. By the time we got back we were soaked. During our walk we may have discovered why there were no bugs. We found ice in one of the streams. Not just a thin coating but a good six inches. Given that black flies lay eggs in running water, it's no surprise there were none.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0xJfNr36jcabRrRq8K9oJ8jJzY8xYENL5zaok5KhHanBtqNdJ9hnE4WniFIMxFT254rBVBc5VTRaVaoy9oL3sWo0ATeUEdZM6kpAeakWgB1Hkbjv7rrAIJkY3D5bzEQsebUYa2QFCOLn/s1600/P5190035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0xJfNr36jcabRrRq8K9oJ8jJzY8xYENL5zaok5KhHanBtqNdJ9hnE4WniFIMxFT254rBVBc5VTRaVaoy9oL3sWo0ATeUEdZM6kpAeakWgB1Hkbjv7rrAIJkY3D5bzEQsebUYa2QFCOLn/s400/P5190035.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy Stream</td></tr>
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We decided that a rainy afternoon would be a good time to head to the Visitor Centre. The kids love it there. They always learn something new. We ended up spending a couple of hours there and by the time we left the rain had subsided. We played Bocce Ball on our site until it was time to cook up some sausages. By the time we had finished cleaning up the rain had started again. We made our way into our tents and listened to the rain pound down.</div>
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In the morning, we were happy to see that the rain had passed. We hung up a bunch of things to dry (Note to self: our recently acquired second-hand tents need to be waterproofed.). We decided to take advantage of the nice weather and do some hiking. So we headed for the Two Rivers Trail, which we haven't hiked before. It was a nice and easy 2.1km. There were some lookouts with some nice views. We all had a great time. The girls have recently started to enjoy hiking more. Not because the enjoy the scenery, the fresh air or the exercise but because they have decided to use the interpretive trail markers as snack points. At the beginning of a hike they look at the guide and decide which points should be the snack points. Those points then seem to become almost an obsession for them. I feel like we're doing something wrong here, but at least they're having fun.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S1t7M_gw5nWRBjRcAGcTNL7LMhiD2lE1XheKr4X84iS_cvH-P4UnqG7-Sh5jfRAUWFYTJTF_dv8OL622gS2jmexjLeGVYfHgnGMZAHXHB5b-JkXLTGzQ3Q8W19b_V2xsOmGgexVOSWTF/s1600/P5200036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S1t7M_gw5nWRBjRcAGcTNL7LMhiD2lE1XheKr4X84iS_cvH-P4UnqG7-Sh5jfRAUWFYTJTF_dv8OL622gS2jmexjLeGVYfHgnGMZAHXHB5b-JkXLTGzQ3Q8W19b_V2xsOmGgexVOSWTF/s400/P5200036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the French Trail Guide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQ-bq8iPyE3_EFXuncW-nG9ASNe38S_8xxflIGHT9a-_T_oKNkYBFnt3C-B508kdrMvGwbTycm-6NE-gCFbVeKo0xmhMLHUrBBMNGaa5Ga6m6xvKDBVsmKigrH36VkFtSoTd_IhqJpts/s1600/P5200042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQ-bq8iPyE3_EFXuncW-nG9ASNe38S_8xxflIGHT9a-_T_oKNkYBFnt3C-B508kdrMvGwbTycm-6NE-gCFbVeKo0xmhMLHUrBBMNGaa5Ga6m6xvKDBVsmKigrH36VkFtSoTd_IhqJpts/s400/P5200042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqA11ihyP8CnecifIqbDwQ4DL2XzPMIbymAkvHZ6lMWPwcPkmTSp_Z391BNwYNAvABw20j87miIhv-_QN0sb8oTACKlsDTw2sEA_hb8bCqUS956qRL8rFt6K3CfbvadUG38lAD8Bj5gvh/s1600/P5200046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqA11ihyP8CnecifIqbDwQ4DL2XzPMIbymAkvHZ6lMWPwcPkmTSp_Z391BNwYNAvABw20j87miIhv-_QN0sb8oTACKlsDTw2sEA_hb8bCqUS956qRL8rFt6K3CfbvadUG38lAD8Bj5gvh/s400/P5200046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe42D_LVgwo4YXtTGVNvbMnP_X9UEAtf0HwyWYsjxP_UkVAUrF95SMOi1KGpYKV0Lbj6w_aEpxttPK6LkOkLdZG8VBlW_jaoku-raSrzVO0G0d3-oaCQzkyJ3AQ3wAgALRKxRWRbfzdkY/s1600/P5200051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe42D_LVgwo4YXtTGVNvbMnP_X9UEAtf0HwyWYsjxP_UkVAUrF95SMOi1KGpYKV0Lbj6w_aEpxttPK6LkOkLdZG8VBlW_jaoku-raSrzVO0G0d3-oaCQzkyJ3AQ3wAgALRKxRWRbfzdkY/s400/P5200051.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Couple of Big Trees (and Kids)</td></tr>
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We stopped at the Lake of Two Rivers picnic spot on the way back for some lunch. The sun was out and there was a nice breeze off the lake. It was a good place to stop for lunch.</div>
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When we got back to our site our daughters wanted to play at the beach and our son wanted to do some fishing. We grabbed the canoe and our fishing gear and off we went. We paddled around much of the lake. We didn't catch anything but we did spot a lone turtle sunning itself. It must have been quite cold because it didn't pay any attention to us despite the fact that we got quite close.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cuGVl4mGQKSUmRMs4OMprBFCaXheFs0mrRpaB_GPb82v1TckiUrHjWgSu2uIKJ-1UilRLr8L5yOAzAs36KNWaViKbPdFZrjPDy_dxnhLYfwgTNgknbY4nxRd4AD8GZWJbimTd10f4jQ8/s1600/P5200052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cuGVl4mGQKSUmRMs4OMprBFCaXheFs0mrRpaB_GPb82v1TckiUrHjWgSu2uIKJ-1UilRLr8L5yOAzAs36KNWaViKbPdFZrjPDy_dxnhLYfwgTNgknbY4nxRd4AD8GZWJbimTd10f4jQ8/s400/P5200052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Sun</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, the girls were playing at the beach. Our five year old couldn't resist going into the water for a swim. If I remember correctly there had likely been ice on the lake two weeks before. Needless to say she got quite chilled.</div>
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When we arrived back to the beach our older daughter wanted to go for a paddle. I took the two older kids while Sarah got our youngest daughter changed and warmed up. We explored a bay that we hadn't check out yet. We found an old dead tree in the water that the kids wanted to explore. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMDQnX-WKYXuxcNKwrUfujktXfabHYMo7nBWEzblYrMPa1HBxjZz8k0dryHkYptIvI5ywdTkb5Gjxfb8zLodAviZNszKAxJ3YDY_3rN84RbHg4YAjlcpvBPVgnajALjq3omw8kJFHNChE/s1600/P5200054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMDQnX-WKYXuxcNKwrUfujktXfabHYMo7nBWEzblYrMPa1HBxjZz8k0dryHkYptIvI5ywdTkb5Gjxfb8zLodAviZNszKAxJ3YDY_3rN84RbHg4YAjlcpvBPVgnajALjq3omw8kJFHNChE/s400/P5200054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounging Around </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JRZacZ5aANF2fkUzkWvofAEUvNgUKzJPCQTpYWc8RYhCnXDgatwb0z_czaGXC-yycj8enupsu1s0EJ4as3q1hWuTUef6ZKQ4rtamlK3UFuoniQNx4n-08obZCdsqjogE3pkHIpx0vt43/s400/P5200055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the Log</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tkCZ2BVD4FucAnmip5kYfruNv3MUwsnAHJNfPFx36YDFCpmZVWunU5rG_8YOuJCPhKpAoDTg5wtnqCTfu2Ao2jWPMX_nGzte_dT2Rvw-h2TftXaAtU_aAQHpsXgyP_twO57J-EMJVbs4/s1600/selfie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tkCZ2BVD4FucAnmip5kYfruNv3MUwsnAHJNfPFx36YDFCpmZVWunU5rG_8YOuJCPhKpAoDTg5wtnqCTfu2Ao2jWPMX_nGzte_dT2Rvw-h2TftXaAtU_aAQHpsXgyP_twO57J-EMJVbs4/s400/selfie.png" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log Selfie</td></tr>
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We headed back to our site played more Bocce Ball and had some burgers. It was shaping up to be another beautiful night. Our son and I headed to the beach to toss a ball back and forth while we watched the sun set. A great end to a great day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Another Beautiful Sunset.</td></tr>
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Monday morning we had breakfast and packed up then we all headed out for a paddle. The older kids were keen to share the log they had found so we headed that way. Our younger daughter had noticed a beach that she wanted to check out so that was the next stop. While at the beach the girls discovered what looked like a cool den.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiWQxPh3A7wSgLKLh9sQENEX-nu0FX5glt8HuYTAG9aODBCbnJU72xqzI_BMnmFbYPjuX62nF-N9ywjoVMQtNgh_eZgfDldEhCE1IHDVleYI2c9EaEhCn3392Q-67n-sygsD7LII2zurn/s1600/P5210076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiWQxPh3A7wSgLKLh9sQENEX-nu0FX5glt8HuYTAG9aODBCbnJU72xqzI_BMnmFbYPjuX62nF-N9ywjoVMQtNgh_eZgfDldEhCE1IHDVleYI2c9EaEhCn3392Q-67n-sygsD7LII2zurn/s400/P5210076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Wonder What Lives in Here?</td></tr>
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We paddled to the river that leads to Lake of Two Rivers and made our way to the lake. It was very windy and the wind was coming right across the lake. We didn't stay on the lake for long. We had a nice leisurely paddle back to the beach. We made our way back to our site, had some lunch and loaded up the canoe.</div>
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I'm really glad we decided to camp for the weekend. It was nice to be able to spend the time together outside. This trip marked four consecutive seasons of camping in Algonquin Park for us, three of which were bug free. I can't wait for the next adventure.</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-29089637434040841362018-02-22T20:10:00.000-08:002018-02-22T20:10:03.102-08:00Winter in the Wild in Algonquin ParkWe attended Winter in the Wild <a href="http://kindredwanderings.blogspot.ca/2017/03/family-day-in-algonquin-park.html">last year</a> and loved it so much that we decided we needed to return. Last year we stayed at a motel just outside the East Gate. It was nice, but we really wanted to stay in the park for the full experience. It's a totally different trip when you stay in the park.<br />
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This year's Winter in the Wild, at Algonquin Park, would be our second outing in our hot tent. We were really looking forward to it. We were a little disappointed as we left Thursday morning that it was foggy, rainy and generally very wet. That said, by the time we reached the East Gate of the park the rain was behind us and the rest of the day proved to be quite nice. We stopped in at the Visitor Centre for some lunch and a peak out the viewing deck then headed for the campground. When we arrived at Mew Lake the campground was fairly empty. We set up the tent then spent some time getting the interior of the tent set up. I think we're getting a little faster at this process and the kids are getting to be very helpful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSa9noZ4AX5-G39KdjOqfjS0AHLewaTPFf1SB6vMrmJpdT_NjdkUc8F8cFdi5WUkQoQ0LKvqoKgJe8JcyWn1FJ1clTcVhuo9qbZdFLFPt7C9x76OrsA-kSy2c14xCMz8TRc5ugrX5UKXj/s1600/tent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSa9noZ4AX5-G39KdjOqfjS0AHLewaTPFf1SB6vMrmJpdT_NjdkUc8F8cFdi5WUkQoQ0LKvqoKgJe8JcyWn1FJ1clTcVhuo9qbZdFLFPt7C9x76OrsA-kSy2c14xCMz8TRc5ugrX5UKXj/s400/tent.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent Setup on a Huge Site</td></tr>
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Once we were setup we split some wood so that we could get the fire going. After the chores were done we walked around the campground and checked things out. The skating rink was closed due to the warm temperatures as they were hoping to preserve the ice for the weekend. We headed back to have some chicken pot pie then clean up. We got some glow sticks out for the kids. They had fun playing with them as we walked through the campground. There weren't any clouds in the sky so the star gazing was incredible.<br />
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I think we're getting a little better at managing the fire in the wood stove but we could use a some more practice. I woke up every few hours, mostly because my nose was cold. I would roll out of bed throw more wood on the fire then, invariably, would have to go to the bathroom. The hike to the comfort station under the stars was always worth getting out of bed for. I figure I got a lot of exercise this way.<br />
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In the morning we cooked some cinnamon buns and bacon. On our last trip our daughter commented about how this wasn't exactly a healthy breakfast, but that didn't stop her from eating it this time. It takes a long time to cook bacon on a wood stove and dealing with all the grease is a bit of a pain. Next time I think we'll cook the bacon ahead of time and freeze it so that it just has to be heated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XgIWCMou3zP4jWe4bl2KmTtD-PYUu_EPHKnVRAOowirhhF9Tk1PcJrIVJbBt9tfVygcnnTC8p2QZHKnxykWGeZvpqNXyHw7cch5fiSAVQLZC3DDQ3zVJi618hPFuewEGWRtkg3AFMGRo/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XgIWCMou3zP4jWe4bl2KmTtD-PYUu_EPHKnVRAOowirhhF9Tk1PcJrIVJbBt9tfVygcnnTC8p2QZHKnxykWGeZvpqNXyHw7cch5fiSAVQLZC3DDQ3zVJi618hPFuewEGWRtkg3AFMGRo/s400/IMG_3511.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooding the Rink With the Algonquin Zamboni</td></tr>
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The plan for the morning was to head to the Fen Lake Ski Trail located at the West Gate of the park. We loaded up all the skis and headed out. When we arrived at the West Gate we discovered that the trails were closed due to the icy conditions (remember all the rain from the day before). This was the first time we've stopped at the west gate. We almost always come in from the East Gate so this was the first time that we saw the famous sign.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHzEZvUwI9xL1v-RYZQdRQI5AA0Vg2Z5vlMqKXQ2KucqNwD_p1OLCkAtkemZz_2wJLjL3LiJSKTMpteoNjvz83OoDpPnru79n7ZmaHxpa_2caeaP1s6BOxmbAo6SRRH5XMcZzeeDKYmSd/s1600/P2160003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHzEZvUwI9xL1v-RYZQdRQI5AA0Vg2Z5vlMqKXQ2KucqNwD_p1OLCkAtkemZz_2wJLjL3LiJSKTMpteoNjvz83OoDpPnru79n7ZmaHxpa_2caeaP1s6BOxmbAo6SRRH5XMcZzeeDKYmSd/s400/P2160003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a quick trip into the gatehouse to purchase some badges we loaded up the van and headed back to our site. We stopped along the way to have a look at the cool looking ice formations along the highway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbPHxhqjFgHajJgL3qaxNAJG6uKqWhnmzoIdBXHFa_F2EsGDVArdijXNs5EC1c1F7vgpBaMyBIptVESLzqHZtCmxQkI6UUdnKyS2YSi-sCsFPXaEhyQu7BYceQkbST08M0MDBPFkSmUOi/s1600/P2160006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbPHxhqjFgHajJgL3qaxNAJG6uKqWhnmzoIdBXHFa_F2EsGDVArdijXNs5EC1c1F7vgpBaMyBIptVESLzqHZtCmxQkI6UUdnKyS2YSi-sCsFPXaEhyQu7BYceQkbST08M0MDBPFkSmUOi/s400/P2160006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Waterfall Along Highway 60</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2H9PQ3LMP0zzQN7mxgCaTNKLVNjcOhjumOEpdXRaUMSZewucAuDsLSzznj-fxINxJo9HC6uN2-cIggOHHUAsTJUtrRL2eRGZd1dXTcTdqzPA7Z-18RdVaXZ1OjJ_atj_HBMKKm7EaMOd/s1600/P2160008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2H9PQ3LMP0zzQN7mxgCaTNKLVNjcOhjumOEpdXRaUMSZewucAuDsLSzznj-fxINxJo9HC6uN2-cIggOHHUAsTJUtrRL2eRGZd1dXTcTdqzPA7Z-18RdVaXZ1OjJ_atj_HBMKKm7EaMOd/s400/P2160008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Formations Along Highway 60</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got back to our site we grabbed the skates and walked to the rink. We generally don't skate much so I thought this would be a quick thirty minute outing. As it turns out the kids loved it. They liked that they could skate or that they could grab a hockey stick and skate around with a puck. We played together and we played with some of the other kids. Things were going great until the puck I fired a little too hard at the net hit our son in the knee. He was done skating for the time being but his injury proved to be short lived. He and Sarah headed back to the tent to prepare lunch while the girls (and I) were happy to continue skating. We stayed until well past when we might normally have had lunch and even then it was hard to get the girls off the ice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnqEkIfG9qsM7R9YYfbURbpMOAwsgJke5VhkS2e6SPzZge_bPyh6AKcYCzJIxcyfD8C8nKXVWySxq7rCmSTLkEBp5AxRz1JpvtMWCt6wZ659ag1oFswi5CUrOYlXE0fyCfEX_R1x47iHF/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnqEkIfG9qsM7R9YYfbURbpMOAwsgJke5VhkS2e6SPzZge_bPyh6AKcYCzJIxcyfD8C8nKXVWySxq7rCmSTLkEBp5AxRz1JpvtMWCt6wZ659ag1oFswi5CUrOYlXE0fyCfEX_R1x47iHF/s400/IMG_3523.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Time With a Stick on the Ice </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_FPvIan84Gh1fFjM-M47F8jghyphenhyphenqW2WQa3q5fEEolWTBhuEtujjLlODLggM2AuAS5I9SD8V3EwOkQit-a99Nqy1WAqbkdbS9QrMBrnlIjYpwND_ar3_3-Ja9KdrcgZ6SWHt68dyulidYQ/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_FPvIan84Gh1fFjM-M47F8jghyphenhyphenqW2WQa3q5fEEolWTBhuEtujjLlODLggM2AuAS5I9SD8V3EwOkQit-a99Nqy1WAqbkdbS9QrMBrnlIjYpwND_ar3_3-Ja9KdrcgZ6SWHt68dyulidYQ/s400/IMG_3529.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Puck Dropper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd2TVNFjOHOeOkiHSifm-fW6nVtgjoGg-W6QhdIRqHcbi8xaoPkkoGVYHvMEEQMq576iDFO7DSzX65IgYIHUGVtcQaYCnJuV3wtl-dcCNhZT0u7bhIH6zLYKwUzn08tFpbN7u9DK9ddrD/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd2TVNFjOHOeOkiHSifm-fW6nVtgjoGg-W6QhdIRqHcbi8xaoPkkoGVYHvMEEQMq576iDFO7DSzX65IgYIHUGVtcQaYCnJuV3wtl-dcCNhZT0u7bhIH6zLYKwUzn08tFpbN7u9DK9ddrD/s400/IMG_3531.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for a Pass...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbcOm99ptTKzpA1svVPmmRLDwQLSHawjhEPvVirEGaPyqWGwVckLa4htc0rOaDrKnUemO67b7pPbBWJV2D24CdgvONjomGoXO2BZeJwTWHejLKEj211Wewbp8Fd32j_qZ75wpQ54M4tx2/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbcOm99ptTKzpA1svVPmmRLDwQLSHawjhEPvVirEGaPyqWGwVckLa4htc0rOaDrKnUemO67b7pPbBWJV2D24CdgvONjomGoXO2BZeJwTWHejLKEj211Wewbp8Fd32j_qZ75wpQ54M4tx2/s400/IMG_3539.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and Waiting for a Return Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibImolgHaJZikh0jJAWnNsrSPdVjIX0dnS7g3MxH89MdJaz8tXUvPqEl-MSm6ch_74XAo6VcZAMSq9gz1HDc-P5pgNt2z9vARZjsTfqwmSkB2MI_rMmmOUujTmYmKVyYZCNwlCKvz7sn3r/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibImolgHaJZikh0jJAWnNsrSPdVjIX0dnS7g3MxH89MdJaz8tXUvPqEl-MSm6ch_74XAo6VcZAMSq9gz1HDc-P5pgNt2z9vARZjsTfqwmSkB2MI_rMmmOUujTmYmKVyYZCNwlCKvz7sn3r/s400/IMG_3542.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've Got This</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After lunch we walked to the airfield following the Old Rail Bike Trail. It's too bad the trail was so icy. It would have made for a great ski. It's flat but I think the kids would have enjoyed it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeCf24EF64RqjFTjdurvqxPl-QRtQKk0Gp6UUnl1t8PomKIeVDnSVm1IY78-VUZoCUytmbaiPZsRUqBJm_gMPJZRRzhjrGHP5zVp2tItk7L7UlXnMMu6CNzcoPLJOiqb4vAlCaLFMzKZB/s1600/P2160010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeCf24EF64RqjFTjdurvqxPl-QRtQKk0Gp6UUnl1t8PomKIeVDnSVm1IY78-VUZoCUytmbaiPZsRUqBJm_gMPJZRRzhjrGHP5zVp2tItk7L7UlXnMMu6CNzcoPLJOiqb4vAlCaLFMzKZB/s400/P2160010.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Beaten Path and Off the Beaten Path</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnJL9ZpqoWZy9N9gQit5fZSyZaNHBoEfXcfsLjTQiEpARJzZEs4zyYkRL786tL8ldo6JPAs5qyeLhCF1TB4Ur5bJ3krE1Ueg15k3EMrtie89uoqf4-6xCXNdPX9mEuW2XuKV9JmlhewIh/s1600/P2160011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnJL9ZpqoWZy9N9gQit5fZSyZaNHBoEfXcfsLjTQiEpARJzZEs4zyYkRL786tL8ldo6JPAs5qyeLhCF1TB4Ur5bJ3krE1Ueg15k3EMrtie89uoqf4-6xCXNdPX9mEuW2XuKV9JmlhewIh/s400/P2160011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who Needs Snowshoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I expected that upon our return the kids would be too tired to do anything physical. Was I ever wrong. As soon as we got back all they wanted to do was skate some more. We grabbed our skates and headed back to the rink. One of the boys that we played with in the morning was still out on the ice having a great time. Everyone out on the ice seemed so happy. I couldn't believe how much better our kids were getting at skating and moving a puck around. When we first stepped on the ice our four year old didn't want to skate without holding somebody's hand. Now, she was happily skating on her own and doing her own thing. We stayed into the early evening.<br />
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The campground had slowly been filling up over the course of the day. I was amazed to see just how many sites were already taken. Based on today's arrivals I was guessing that there wouldn't be many empty sites Saturday night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjiB9dtBg344NWa80HE_vMGeDYO8OR48kfVPIkkIncoYHm4IoBojrX3ZAHnzXUc_SQq_5Gagd06ObDNSTPiEv38nrPQSCgd80Khtuc6We0u_LgQ7vaJ_I1q0ks8G9d1X6nCJ4KWg1hPrv/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjiB9dtBg344NWa80HE_vMGeDYO8OR48kfVPIkkIncoYHm4IoBojrX3ZAHnzXUc_SQq_5Gagd06ObDNSTPiEv38nrPQSCgd80Khtuc6We0u_LgQ7vaJ_I1q0ks8G9d1X6nCJ4KWg1hPrv/s400/IMG_3509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Saturday was Algonquin's <a href="http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/winter_in_the_wild.php">Winter in the Wild Festival</a>. We were hoping to do a hike in the morning and then catch a presentation. We slept in a bit and took our time cooking up some pancakes. By the time we were finished and had cleaned up we didn't really have time for a hike. Instead we loaded up the car and headed to the Visitor Centre to see Marian & Hailey Sonntag do a presentation on Essentials to Beginning Winter Camping. They did a great job with their presentation. They are both so passionate about being outside and really want others to experience the joy of getting out in the winter. It was great of them to share their knowledge with us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC5AF56UEQYVsGoZWIiZDINBtqw1bCrgfHlTVarKrMyXfQ7Ox4cjJf2-MzH5OMGuE_3s-mOFFfolyLWaUDHTD059YUMgPnLeOivid5TyN2BqFhtaVP4Omxdj8PghsIi5gHACfDfYGUljj/s1600/rink+prep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC5AF56UEQYVsGoZWIiZDINBtqw1bCrgfHlTVarKrMyXfQ7Ox4cjJf2-MzH5OMGuE_3s-mOFFfolyLWaUDHTD059YUMgPnLeOivid5TyN2BqFhtaVP4Omxdj8PghsIi5gHACfDfYGUljj/s400/rink+prep.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the Rink Ready</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOIQjMxoPc5diPHe9ePf7PKYWc0MSpXIdnqbu6MYwni3X-22gr_4QDAnMzzLfQbAHe2sQ-FH9nPV_S7B73cJQM9Qt017FOnOSeXrclW30X7L9-x9c-gY2GDURlr4iC-QsZolA1wwoh4Nb/s1600/winter+camping+presentation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOIQjMxoPc5diPHe9ePf7PKYWc0MSpXIdnqbu6MYwni3X-22gr_4QDAnMzzLfQbAHe2sQ-FH9nPV_S7B73cJQM9Qt017FOnOSeXrclW30X7L9-x9c-gY2GDURlr4iC-QsZolA1wwoh4Nb/s400/winter+camping+presentation.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presentation by Marian & Hailey Sonntag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Following the presentation we headed back to our site for lunch and more skating. We were at the rink for the entire afternoon. The rink was quite busy due to Winter in the Wild but the skaters and hockey players managed to share the ice beautifully. It was so nice to be outside all day getting some fresh air along with a ton of exercise.<br />
<br />
We grabbed some burgers and hot dogs at the the barbeque put on by the <a href="http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/foap/">Friends of Algonquin Park</a> then headed for the camp fire where we took in a presentation on wolves which included a hike out to the Old Airfield for a wolf howl. It was very cool to hear the naturalists call. We did hear something way off in the distance. I thought it was an owl but the naturalist said it may have been a wolf way off in the distance.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning we hiked the 2.3 km Peck Lake Trail. It was a perfect day for a hike. The sun was shining and it was quite warm. The kids did a great job. The promise of snacks at certain trail markers was a good incentive for them to keep going.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTOcPXngRY2-1U_ConaOFO67z1dL_4OHMHVX7vdtt1my_0FDrz_WM7bzjry36TI4ZFzBCX_LYUmLeKXueh2Cm6I5s8RJfa8546WQdngX3KRiKpD5R7iYC5UXkKiz1OxRrPgjGco6SKZsJ/s1600/P2180038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTOcPXngRY2-1U_ConaOFO67z1dL_4OHMHVX7vdtt1my_0FDrz_WM7bzjry36TI4ZFzBCX_LYUmLeKXueh2Cm6I5s8RJfa8546WQdngX3KRiKpD5R7iYC5UXkKiz1OxRrPgjGco6SKZsJ/s400/P2180038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy Section of the Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-3pQSgfENWJ0I_Mk8BOL7dEpEdutk3xf0vRJXO_DilJ-eWoNRDzd32-VdpkH3Ds1vNNAaaK0PJV21gftCiBF67hRuDV2wcHykEdEABpH0I1pK_HYaP5HEN9PAcXTmfdD-7WVlwQ7dQt7/s1600/P2180040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-3pQSgfENWJ0I_Mk8BOL7dEpEdutk3xf0vRJXO_DilJ-eWoNRDzd32-VdpkH3Ds1vNNAaaK0PJV21gftCiBF67hRuDV2wcHykEdEABpH0I1pK_HYaP5HEN9PAcXTmfdD-7WVlwQ7dQt7/s400/P2180040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post 4: The Snacking Post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhO7Wcyn47MQqGQ9z47NFobkWJ415zSN_UZomPIPWBYD6ipOdx9nE60IxFhxxVIUz1s2ONFzkKRCIjt1NfDeuRvjBSiXsTDxEwvGfp8D0_P-usSkX8BomssWXn7r9ZAx-G4MeSMEvRbDV/s1600/P2180042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhO7Wcyn47MQqGQ9z47NFobkWJ415zSN_UZomPIPWBYD6ipOdx9nE60IxFhxxVIUz1s2ONFzkKRCIjt1NfDeuRvjBSiXsTDxEwvGfp8D0_P-usSkX8BomssWXn7r9ZAx-G4MeSMEvRbDV/s400/P2180042.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXMBVKpbdTDaBzwQ_ycrHtfa-xitJJLnECxrJGpS-aS6hS7rzfAmuiP4GD0UKnnSQJOHx06t7jd46f4YLroG-ftu2aJm9r1kcTy-cgol9zUinK9FBVDGQfnR68Nvg-h6KzosOwU_OCxQb/s1600/P2180044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXMBVKpbdTDaBzwQ_ycrHtfa-xitJJLnECxrJGpS-aS6hS7rzfAmuiP4GD0UKnnSQJOHx06t7jd46f4YLroG-ftu2aJm9r1kcTy-cgol9zUinK9FBVDGQfnR68Nvg-h6KzosOwU_OCxQb/s400/P2180044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Tree </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNy_EKjoUl99afO333YoPwCfi7cmt5lBR5mWEiplwPNa3GED4G_x4QyBCStPoo6eC3KzEMvOuw5UMukJfmdaHQHjdbsja9QTL_YVQpHa__vQs5dYm3mzzlPeIDir_CPszqGyPRHvF56ye/s400/P2180046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Opportunity</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNy_EKjoUl99afO333YoPwCfi7cmt5lBR5mWEiplwPNa3GED4G_x4QyBCStPoo6eC3KzEMvOuw5UMukJfmdaHQHjdbsja9QTL_YVQpHa__vQs5dYm3mzzlPeIDir_CPszqGyPRHvF56ye/s1600/P2180046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNy_EKjoUl99afO333YoPwCfi7cmt5lBR5mWEiplwPNa3GED4G_x4QyBCStPoo6eC3KzEMvOuw5UMukJfmdaHQHjdbsja9QTL_YVQpHa__vQs5dYm3mzzlPeIDir_CPszqGyPRHvF56ye/s1600/P2180046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71exCy1_32Tgv2A2ee_JOC9iPTiJB7arY3_1RTXXcfWOxPara1qzwEMkMfo4eA1zaEKPDMkz289bOFFP690NHkc2q2CC9Gv3nkJJBrgz3fmk36y9vJo3_agsxU6wi6E9_-5EaFA1SPBTW/s1600/P2180049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71exCy1_32Tgv2A2ee_JOC9iPTiJB7arY3_1RTXXcfWOxPara1qzwEMkMfo4eA1zaEKPDMkz289bOFFP690NHkc2q2CC9Gv3nkJJBrgz3fmk36y9vJo3_agsxU6wi6E9_-5EaFA1SPBTW/s320/P2180049.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Pecker Hole</td></tr>
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It was such a beautiful day that we had lunch outside. We had some soup and cooked some cornbread over the fire. Any guesses on where the kids wanted to go after lunch? If you said the rink, you were right. Our son and I spent the afternoon skating up and down the rink passing and shooting the puck. We tried to get our daughters in on the action but they were happy just skating with the puck or digging pucks out of the net. I feel like we all got so much better at skating and moving the puck around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2KNc3o0F3KDCf5yh_oSALeSrjfI-Xok4IzbRmGtsq3NQEy53U80dwgVA7laNNKpy9sMa0jwiGoXogOcGpvuCAFUv5SeNYYSxuqQTW8yvuVSgi29afSi5vNqAJyv7QH2yKqsk0DqLK6Xg/s1600/P2180069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2KNc3o0F3KDCf5yh_oSALeSrjfI-Xok4IzbRmGtsq3NQEy53U80dwgVA7laNNKpy9sMa0jwiGoXogOcGpvuCAFUv5SeNYYSxuqQTW8yvuVSgi29afSi5vNqAJyv7QH2yKqsk0DqLK6Xg/s400/P2180069.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving the Puck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw4YCnqG07wLccVg_raagSyDL5QXiHbEsps6V4E4-57N_7vc6ElrBBn0PTwfrFeL5xrHOxsk0rcSzzDBrqasns-OU4Wuz9pf3_hFUyK5f-59BLLRFen0-yxbYmIh7jippe4cW4GX1RBQV/s1600/P2180070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw4YCnqG07wLccVg_raagSyDL5QXiHbEsps6V4E4-57N_7vc6ElrBBn0PTwfrFeL5xrHOxsk0rcSzzDBrqasns-OU4Wuz9pf3_hFUyK5f-59BLLRFen0-yxbYmIh7jippe4cW4GX1RBQV/s400/P2180070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0IFzZ7MaM80QLjeYesPE0BBHQMe7U0Qi7JrZZ_VM41pzr1fbXsdE4UiY-at_9hJDTQSxGY1z7nkZ-TOCWJ9ny4yAKTUGGipjEpHTDUrDSvfluWIF-CYWiui3ekgw989P9Kuj_EpwLRzf/s1600/P2180071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0IFzZ7MaM80QLjeYesPE0BBHQMe7U0Qi7JrZZ_VM41pzr1fbXsdE4UiY-at_9hJDTQSxGY1z7nkZ-TOCWJ9ny4yAKTUGGipjEpHTDUrDSvfluWIF-CYWiui3ekgw989P9Kuj_EpwLRzf/s400/P2180071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to the Net</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE3SZQPnf1M5NrLhoxOyS3ow0VWAwpSZrC_4-_TXdqVjIP86kGbBT3EQT-FJKH39ppYgpm675bO11t0qUO_kqcdWmcrJ46MAhtugk7FO_nNaR28WTxsDuNLFcs4n6XcO5KgYgfKh6A-3-/s1600/P2180074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE3SZQPnf1M5NrLhoxOyS3ow0VWAwpSZrC_4-_TXdqVjIP86kGbBT3EQT-FJKH39ppYgpm675bO11t0qUO_kqcdWmcrJ46MAhtugk7FO_nNaR28WTxsDuNLFcs4n6XcO5KgYgfKh6A-3-/s400/P2180074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a Blast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJFkV9bEZMqvJ8wmI95b9fs05r2ye_LyNLGrqO-pVkwbxU44XdAZw315AHd58wDv3Mt4uu8prIm4Rs46a-IpQu1QFNch5xpC7pjxeBRDoXCJv-0mP-HxcBFe62IcRI26ETHaA8A_Qb4zK/s1600/P2180077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJFkV9bEZMqvJ8wmI95b9fs05r2ye_LyNLGrqO-pVkwbxU44XdAZw315AHd58wDv3Mt4uu8prIm4Rs46a-IpQu1QFNch5xpC7pjxeBRDoXCJv-0mP-HxcBFe62IcRI26ETHaA8A_Qb4zK/s400/P2180077.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in for a Shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSP4I0rdXySNu7q95QTCZsDRVCX0mbfBoLdtHGfRL_K_B3R12EEQrWLuwKJkhdoZ4mQDEPbeaH8UhiSvHKRbsV0NyD6HB6LBdTYrcjHnOPfyhjYhexPYMI8q82fysAdqQQ7QnqeEw_2VA/s1600/P2180078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSP4I0rdXySNu7q95QTCZsDRVCX0mbfBoLdtHGfRL_K_B3R12EEQrWLuwKJkhdoZ4mQDEPbeaH8UhiSvHKRbsV0NyD6HB6LBdTYrcjHnOPfyhjYhexPYMI8q82fysAdqQQ7QnqeEw_2VA/s400/P2180078.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is Ice Chair Pushing an Olympic Event? If So These Girls Are Ready!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEWjA7HDgof0HEXIWJAHY0Z1Nj24K_DPS3zIT75oEVk46AZLfMWhT2MUyFDIRUxxb1zvTNEwiDlMzDeSgnPwvP1gvVJQsC8S2rTMU6wBNOa6-vweNtXyJesUvhnoP3cUzspJjNemqoUk/s1600/P2180082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEWjA7HDgof0HEXIWJAHY0Z1Nj24K_DPS3zIT75oEVk46AZLfMWhT2MUyFDIRUxxb1zvTNEwiDlMzDeSgnPwvP1gvVJQsC8S2rTMU6wBNOa6-vweNtXyJesUvhnoP3cUzspJjNemqoUk/s400/P2180082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rink to Ourselves</td></tr>
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At about 4:00 I tried to get the kids off the ice so that we could try out the skiing on the Old Railway Bike Trail. They were having no part of it. They were happy on the ice and weren't getting off. Sarah stayed with the kids while I got my skis and headed around the Old Airfield. The sun had softened the snow enough to make the skiing quite enjoyable. I went for a short ski then made my way back to the rink. When I arrived at the rink we pried the kids off the ice so that we could eat. What a great day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIBKXB_COBceqbjYzhFdGly3Xr9iWWc5H9SIdaI1yfDaGiznQbgbEJwRAImTcayKyhpOxXz3evwSKuw1JNEf1ms_q-6g_9k1R4SdpJu4TPTS-oWbQ9A8XQJfG65NUcNSsZ1wLRBGBkPqi/s1600/P2180084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIBKXB_COBceqbjYzhFdGly3Xr9iWWc5H9SIdaI1yfDaGiznQbgbEJwRAImTcayKyhpOxXz3evwSKuw1JNEf1ms_q-6g_9k1R4SdpJu4TPTS-oWbQ9A8XQJfG65NUcNSsZ1wLRBGBkPqi/s400/P2180084.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Afternoon for Some Skiing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Airfield </td></tr>
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Monday was another beautiful morning. The sun was shining and the temperature was climbing. We packed up a few things as we were getting breakfast ready, then ate. After eating we began packing things away. The kids were very helpful. Once we were all packed up we thanked the wardens for all their hard work over the weekend and told them that we would be back for more winter fun.<br />
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We had hoped to do a hike on the way out but as we were leaving the campground the rain started to come down so we headed for the Visitor Centre where we had lunch.<br />
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This trip was a great experience for us. We had the chance to see so many winter camping setups. It was incredible how full the campground was. I think I only counted eight empty sites (in the electrical portion of the campground) on Saturday night. I was also blown away the amazing community of super friendly people. Everyone said "hi" as they walked past. People were happy to tell you about their setups and share tips and tricks and in the evening there was always a happy crowd gathered around a fire sharing stories of both winter and summer camping adventures. It was truly amazing community to experience.<br />
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<br />Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-48981412233694933912018-02-10T19:18:00.000-08:002018-02-10T19:18:25.003-08:00Solo Ski at Ferris ParkThis weekend was shaping up to be one of the best for outdoor activities this winter. There has been a good amount of snow this week. In fact, it seems like it has non-stop snowed for the past two days. The temperature has been just a little below the freezing point. It seemed like a great weekend to get out and enjoy the wintry weather.<br />
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The only problem seemed to be that our two daughters woke up sick, our son was exhausted from his school ski trip yesterday and my wife is (hopefully) getting over her cold. When I asked at breakfast who wanted to do some cross country skiing today, our son was the only one that was keen. He changed his mind a short while later, saying that he was too tired. That meant, unfortunately, I'd be headed out on my own. </div>
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I gathered my skis and headed for <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/ferris">Ferris Provincial Park</a>. In the past I've accessed the park from the east side of the river where the gate house is. This is the second winter that the gate at the road has been closed so I proceed to access from the west side by at the suspension bridge.</div>
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I crossed the bridge, strapped on my skis and had a great ski throughout the park. While in the park I had a few snowmobiles pass me while I was on the <a href="http://www.tctrail.ca/">Trans Canada Trail</a> and I saw one person on snowshoes heading in as I was heading out.</div>
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I captured some video, but not as much as I had expected. When I changed the camera battery about midway through my trip I must not have hit record. It's too bad that the most exciting parts were on the second half of the trip. In any case, here's some footage from my great day of skiing.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZ9f441Xhl8" width="560"></iframe>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-7783087228071119482018-02-04T19:06:00.000-08:002018-02-04T19:06:22.474-08:00Winter Camping at Silent Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided that for this past Christmas we would get a hot tent. We've set it up in the yard and spent the night in it (a cold one at that) to make sure we knew how everything worked. The time to test the tent out in the wild finally came last Wednesday.</div>
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We packed up the van (as well as the car) and headed for Silent Lake Provincial Park. Silent Lake offers a number of options for a winter stay. They have a new set of <a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/new-cabins-at-silent-lake/">cabins</a>, as well as a number of different <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/roofedaccommodation/yurts/silent-lake-yurts">yurts</a>. These roofed accommodations seem quite busy so be sure to book early. In addition, the park also offers winter camping. They have electrical sites that you can drive into and non-electrical sites that you have to hike to. If you wish to winter camp you don't need to book ahead, as they have a good number of sites available.<br />
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The comfort station located at the day-use area is open in the winter. It is close to the cabins but would be a long walk from the yurts or winter camping sites. Vault toilets are available in the campgrounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kvx27U5uX15JCZeO1W-YlzpM3iUQChuZTf-FDBnWeUGWN5alH5heqTlv6xhRHaRo10G1NyV-7uWRRtun3R8U3bV9uXC_KyGw57wc7S5aodrbX6RrpPfDQ8YLi2B3Y06GYtTfSLJqpfCj/s1600/P2020594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kvx27U5uX15JCZeO1W-YlzpM3iUQChuZTf-FDBnWeUGWN5alH5heqTlv6xhRHaRo10G1NyV-7uWRRtun3R8U3bV9uXC_KyGw57wc7S5aodrbX6RrpPfDQ8YLi2B3Y06GYtTfSLJqpfCj/s400/P2020594.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silent Lake</td></tr>
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In terms of winter activities, the park officially offers 40 km of cross-country ski trails, some snowshoeing and ice fishing. We saw a number of people taking advantage of the frozen water. Some people hiked out onto the lake. Others shovelled off a section and created a skating rink. The thawing and freezing we had about a week ago made for some perfect ice. We even saw some kids sledding down the hill by the comfort station.<br />
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We arrived Wednesday around noon and as it turns out it snowed most of the day (Welcome back winter!). We began setting up our tent right away. The kids explored the site and played around in the snow. We probably should have had lunch first because after a while the kids started to get hungry and cold. We ended up pausing the tent setup so that we could get something to eat but then our four year old started to get <b>really</b> cold. We quickly put the rest of the tent together and got the fire going. Once the fire was going and everyone was happy we proceeded to setup the interior of the tent. The kids were happy to play around inside the tent building forts and playing games.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzkTr_6bhJv3mT4cZ_B3M_oHMxu9blC-l3uF-mpspMhsEyzTF_-DYd-5v_dX4M5t7bljI7Ub2pAhqS6oEv3S-NNd3vEOvLgqCsOQpP8LOKqDUWncBQ-VBi5aDFH0i5z1RpwvmzH0lf24J/s1600/P2010561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzkTr_6bhJv3mT4cZ_B3M_oHMxu9blC-l3uF-mpspMhsEyzTF_-DYd-5v_dX4M5t7bljI7Ub2pAhqS6oEv3S-NNd3vEOvLgqCsOQpP8LOKqDUWncBQ-VBi5aDFH0i5z1RpwvmzH0lf24J/s400/P2010561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving All the Snow</td></tr>
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After some time in the tent we headed outside. The kids decided to make snow sculptures. It was cool to see their creativity in action. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42QyX10fqvIy1US5komkO7c1nzoUpIaQyQoXApIIAkpycuTCcV6L1T0z6f_dS5kIp53yN0ypr1iXvJSw9b_W7tY_Anz7R2SBYmyJDkMvQWM1zAE6nRLmJwwYwyA-z0qfg19lrOzCckTJP/s1600/P2010563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42QyX10fqvIy1US5komkO7c1nzoUpIaQyQoXApIIAkpycuTCcV6L1T0z6f_dS5kIp53yN0ypr1iXvJSw9b_W7tY_Anz7R2SBYmyJDkMvQWM1zAE6nRLmJwwYwyA-z0qfg19lrOzCckTJP/s400/P2010563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Setup</td></tr>
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<div>
After the sculpting was done we headed inside for some sloppy Joes. They were filling and really hit the spot. We cleaned up, got ready for bed then read a story. I love it when all of our kids can be interested in the same book. Sarah brought along a book called Stick Cat: Cats in the City. All three kids were totally into the book and kept wanting to hear more. I had intended to go outside for a walk and perhaps take some pictures after the kids fell asleep, but I was exhausted and fell asleep shortly after they did. I woke up a few hours later to throw some wood on the fire and went back to bed. It was a fairly warm night but I did seem to wake up every few hours. While I was up I put more wood on the fire. I'm hoping that with a little more practice we'll find the optimal night time setup for the fire.</div>
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Thursday was our first full day in the park and I wanted to make the most of it. It started with some pancakes cooked on the wood stove. Our son was the master flapjack flipper. After breakfast we headed to the comfort station to get some water, do the dishes, brush our teeth and do some skiing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoHIbyJsATrDIIINtI4UKkxGOY2y-8IXSWXBe-C2kveLbFXSqiVVfFSqFCd9tBis0DIvJY7qDnBfjvi8m6G8Qix-lUJFApGRF-4w2kSP8UuqhlWzItyKz30Uce1FucSWvRf5gPDhS2un/s1600/Silent+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoHIbyJsATrDIIINtI4UKkxGOY2y-8IXSWXBe-C2kveLbFXSqiVVfFSqFCd9tBis0DIvJY7qDnBfjvi8m6G8Qix-lUJFApGRF-4w2kSP8UuqhlWzItyKz30Uce1FucSWvRf5gPDhS2un/s400/Silent+Lake.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Across the Lake</td></tr>
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<div>
Once we were ready to go, we hit the trail. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cZNBthHTx2NKJZXbpRYB0YCqaoek58GbmljdrRNOxubmiWkSYdpQJtie-uLkdmGAJgMp4p00Xhco2pjwWJBXVtMEzsXibGue4PYO2qRHWZXPx9mnTloHw4EqvfVYXYuyEv1ywOTqfi8x/s1600/P2010567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cZNBthHTx2NKJZXbpRYB0YCqaoek58GbmljdrRNOxubmiWkSYdpQJtie-uLkdmGAJgMp4p00Xhco2pjwWJBXVtMEzsXibGue4PYO2qRHWZXPx9mnTloHw4EqvfVYXYuyEv1ywOTqfi8x/s400/P2010567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead</td></tr>
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It started as a perfect day for skiing. The sun was out and it was fairly warm. The trail followed the shoreline of the lake for the first part. It was very picturesque. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3aodmTwOS2TGuqQtNzY55V1eWriinbiQOqpZt5H8kVXTPl95RWoKWP1TepaXoIjVnuhqRZGz5KSjSYFInzzcgMwDV50Hl483_COCw4s0eIk0KafTYvUy1qoGAHHu3Hdgb20qeXE-XNWs/s1600/P2010572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3aodmTwOS2TGuqQtNzY55V1eWriinbiQOqpZt5H8kVXTPl95RWoKWP1TepaXoIjVnuhqRZGz5KSjSYFInzzcgMwDV50Hl483_COCw4s0eIk0KafTYvUy1qoGAHHu3Hdgb20qeXE-XNWs/s400/P2010572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're Off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFFjSvo84O_k2G4Pc_7HVqrzPVggSpjk-nSkIle2pXb1evGN1pk0UJk0axzjZX_Q_hnQz03I_kcOAK60OXCrrODYIEQVOO_sGS-VXwwkRdRJBjC4rVSGOgXcsxQDDg_49c7OObEdEAPa3/s1600/P2010574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFFjSvo84O_k2G4Pc_7HVqrzPVggSpjk-nSkIle2pXb1evGN1pk0UJk0axzjZX_Q_hnQz03I_kcOAK60OXCrrODYIEQVOO_sGS-VXwwkRdRJBjC4rVSGOgXcsxQDDg_49c7OObEdEAPa3/s400/P2010574.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Blazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yiN9ykv3Qvpb4Ekh4PxzFa5lu-vmk_d-9Ytlhh4NAuYI0IflzXwuIRlfrkEIjqLZbSOWgvdmk_jDmnAZljDJXLbsMvvW2FSAhX-hlXJozuZ04-n02gVrMA8LFqfZ1QLsN7ha42uLxA7f/s1600/P2010576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yiN9ykv3Qvpb4Ekh4PxzFa5lu-vmk_d-9Ytlhh4NAuYI0IflzXwuIRlfrkEIjqLZbSOWgvdmk_jDmnAZljDJXLbsMvvW2FSAhX-hlXJozuZ04-n02gVrMA8LFqfZ1QLsN7ha42uLxA7f/s400/P2010576.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzob_tDC3OtDO4qEn9P7LlJTshuytZKPkVrQt6uOHqwZlZOHoSwYiI4AJkmPK9t2s-fRWzlCVmPwnD_zRlhEKNj28btO-kM4sVL9T1ZBYgwBRHNZZ17nsfI72wk8Ma8QBjXzZKgI_FeQvY/s1600/P2010577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzob_tDC3OtDO4qEn9P7LlJTshuytZKPkVrQt6uOHqwZlZOHoSwYiI4AJkmPK9t2s-fRWzlCVmPwnD_zRlhEKNj28btO-kM4sVL9T1ZBYgwBRHNZZ17nsfI72wk8Ma8QBjXzZKgI_FeQvY/s400/P2010577.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Down Stream</td></tr>
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We skied for a total of about an hour. The kids had had enough by this point. It probably just as well that we turned back when we did. The temperature had warmed up to above 0°C and the snow was clumping to the waxless skis.</div>
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We headed back to our site where the chicken noodle soup, that had been warming in the slow cooker, was waiting for us. This was the first time we've ever camped at a site with electricity and having a warm meal waiting for us upon our arrival was amazing.</div>
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After lunch our son and I made our way back to the comfort station and headed out onto the lake to do some ice fishing. Ice fishing is a new sport to us this winter. Our son has been very excited to try since last winter. He read a ton of books and is teaching me about fishing in the winter. It was very windy so we drilled our holes (the ice was 19" thick) and setup our shelter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDDaM4BOUMjeKR3W43cCO3HOMVkKjyPVKGjkz0_Av6e0ZErc7Hk95CbdimKCSJK4JQU7iubSiEUfDG3qr4Wl2b5ToyEeoLpUp9j0ALkIRvF1sSHxFxZNzx-UER6dCqyWyRsUofQYlUSFI/s1600/P2010588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDDaM4BOUMjeKR3W43cCO3HOMVkKjyPVKGjkz0_Av6e0ZErc7Hk95CbdimKCSJK4JQU7iubSiEUfDG3qr4Wl2b5ToyEeoLpUp9j0ALkIRvF1sSHxFxZNzx-UER6dCqyWyRsUofQYlUSFI/s400/P2010588.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even In Winter Parents Have Are Responsible</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9eCjEMKdd2r4lcO6iGlgyAVrGfwcgtHVjpAZeMKldDXdoIT2Qf_lIz8-41kCSFKbayD0KJwn3OmISZjNfLeSD9-q1i3MLQ1lSmQbm_a_TXSRjDZxWyHIA00E5De5k1Bc_iASkf-OY_l1/s1600/hut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9eCjEMKdd2r4lcO6iGlgyAVrGfwcgtHVjpAZeMKldDXdoIT2Qf_lIz8-41kCSFKbayD0KJwn3OmISZjNfLeSD9-q1i3MLQ1lSmQbm_a_TXSRjDZxWyHIA00E5De5k1Bc_iASkf-OY_l1/s400/hut.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Fishing</td></tr>
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<div>
We fished for an hour or so but came up empty handed. So we packed up an headed back to the site. We split some more firewood then cooked some pasta and sausages.</div>
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I had to work on Friday so I got up early and headed out. Sarah and the kids stayed and enjoyed the day in the park. They did some reading, played some games and went for a couple of walks. One of their walks took them to the campground with the walk-in sites. They walked around and saw that some of the yurts were occupied but they didn't see any tents. It turned out that we were the only tenters in the park during our stay.</div>
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I arrived back at the site around 4:30. I was dressed for work and as a result I was quite chilled. We needed more firewood so we loaded up the van, stopped at the comfort station then picked up some wood at the gatehouse. Once back at our site we split the firewood which warmed me up nicely. Then I strapped on the snowshoes and followed what ended up being the easy ski trail. It was a great evening for a walk. </div>
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Although it would have been nice to stay the entire weekend we had decided that Saturday should be our last day so that we could spend Sunday getting everything unpacked and put away. We woke up on Saturday and cooked up some bacon and cinnamon buns. As our eight year old daughter pointed out, this wasn't exactly a healthy breakfast.</div>
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After breakfast we went for a ski as a family. I had discovered that just down the road from our site we could connect to the ski trail. So off we went. We made it as far as the trail before our youngest daughter started complaining about cold feet. We usually bring along some hand and foot warmers on winter outings, but for whatever reason they didn't seem to be a priority for this trip (but will be for the next one).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0T01Jq3cUFnu9I3YUeH6UYZGfOCvxwLgyHElKI-_n7JCEn_ZPS6AiSCUbcto4qT7CZ4whJQve6Nn9p5a8UrB3V-BQTTvz05GPtFXnoETo4lEJFI5zXIDqswxhzmRizqU3ZcMUnFEddj5/s1600/P2030600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0T01Jq3cUFnu9I3YUeH6UYZGfOCvxwLgyHElKI-_n7JCEn_ZPS6AiSCUbcto4qT7CZ4whJQve6Nn9p5a8UrB3V-BQTTvz05GPtFXnoETo4lEJFI5zXIDqswxhzmRizqU3ZcMUnFEddj5/s400/P2030600.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Last Family Ski</td></tr>
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I took her back to the tent, got the fire going and then we read some stories. We packed up some of our stuff and tried to get a bit organized. After a while we drove to the comfort station to use the heated bathroom and to get some water. Sarah carried on with the kids and had a great ski.</div>
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Once everyone was back at the tent we packed up some more and had lunch. I was jealous that I didn't get to ski in the morning so I decided to sneak away for a quick ski. Our son decided to come along. We skied the 2.5 km loop opposite to the recommended direction. I think next time we'll go in the recommended direction.</div>
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Upon our return we furiously packed everything up and somehow managed to get it to fit in our vehicles.</div>
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Our first winter camping trip was a big success. We had a great time and are all looking forward to the next outing. One of the things I love most about coming back from a trip is having dinner together and talking about our favourite parts and things we could do next time to make the trip better.<br /><div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-56853394768883523072017-12-16T20:10:00.001-08:002017-12-16T20:13:49.082-08:00Christmas Bird Count At Frontenac Provincial Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today we attended the <a href="http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc4kids/">Christmas Bird Count for Kids</a> at <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac">Frontenac Provincial Park</a>. We had intended to arrive early and ski before the bird count, have lunch and then do the bird count. As it turns out it was a slow morning for us and we didn't arrive at the park until noon. The bird count was to start at 1:00 so we decided to have lunch when we arrived.</div>
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At 1:00 Carolyn Bonta began a presentation about common birds found in the park in winter. She talked about how to identify them, along with some of their behaviours. It was a very informative presentation that was engaging for kids and adults alike. She had some specimens on hand so that we could see what the actual birds looked like and she played their calls so that we might be able to identify the birds by sound while out on the trail. </div>
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Once the presentation was over we got into our outdoor gear and headed outside. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shinning, the temperature was around -6°C and there wasn't any wind. We couldn't have asked for a better day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3WcgppRE6mz9wBOT3tvUU_cMLUbEEKadHoEq9XR4N9xoRnFlp0tHjvWFZR7D-husChmPaaT69vP8rhFpQGtyo8Xf82-4nhYsyjpmZPaWTCmmTn_jdYtcRhbvEUSzvL5sHOOVRXw4tbNQ/s1600/PC160481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3WcgppRE6mz9wBOT3tvUU_cMLUbEEKadHoEq9XR4N9xoRnFlp0tHjvWFZR7D-husChmPaaT69vP8rhFpQGtyo8Xf82-4nhYsyjpmZPaWTCmmTn_jdYtcRhbvEUSzvL5sHOOVRXw4tbNQ/s400/PC160481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Out Over South Otter Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gUB10PIgTLhQ0lpBy377-KTZXD-KButjK8WOUnL9s4lHwheVIHg8iCOWaPmyCtEqIwBxw2rGS-hkPxK0N3qhuqsc6hOaby1MseK22g3RohbDKq45t-7-kLn0ii9cV5NNgfLb-eanmSYs/s1600/PC160478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gUB10PIgTLhQ0lpBy377-KTZXD-KButjK8WOUnL9s4lHwheVIHg8iCOWaPmyCtEqIwBxw2rGS-hkPxK0N3qhuqsc6hOaby1MseK22g3RohbDKq45t-7-kLn0ii9cV5NNgfLb-eanmSYs/s400/PC160478.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boardwalk</td></tr>
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As a group we made a couple of stops when someone heard or saw a bird. We spotted a number of chickadees and a pair of blue jays. We stopped along the boardwalk and Carolyn pointed out some trees that had been heavily used by woodpeckers at one time. Unfortunately, we didn't see any woodpeckers but we did happen to see some crows and ravens as we made our way across the boardwalk. As we were leaving the first boardwalk someone spotted a large bird way off in the distance. I didn't see it but some people said it may have been a turkey vulture. As we turned around to face the other direction we got to witness an amazing site. We saw a bald eagle being chased by a raven. We watched for a while as this chase went on and then noticed another large bird of prey approaching. Its colourings were completely different from the eagle but its size was comparable. We later hypothesized that it was likely a juvenile bald eagle given that both of the birds eventually flew off together. It was quite an amazing site to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Covered Boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKniX4UugREOYMRhp5qATDr80oQ1m0onawhLjORVt3laj9O394gNYQWrEKtWNl1YxBVFmQUxzaYdKmPliRzY1EKbXKyakpVWjFBSjGjtjWUdEF_mHj5SYLH6fyAVQ1HTPxFtAOcGWqH6N/s1600/PC160483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKniX4UugREOYMRhp5qATDr80oQ1m0onawhLjORVt3laj9O394gNYQWrEKtWNl1YxBVFmQUxzaYdKmPliRzY1EKbXKyakpVWjFBSjGjtjWUdEF_mHj5SYLH6fyAVQ1HTPxFtAOcGWqH6N/s400/PC160483.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisher Tracks Leading Down the Creek</td></tr>
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We do a fair bit of hiking and see a lot of cool things but having Carolyn along for the hike was great. She was a fountain of knowledge and was happy to share and answer questions and she was great with the kids. We stopped to look at some footprints that travelled along the creek and she explained that they were fisher tracks and told us why they were fisher tracks. We saw a fair number of track along the creek and even saw where the fisher may have stopped for a drink of water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjvhWlGO-JKi2KoRQQkA6ZiA8OyjkarquegMYYphrzu5vcR7BdZXmOdk4D9wbQ69gQYMSetUAvco9HCpo88hgDOvKYTfNik0RGHRsNk97mGlqs8oAEu-qAEzBbY2OiyZL0lXHTQ9TPj6M/s1600/PC160484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjvhWlGO-JKi2KoRQQkA6ZiA8OyjkarquegMYYphrzu5vcR7BdZXmOdk4D9wbQ69gQYMSetUAvco9HCpo88hgDOvKYTfNik0RGHRsNk97mGlqs8oAEu-qAEzBbY2OiyZL0lXHTQ9TPj6M/s400/PC160484.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Seat Along the Boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ8TECKbtpC_PHhbiAHXzO3z089S4eaIUFv36VPZefVvUoXlWetNUG95nZj2t8EQnyp4SEn29pILIjP72f57acUNlajZGsMy4cbWBzGBHL8dscpIN-95nMmtEp1GbarTzTEXXdsLG5CL5/s1600/PC160486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ8TECKbtpC_PHhbiAHXzO3z089S4eaIUFv36VPZefVvUoXlWetNUG95nZj2t8EQnyp4SEn29pILIjP72f57acUNlajZGsMy4cbWBzGBHL8dscpIN-95nMmtEp1GbarTzTEXXdsLG5CL5/s400/PC160486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bench </td></tr>
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We kept hiking but didn't see many more birds. The people at the front of the group spotted a deer before it took off into the woods. Unfortunately, we were at the back and didn't see that deer. The kids saw a few as we drove into the park and there was another one close to the road as we drove out.<br />
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After the hike we had some hot chocolate, looked at the specimens and thanked Carolyn for her presentation. Then we headed to the parking lot to grab our skis so that we could ski along the Corridor Trail. There was just enough snow to be able to ski. It was a slow ski with the kids but that's probably a good thing as there were a number of rocks and roots that got uncovered as we skied. The older kids led the way and were having a great time. It was nice to have everyone out on skis again. The four year old had some trouble on the ups and downs but it won't be long until she's zipping along. She fell a lot but laughed about it every time. I love getting out as a family. It's so much fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c0UhiZudMMfHRM3UBIDjutzXvqNFsETK99GM8c2ZZ-rrgD-83HMGbaPVOdEJX7zThxr_x0wfEQhDBP3n9TUJTPnlsOQ4r0C3HJg7NfLu1zYKMucIy04tLTVYqLdCaYuCK_pomi-48VIO/s1600/PC160489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c0UhiZudMMfHRM3UBIDjutzXvqNFsETK99GM8c2ZZ-rrgD-83HMGbaPVOdEJX7zThxr_x0wfEQhDBP3n9TUJTPnlsOQ4r0C3HJg7NfLu1zYKMucIy04tLTVYqLdCaYuCK_pomi-48VIO/s400/PC160489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Trail Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVkE99Kg3I9bIWQbxh_4BGP77rzc69Z2CoysDBKxnC10_fIbhjb47RYSLY4__RJrKVeUYzJ5XwkjAX42XLESOYsDbXln4m9Ol7HWpLuoeZOBNiTpH3klRgCiB7iWV-i7Nka-EPQ9StqAo/s1600/PC160490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVkE99Kg3I9bIWQbxh_4BGP77rzc69Z2CoysDBKxnC10_fIbhjb47RYSLY4__RJrKVeUYzJ5XwkjAX42XLESOYsDbXln4m9Ol7HWpLuoeZOBNiTpH3klRgCiB7iWV-i7Nka-EPQ9StqAo/s400/PC160490.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Up</td></tr>
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What a great day. We all had such a good time. The bird count was a great way to get outside and to learn a bit more about the birds in the park. There are lots of bird counts happening around the world at this time of year. If you're interested check out their website <a href="http://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count">here</a>.<br />
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-57699298710656654282017-10-07T19:19:00.001-07:002017-10-07T19:19:56.524-07:00Fall in Algonuquin - Ragged LakeWe don't get to do much fall camping. Once school starts the kids get busy with their extra curricular activities, I get busy with work...excuse, excuses. We've often talked about how great it would be to get out during the week in the fall. There wouldn't be many people or bugs and there could be some really nice weather. I decided to book some time off and we booked a site on Ragged Lake in Algonquin. It was a bit of an odd trip. I had nothing to do with the planning. Sarah and the kids looked at the map, chose a section of the park, then chose a lake and booked it. It different kind of trip for us since we booked four days on a single lake. As it turns out we chose one the nicest four days of the summer. It was also the only camping we did all year where we didn't get rained on.<br />
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We arrived at Canoe Lake at noon and picked up our permit then headed across the highway to Smoke Lake. We had lunch on the dock (in the shade) on a very hot day. As we were having lunch two CC-130 Hercules flew across the lake and directly overhead. They were flying so low it looked like they were just above the trees. It was like I'd never left Trenton.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJiEQDwo4orFQ1DszHmKoTUCUGLoyq3DlojBWx4uvdvqiRgpfLR9C4m_bc3kiIQfk5F_HgnbozJTJLMP3lRD-dQNInxqxgxuAxcytM4y9Y5xNAxKxlFnvRvLq8-eYC91ISA4sp-KtvEyf/s1600/herc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJiEQDwo4orFQ1DszHmKoTUCUGLoyq3DlojBWx4uvdvqiRgpfLR9C4m_bc3kiIQfk5F_HgnbozJTJLMP3lRD-dQNInxqxgxuAxcytM4y9Y5xNAxKxlFnvRvLq8-eYC91ISA4sp-KtvEyf/s400/herc.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We finished lunch, loaded up the canoes and hit the water. The weather was perfect. The sun was shining, the temperature was north of 25ºC and there wasn't much wind. Shortly after leaving dock we saw the park float plane take off right behind us. It disappeared for a while then came back, landed and docked. Next up in the Smoke Lake Air Show was helicopter dragging some long cables behind it. We had seen the same helicopter, as we drove in, hauling a very large piece of lumber.<br />
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After the Air Show we had a beautiful paddle across the lake. We saw a couple of small motor boats go by and a group of about seven canoes headed back to the access point but other than that it was very quiet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiKXep77ZUju4hv1FrZwmwz05ls3ZcAOqcomMJs5M9rda6DDjYOTYnUxdCX9kDS0Abqj-4jFiqqOu2PBoIdwflyuKmBsOLh3Hh00PU4oEcVEVVM8tpV6zy-8dSmX8ldHw1JBlHyU2fKub/s1600/P9210324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiKXep77ZUju4hv1FrZwmwz05ls3ZcAOqcomMJs5M9rda6DDjYOTYnUxdCX9kDS0Abqj-4jFiqqOu2PBoIdwflyuKmBsOLh3Hh00PU4oEcVEVVM8tpV6zy-8dSmX8ldHw1JBlHyU2fKub/s400/P9210324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Our Way</td></tr>
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We made it to the portage to Ragged a little quicker than expected. As we arrived there was a couple coming in the other direction. They had spent the night on Ragged and said the site they stayed at was very nice. They showed us where it was on the map. We easily managed the 240m portage. We got onto Ragged Lake and started negotiating which site would be our home for the next few days. I was pushing for the small island site in West Bay. One of the kids (possibly two) just wanted to grab the first site that we saw. They were hot and excited to do some swimming. Once we reached the big island in the middle of the lake they realized how quick it was to paddle across the lake so we made our way to West Bay. We didn't see anyone else on the lake. It was, after all, only Thursday. We rounded the corner so that the island was in site was in view and sure enough there was a canoe there. What were the chances that the only people on the entire lake were within a few hundred metres of each other? We opted for the site just north of the island which was fantastic. It had a great beach and was located on a point. Our middle daughter was very upset that we weren't on the island but after being there for a while she admitted that we had a great site. The kids spent most of the time that we were on the site at the sand beach or in the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWUhQzNKqSgL-XpKfICfMLWYPjF7iaiJIYBIJB75SU5cbzCvBFdxaOItm451j6NeGPvIfwP6XMLc5-fH5eDhKnCxfJ2wTw6LW_AOU0oApVt_Jm7pFfybC_4nqSFlmSXc2AV26YD_7Xqpg/s1600/P9210331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWUhQzNKqSgL-XpKfICfMLWYPjF7iaiJIYBIJB75SU5cbzCvBFdxaOItm451j6NeGPvIfwP6XMLc5-fH5eDhKnCxfJ2wTw6LW_AOU0oApVt_Jm7pFfybC_4nqSFlmSXc2AV26YD_7Xqpg/s400/P9210331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've Arrived</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose Bones on the Beach</td></tr>
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Once we arrived at our site it was time for a swim. We were all really hot and the lake just seemed so inviting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg7f11S2dNrTA6qHMBxvkYyC-leORIWv6xUpgu78m7I_bUx0KIteDlzQ8nRxR9PEVsgbkI3EOrsGOLYBvB6XF3NS-yb7gR13AjDl4KZlD3kU1HJ6p_IjKqHZmk0hpDc4bb-qcOuEhu-Z2/s1600/P9210341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg7f11S2dNrTA6qHMBxvkYyC-leORIWv6xUpgu78m7I_bUx0KIteDlzQ8nRxR9PEVsgbkI3EOrsGOLYBvB6XF3NS-yb7gR13AjDl4KZlD3kU1HJ6p_IjKqHZmk0hpDc4bb-qcOuEhu-Z2/s400/P9210341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a Swim</td></tr>
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The kids stayed in the water while Sarah and I setup camp.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sun Goes Down Early This Late in the Year</td></tr>
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Our son loves cooking dinner over the hobo stove so he got the fire going then looked after it while cooking for us. It was the last day of summer but it sure felt like it could have been the middle of summer.</div>
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It was quite late by the time we finished eating, got cleaned up and hung the food. We piled into the tent and went to sleep. I had hoped to go out and take pictures of the stars but I was tired enough that I fell asleep and didn't feel like getting up at any point in the night.<br />
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The next morning we awoke to a perfectly calm day. There was no wind and the lake was as flat as could be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWjTPvhx2A0OVpT9a44u-p9dVsXeb2NjzBvp49JX8abQnwmELXBy5lzrEDLj9zf6Ny82JuUtJ8PNAXe_IpinguAQDGGkNn0PcAYysyMB8pXk-bDz1T6JY3cKkGI2zCTX0l7Il1sg_lyss/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWjTPvhx2A0OVpT9a44u-p9dVsXeb2NjzBvp49JX8abQnwmELXBy5lzrEDLj9zf6Ny82JuUtJ8PNAXe_IpinguAQDGGkNn0PcAYysyMB8pXk-bDz1T6JY3cKkGI2zCTX0l7Il1sg_lyss/s400/IMG_3315.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduU4uBU3oAWHhLrLCT5s3ZzTfRDYkTexJ1ptfy3Ym6gRRWJrEGEJsFoEM90OvC8l0CdueF_NEyxQXcWnYVMT5Iu8uW_EMQc4vLahVykrNELjujhv92qQkYR7n_22CLBJx__RUy3lR4uAk/s1600/P9220346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduU4uBU3oAWHhLrLCT5s3ZzTfRDYkTexJ1ptfy3Ym6gRRWJrEGEJsFoEM90OvC8l0CdueF_NEyxQXcWnYVMT5Iu8uW_EMQc4vLahVykrNELjujhv92qQkYR7n_22CLBJx__RUy3lR4uAk/s400/P9220346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtINO5E2wmTfndKiD-IfBIr653HGRd-BQlBbbM8QUwZbX-FOQ8ZdcjvjhZ978d2VnF1deFuJHeGcTeCLiOQmCjjkfAiuPcKm0sSOdGEZLd1FXHpn1jdMc-7af7ZMHchIEIXE4xf6JFlJiZ/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtINO5E2wmTfndKiD-IfBIr653HGRd-BQlBbbM8QUwZbX-FOQ8ZdcjvjhZ978d2VnF1deFuJHeGcTeCLiOQmCjjkfAiuPcKm0sSOdGEZLd1FXHpn1jdMc-7af7ZMHchIEIXE4xf6JFlJiZ/s400/IMG_3325.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Colours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The air was so still that we could hear the faint sound of logging operations off in the distance. It wasn't until the next day that I looked at the map and noticed how close we were to the edge of the park and a logging camp to the south.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After breakfast we paddled over to Archer Bay to check out the long beach we had seen the day before. The girls swam for a bit while the rest of us explored and took pictures.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TmazKOkfU4twy_bfFafgKPCyOgEcVkWnS68h2Jj4-JDInGYnGllOCGcLlFAXxNANmt-aKFtOoM_yGUBmvuoQOqs2cMhXS4EsdhE5TVKD5-vSRlG2kAGz-leDxQOnKbxriZ4525arQ5sB/s1600/IMG_3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TmazKOkfU4twy_bfFafgKPCyOgEcVkWnS68h2Jj4-JDInGYnGllOCGcLlFAXxNANmt-aKFtOoM_yGUBmvuoQOqs2cMhXS4EsdhE5TVKD5-vSRlG2kAGz-leDxQOnKbxriZ4525arQ5sB/s400/IMG_3356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the Geese At Archer Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiAgcB2u4rUwmj2UI9KYVzLGA0vhG8kb19Rr57YE2kM7so9OkoiqPswJLkn7NM31Qf9GUmpdkQEyURiZjiISZwGQC1RO1gyrJfk0AKFD-hRZXwzcfT_0svIL4bs2aeZzfXmNo13Wgq7gl/s1600/P9220355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiAgcB2u4rUwmj2UI9KYVzLGA0vhG8kb19Rr57YE2kM7so9OkoiqPswJLkn7NM31Qf9GUmpdkQEyURiZjiISZwGQC1RO1gyrJfk0AKFD-hRZXwzcfT_0svIL4bs2aeZzfXmNo13Wgq7gl/s400/P9220355.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach at Archer Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6o9pBLuUm3sv2ez_hq2RXnicUKBDRhvn8HgDRsiWXgsM1KmxG_tsbXmyB2AbNaSbd4pcDY8QM1zJBx2E4cbbgCzk71-lysa9arvnxWIoNkBwqtFYwLvTNjxp9til7n5xv9apqIAw5ehS/s1600/P9220357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6o9pBLuUm3sv2ez_hq2RXnicUKBDRhvn8HgDRsiWXgsM1KmxG_tsbXmyB2AbNaSbd4pcDY8QM1zJBx2E4cbbgCzk71-lysa9arvnxWIoNkBwqtFYwLvTNjxp9til7n5xv9apqIAw5ehS/s400/P9220357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Into Archer Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a while we decided to head back to our site for some lunch. We had lunch then Sarah took our youngest daughter for a nap. She'd had a very restless night the night before and could use a little more sleep. The rest of us spent our time swimming and playing with rocks. The kids discovered that some rocks were harder than others and that one type of rock turned to sand easily if you rubbed it or banged against other rocks. We figured it was sandstone. They had such a blast identifying rocks and making sand. It was quite fitting given that our daughter was studying soil, erosion, etc. at school. Experiential learning at it's best!</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEEP9jkRqhXpytEjexb6fBJH8cdlHgVbKEUiR8-RKwFrKm_edAtiOh8Xi2fPhgzWEkudoUOTXw5hejE3e25hBQMgMERXwLVoRHCHZ4t4Xw0k-5N6ulLD2QihsZO9nS-78W41YmMlDazrg/s1600/P9220368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEEP9jkRqhXpytEjexb6fBJH8cdlHgVbKEUiR8-RKwFrKm_edAtiOh8Xi2fPhgzWEkudoUOTXw5hejE3e25hBQMgMERXwLVoRHCHZ4t4Xw0k-5N6ulLD2QihsZO9nS-78W41YmMlDazrg/s400/P9220368.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
After hours of playing in the water we decided it was time to start thinking about cooking up some dinner. We started a fire and cooked up some delicious pizza. After dinner the girls hung out around the fire while my son and I went fishing. We both caught a fish on our third cast and had a few other bites. It was great to be on the water as the sun disappeared below the horizon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning was almost as calm as the first morning. It was a bit cool but once the sun came over the horizon things started to heat up pretty quickly. We took out some eggs and discovered we hadn't brought any fat to fry them in. The good news was that we had some Ready Crisp bacon. We fried it up which gave us enough grease to be able to fry the eggs. It was a delicious breakfast. For whatever reason this was the first time in a long time that we brought eggs with us. It certainly won't be the last.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypwFTRZ454oBsjxiBjK4rGL3w89arI-osUoFycVRmJFBSHGSZ4Rav9DnixxNsWGzlc_pFw1M_aFyv7uYmZwtKanmMjKcYS5qTp_ilP_Uj8TcTrskPMuY2aL95JuRhacEnKR2zskbVP1wG/s1600/P9230375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypwFTRZ454oBsjxiBjK4rGL3w89arI-osUoFycVRmJFBSHGSZ4Rav9DnixxNsWGzlc_pFw1M_aFyv7uYmZwtKanmMjKcYS5qTp_ilP_Uj8TcTrskPMuY2aL95JuRhacEnKR2zskbVP1wG/s400/P9230375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
After breakfast we hopped in the canoes and headed for Parkside Bay. We were just looking to explore and see what was around the corner. Our son fished while I paddled and Sarah paddled as the girls played in the front of the canoe. Somehow we'll need to get the kids to paddle more on our trips (not that it mattered for this trip). As we paddled our son caught a nice smallmouth bass. He was pretty excited. This was the first time he'd caught a fish big enough to eat.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYSR4_jmAqTUATzW3U6Fv1rFppyn0Cg4X-o6l0FZ0mTjxGCWdNyo9fBgy6yV4jpBYDDAtiUhZEZqjoSguLZzf7BHMbqhhC3-UdqFlYPESOgVdgTcYKb1bZ-1pgDCTt0iDugHkJVDoZ7Dr/s1600/P9230385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYSR4_jmAqTUATzW3U6Fv1rFppyn0Cg4X-o6l0FZ0mTjxGCWdNyo9fBgy6yV4jpBYDDAtiUhZEZqjoSguLZzf7BHMbqhhC3-UdqFlYPESOgVdgTcYKb1bZ-1pgDCTt0iDugHkJVDoZ7Dr/s400/P9230385.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to Parkside Bay </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TNirctBn_I6145bV9aaVbeph5sy3RoagKrRod44rrAcNAXuFR8jLtMtsdBRDUtFd1TE4E4ZtOrzUWVq2xbn71uhK2EtVknxCzvZXiOCfgTVx-ZcFGy213-L0fdLZ9AkLi4RakxRiyrxE/s1600/P9230388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TNirctBn_I6145bV9aaVbeph5sy3RoagKrRod44rrAcNAXuFR8jLtMtsdBRDUtFd1TE4E4ZtOrzUWVq2xbn71uhK2EtVknxCzvZXiOCfgTVx-ZcFGy213-L0fdLZ9AkLi4RakxRiyrxE/s400/P9230388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHWW3ce1TOtSzg4pILZnQ2ciOhAMfMFXGRzh-PRBbCk_nHyyWf1v5uogwosxbyawZR0e_qsPySPdXB_vyNU_ajPyJGqMcc_E_pwY4rWvvlipUYz_AiMtZtsptBQTLtT74ALkdCz2ivAko/s1600/P9230389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHWW3ce1TOtSzg4pILZnQ2ciOhAMfMFXGRzh-PRBbCk_nHyyWf1v5uogwosxbyawZR0e_qsPySPdXB_vyNU_ajPyJGqMcc_E_pwY4rWvvlipUYz_AiMtZtsptBQTLtT74ALkdCz2ivAko/s400/P9230389.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Behind Our Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We paddled for a bit but it was getting hot so we headed back to our site. On our way back we could really notice Ball Mountain behind our site. I wondered if there were any lookouts on the mountain. I imagined that the views of the lake might be great.<br />
<div>
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<div>
We headed back to the site. I dropped our son off then went to clean the fish. The rest of the crew started a fire and when I came back we cooked the fish and had a delicious lunch. You could say that our son was hooked on fishing at this point. He was really excited to be able to catch our lunch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcQEpZnrCnVVbycsTtdAD4-bx2sEvmo_nrQpXQYzpLLOHp0Tm_YFa6yNj1YpsBTw4WUFk5ZjNWDRmkAVwjMQa7ekSLQtG7blMsB4hyQDW1nqYNKdma0utDityqA_7Ol2qs0O_4krlJ2ny/s1600/P9230392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcQEpZnrCnVVbycsTtdAD4-bx2sEvmo_nrQpXQYzpLLOHp0Tm_YFa6yNj1YpsBTw4WUFk5ZjNWDRmkAVwjMQa7ekSLQtG7blMsB4hyQDW1nqYNKdma0utDityqA_7Ol2qs0O_4krlJ2ny/s400/P9230392.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Catch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the afternoon we hung around the site and did some swimming and relaxing in the hammocks.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F_hYK7C5YKyEfNLLKhJtNQEcRVE8pXC4swtPRxE_7CrlSX8bxjyIOOzRPMJUE-WCDpxULpcpuh55GSaOz7EvUzCP3d4qadEY3LMCjAmmeO4A9Ucvf7Wl_RCVizZR7wYdme9f9C5EWJ_5/s1600/P9230396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F_hYK7C5YKyEfNLLKhJtNQEcRVE8pXC4swtPRxE_7CrlSX8bxjyIOOzRPMJUE-WCDpxULpcpuh55GSaOz7EvUzCP3d4qadEY3LMCjAmmeO4A9Ucvf7Wl_RCVizZR7wYdme9f9C5EWJ_5/s400/P9230396.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging Around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
While the kids were relaxing I decided to head up to the top of Ball Mountain to see what I could find. There were no trails beyond a certain point but I managed to meander to the top. Once I made it to the top it was pretty clear that there was no lookout but there was a gorgeous meadow of maple saplings. It wasn't at all what I expected but it was super rewarding none the less. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauTkp8UXGiWk0L5CHpCEuEbbEbqhmRcJlNP-Wbw4T-lcAMJcCrJimRt6IZkedmYUe7s_Jh_sup-HZwiZV1SOHBJ9d2RtXtMUSswvc2OYTJaHHRcVmZDpcYx1-EZK4rJj5nSHkXsrCVvuC/s1600/P9230407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauTkp8UXGiWk0L5CHpCEuEbbEbqhmRcJlNP-Wbw4T-lcAMJcCrJimRt6IZkedmYUe7s_Jh_sup-HZwiZV1SOHBJ9d2RtXtMUSswvc2OYTJaHHRcVmZDpcYx1-EZK4rJj5nSHkXsrCVvuC/s400/P9230407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Saplings </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I made my way back down and we had dinner. After dinner we did some fishing but didn't catch anything. It was another beautiful night on the water.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOQe5gD0zJZ8SNz0gawUv-BAgf0RHlJQ18vSgY1oyweqYCW9S294GtlDpKcu8gMT01jtBYdVuwUftKVFrdHSMgM-nSxFY2OZDWFgYffRmtBWbxID9HQLk68vaL-_oWgrmfPuNUhBJxuWB/s1600/P9230413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOQe5gD0zJZ8SNz0gawUv-BAgf0RHlJQ18vSgY1oyweqYCW9S294GtlDpKcu8gMT01jtBYdVuwUftKVFrdHSMgM-nSxFY2OZDWFgYffRmtBWbxID9HQLk68vaL-_oWgrmfPuNUhBJxuWB/s400/P9230413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Night on the Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The next morning we woke up to a really humid morning. The forecast was for a maximum temperature around 30ºC feeling more like 40ºC. We had breakfast, packed up our stuff and headed out. It was a hot, hot day. Hard to believe that these were the first days of fall. We were hoping to stop somewhere for lunch and a swim but we were not covering ground very quickly so we ate in the canoes and pressed on. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLHGhvfRdRoVbyLATZyNzTa-qfxRn2V9Kv6JRE0RS1Qiu5uv4jp2WL_dkjbPsGEi3naDIdC2DwZ_XSxxIs7MBbuvLkNiP51ocxII3bLH3Avbfs3HNKMAVDtl09Btycc_kia7SeAB82Bw6/s1600/P9240421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLHGhvfRdRoVbyLATZyNzTa-qfxRn2V9Kv6JRE0RS1Qiu5uv4jp2WL_dkjbPsGEi3naDIdC2DwZ_XSxxIs7MBbuvLkNiP51ocxII3bLH3Avbfs3HNKMAVDtl09Btycc_kia7SeAB82Bw6/s400/P9240421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Way Back - Captured by the Four Year Old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnE9r-5omG1kbJiQPt3YbHVk3AIKpK8suegzferG2LKWz-J-7IaphoBbsPwkFmG9GjpeLEppuwjLIPD31e5Qdyog66bVke0d-jTL8hHTEcwiHTlVjRaDLlyqWtSFtSRk5es7CydFTccrM/s1600/smoke+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnE9r-5omG1kbJiQPt3YbHVk3AIKpK8suegzferG2LKWz-J-7IaphoBbsPwkFmG9GjpeLEppuwjLIPD31e5Qdyog66bVke0d-jTL8hHTEcwiHTlVjRaDLlyqWtSFtSRk5es7CydFTccrM/s400/smoke+lake.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke Lake</td></tr>
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It was very busy heading to the access point. It was amazing to see how many people must have been in the park over the weekend. We were all sweaty and smelly when we got to the access point so almost all of us opted for a swim. It was so refreshing. I couldn't believe how much cooler I felt after being in the water.</div>
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We had a great four days in Algonquin in the fall. We will certainly be back for more fall trips in the future.</div>
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Do you have a favourite fall destination?</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-6798453955366914362017-08-27T19:44:00.001-07:002017-08-28T16:21:00.630-07:00Bruce Peninsula & Fathom Five National ParksWe've never been to the Bruce Peninsula before so we decided it was time to check out this beautiful part of Ontario. We booked 4 nights at Bruce Peninsula National Park with the intention of exploring the park as well as Fathom Five National Marine Park.<br />
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Our first day was spent mostly travelling. We stopped for lunch at <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/forksofthecredit">Forks of the Credit Provincial Park </a>which was handy since it was pretty much the halfway point of the trip. There were vault toilets and a couple of picnic tables there and what looked like some good hiking. We didn't do any hiking since everyone was keen to get to our campsite. We had a fairly quick lunch and we were off again. We arrived at the park around 2:00, got the site setup then went to check out Cyprus Lake. </div>
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Our second day was full of sighteeing at Fathom Five National Marine Park. We had booked a trip over to Flowerpot Island (about 2 weeks in advance) through <a href="http://bruceanchor.com/">Bruce Anchor Tours</a>. When we booked we had a choice of which one their boats we wanted to take. We chose the open boat, called the Crusader, more because of the timing than anything but it turned out to be the right choice. It was a smaller boat but it was very easy to see over the side when the tour went over the ship wrecks and it was fun riding in the open air.</div>
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The tour began by heading into Big Tub Harbour to see two ship wrecks. The first was the 119 foot Sweepstakes, a schooner built in 1867. It lies on the bottom still intact from bow to stern. The second wreck was the City of Grand Rapids, a steamer that carried both passengers and cargo. It was amazing how easy it was to see these wrecks from the surface.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8aAvEfnsRIeRqZMMCwU6jZ2iYKQJn7z8-_8cSM4WCcpUAaGHVtajfYqP_FUfMtXr_KzKKjL7Q5-LitYwu0eq9pSInbnHpOOK7sspzokROiJPs7YXcy1e8fV5CebO-6KG9tmDFWX93qRN/s1600/P8210029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8aAvEfnsRIeRqZMMCwU6jZ2iYKQJn7z8-_8cSM4WCcpUAaGHVtajfYqP_FUfMtXr_KzKKjL7Q5-LitYwu0eq9pSInbnHpOOK7sspzokROiJPs7YXcy1e8fV5CebO-6KG9tmDFWX93qRN/s640/P8210029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipwrecks From Above</td></tr>
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Following the tour of the shipwrecks we were off to Flowerpot Island. We knew that the lighthouse and the caves on the island were closed this season but we still booked a four hour stay on the island. Had the lighthouse and caves been open I think we would have needed more time. We walked along the trail to Little Flowerpot. We spent a fair bit of time looking at the rock structure and playing in the water. We then moved onto the Big Flowerpot. Again we explored the area and played in the water. Before we knew it we were all getting hungry. We decided to make our way back to some picnic tables for lunch. We chose a table out in the sun rather than under the shelter. It was a cool day so a bit of sun would help warm us up. It was also the day of the solar eclipse so we figured the sun's rays wouldn't be full strength. We had a great lunch and enjoyed the scenery before catching the boat back. We'll have to make another trip to see the lighthouse and the caves on the island.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zcPkM5c1qFwYZACNpuCIXvwrqZm9z2B62rYz1MZKMRzhYj2I1CNX4Dbjm-mCKR72ER17T3pK2AmvD6lKxIBiJV9UsMSxZDDch1-XyOe1dcl3s0c7o4PSerM19uNzAd1j_ooqqemgilNs/s1600/flowerpot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zcPkM5c1qFwYZACNpuCIXvwrqZm9z2B62rYz1MZKMRzhYj2I1CNX4Dbjm-mCKR72ER17T3pK2AmvD6lKxIBiJV9UsMSxZDDch1-XyOe1dcl3s0c7o4PSerM19uNzAd1j_ooqqemgilNs/s640/flowerpot.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Flowerpot </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmYmdMIqyro2NXi8AOQJzYqm14YGBE9unj7SQnHlpU_jXC874OhL5FTI_9uI25-FNa7T2VQZM6DbsxwveI4Beiq3zfkbxDlqPOqsxQglFZ74zdBi5mrQ3NdjYlMK7BcpwLS-8waJ6xZIZ/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmYmdMIqyro2NXi8AOQJzYqm14YGBE9unj7SQnHlpU_jXC874OhL5FTI_9uI25-FNa7T2VQZM6DbsxwveI4Beiq3zfkbxDlqPOqsxQglFZ74zdBi5mrQ3NdjYlMK7BcpwLS-8waJ6xZIZ/s640/IMG_3024.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Flowerpot From the Water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e5wodHjuABMHwxQcaR47GKLPN3wQBu-H7jCLHXRr3DsyoFO2YejQcVZQpDTwiw5ebRG6L-f4j34tS6RtsV-3GKZQyR0IFzKm2Le9LFSF4ccsLy2AS5Urfibj8Ecz8yC0RQoQa5gXm8Ip/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e5wodHjuABMHwxQcaR47GKLPN3wQBu-H7jCLHXRr3DsyoFO2YejQcVZQpDTwiw5ebRG6L-f4j34tS6RtsV-3GKZQyR0IFzKm2Le9LFSF4ccsLy2AS5Urfibj8Ecz8yC0RQoQa5gXm8Ip/s640/IMG_3025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Flowerpot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMKeqU8iqLxdX7dcDnw6k9Xu4zT3XML1A-vvqujaEjMhqTuv14PPMeoYNIQftaErAFaSP5hDZkRSB-fAI_pTpqwUXOeJHPbqxATW4pvFCOJczBWuBk6XZCjOW6C1LB6amjD0GE7rSN4Fm/s1600/Large+Flowerpot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMKeqU8iqLxdX7dcDnw6k9Xu4zT3XML1A-vvqujaEjMhqTuv14PPMeoYNIQftaErAFaSP5hDZkRSB-fAI_pTpqwUXOeJHPbqxATW4pvFCOJczBWuBk6XZCjOW6C1LB6amjD0GE7rSN4Fm/s640/Large+Flowerpot.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Flowerpot</td></tr>
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Upon our return to the mainland we had a bit of time to kill before our son and I went on a snorkelling tour. We wandered around the waterfront and looked at the huge boats in the harbour. Our tour was with <a href="http://www.diversden.ca/">Diver's Den</a> so we made our way to their shop and got outfitted for snorkelling. We managed to squeeze into our wetsuits and get all the other gear we needed. It was still early so we took off our gear and wandered the waterfront some more. We noticed that the Chi-Cheemaun, the ferry to Manitoulin Island, was unloading so we went over to have a look. It took no time to unload and before long they were loading up again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AyNFw-KGJzDYONRUdPBHkLX7FOJM-DAWmo7Oi2NFJmmFauAOLngJa1OXY42ceDL6f3C2DBkfnmMAe0ZLKaUOjMk3ExsKdA_yyal-MB9d23qmNIvCSy2fUWlpZ4m_ISXIOKIoM1wFh8Cz/s1600/P8210034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AyNFw-KGJzDYONRUdPBHkLX7FOJM-DAWmo7Oi2NFJmmFauAOLngJa1OXY42ceDL6f3C2DBkfnmMAe0ZLKaUOjMk3ExsKdA_yyal-MB9d23qmNIvCSy2fUWlpZ4m_ISXIOKIoM1wFh8Cz/s640/P8210034.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi-Cheemaun</td></tr>
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We made our way back to the Diver's Den, got suited up and headed to the water to wait for the boat. The tour took us to Big Tub Harbour where we got to explore the wrecks we had seen from above the water in the morning. The tour was two hours long and I'd guess we were in the water for about an hour and a half. I had been worried that two hours might be a long time for us to be swimming but as it turns out the wetsuits kept up afloat with no effort on our part. The snorkelling somehow seemed magical. It was like we were transported back in time 150 years. The sights of the ships had us imagining what it must have been like to have sailed these great ships so long ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GRRTeKwA8KE5sV_gbS33bkAwf-NWDbQ-Cf6nWP0VWR0tmju_nUnxMj1VWbsxvA2StBjbUoUcaSJ6kL44IXmbDHdawcDm3tR6dRJhYraeW5fi_MzQJTMYFJxLB5Sfa2WJ4KN2w8JcGO_s/s1600/P8210082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GRRTeKwA8KE5sV_gbS33bkAwf-NWDbQ-Cf6nWP0VWR0tmju_nUnxMj1VWbsxvA2StBjbUoUcaSJ6kL44IXmbDHdawcDm3tR6dRJhYraeW5fi_MzQJTMYFJxLB5Sfa2WJ4KN2w8JcGO_s/s640/P8210082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snorkelling Time </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHjjmiaF03SMuiBfIwBU2_vTx3vg2Zlf1iXOp_1Nnx3SB3NHAkaQyn1ukkM-tVSjafXsp9WtfmJTSqJxRZdXWWwfIFgd1fDv-Uw2iD46FFQvEmHHNGnL13botEg7J1k3233uwqz7qYDQh/s1600/P8210058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHjjmiaF03SMuiBfIwBU2_vTx3vg2Zlf1iXOp_1Nnx3SB3NHAkaQyn1ukkM-tVSjafXsp9WtfmJTSqJxRZdXWWwfIFgd1fDv-Uw2iD46FFQvEmHHNGnL13botEg7J1k3233uwqz7qYDQh/s640/P8210058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windlass on the Sweepstakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUtp_sKRt8yuzxV52BwMv7QHvCk5tUeuv6vfFDABG2weI29AWC9Hl8HFwcSk6mb_5kgiZHvWGt4slS4n8lwP65bRb-7M2zP79jiNOqEoUqKwarJXWuRVvwW9Y1wbOUN2zpNgTD7lZADgf/s1600/P8210085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUtp_sKRt8yuzxV52BwMv7QHvCk5tUeuv6vfFDABG2weI29AWC9Hl8HFwcSk6mb_5kgiZHvWGt4slS4n8lwP65bRb-7M2zP79jiNOqEoUqKwarJXWuRVvwW9Y1wbOUN2zpNgTD7lZADgf/s640/P8210085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starboard Railing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFKA4W9AkKtbL_X4x85I7Itu7xmTrnmwmL4dPLMi3WQOdOdHnaKLau0YgwP0b8XSgo74cG3vD7y7wkwIZkRqE05P2_LQ97YglX8QsYdSa1v40MlghUHpUdMwUjLqG_7C6gtpoGv50wUcF/s1600/P8210097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFKA4W9AkKtbL_X4x85I7Itu7xmTrnmwmL4dPLMi3WQOdOdHnaKLau0YgwP0b8XSgo74cG3vD7y7wkwIZkRqE05P2_LQ97YglX8QsYdSa1v40MlghUHpUdMwUjLqG_7C6gtpoGv50wUcF/s640/P8210097.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the Hull of the City of Grand Rapids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jb9JvpYnCDFznjh_8E2YHz2GxTwPTQCSm-IHJLzRZDqs1QR6Tc5Qc8pJtRNhP1EXVqQYPXg6pKriu-EobymPt4y9G_WxBX6V2hZ7F4d4vXOKOGu_G3UOTqN2-k3OKFhyphenhyphenNRRKF2nUvSkZ/s1600/P8210118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jb9JvpYnCDFznjh_8E2YHz2GxTwPTQCSm-IHJLzRZDqs1QR6Tc5Qc8pJtRNhP1EXVqQYPXg6pKriu-EobymPt4y9G_WxBX6V2hZ7F4d4vXOKOGu_G3UOTqN2-k3OKFhyphenhyphenNRRKF2nUvSkZ/s640/P8210118.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Grand Rapids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHSt7morqLZWeHhBlpQoIf4NwzRvPE5IiAyDJWmtOIzEdvBaG7l8CHmgUnW8gsmmES37wfBYq86hgwW6dCEF_DRqSKHW0EYQZCqf_fFcEdMSjlfP5D1v8cpZy5s6u7T0sZnTsZ2MR3heT/s1600/P8210127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHSt7morqLZWeHhBlpQoIf4NwzRvPE5IiAyDJWmtOIzEdvBaG7l8CHmgUnW8gsmmES37wfBYq86hgwW6dCEF_DRqSKHW0EYQZCqf_fFcEdMSjlfP5D1v8cpZy5s6u7T0sZnTsZ2MR3heT/s640/P8210127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Grand Rapids Boiler</td></tr>
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While we were snorkelling the girls headed to Mermaid Cove to explore and swim. They had a great time there then headed into Tobermory to do some shopping, at A Mermaid's Secret no less. By the time they were done shopping we were just arriving back in the harbour. We dropped off all of the snorkelling gear and headed for fish and chips at The Fish & Chip Place. The food was great, the service was quick and staff were friendly. It was a fun-filled day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sJS8PMtr4atnsGSdhrTRJrA06LhVYJoiMZbdBMSNr-ezHESfDWiQk_ZAdGkH_gLMSCCeSdUCMOnocPrfUKKJ1DDyVgiztYhQMjBKWn0jZA0j4Z2gv98_dlyOow-8BCVY3Zf3vFG0WN7O/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sJS8PMtr4atnsGSdhrTRJrA06LhVYJoiMZbdBMSNr-ezHESfDWiQk_ZAdGkH_gLMSCCeSdUCMOnocPrfUKKJ1DDyVgiztYhQMjBKWn0jZA0j4Z2gv98_dlyOow-8BCVY3Zf3vFG0WN7O/s640/IMG_3103.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Cove</td></tr>
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Across the road from The Fish & Chip Place we found this cairn that indicates the northern end of the Bruce Trail. Finding this made me want to hike all 890 km of the trail to find the other end. Alas, that's an adventure that will have to wait until some other time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdPvcfhzbYhrx6jxpiuMXU-Ip1cHdxKAlNzIJpHsSfo3nYQFomYcQfOpv-vMKCZtIpOHzirBKmzbXQzdoWTwlOEwzdJtAsMc_7T7GEOm6xW5UqN3slMjd3MmTBwSQo_GVY-0yoJM8Cdpy/s1600/P8210143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdPvcfhzbYhrx6jxpiuMXU-Ip1cHdxKAlNzIJpHsSfo3nYQFomYcQfOpv-vMKCZtIpOHzirBKmzbXQzdoWTwlOEwzdJtAsMc_7T7GEOm6xW5UqN3slMjd3MmTBwSQo_GVY-0yoJM8Cdpy/s640/P8210143.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Terminus of the Bruce Traila</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On the third day we woke up to rain and cool temperatures. We decided it would be a good day to visit the park Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is very well done. We were entertained for a long time and learned a lot while there. Once we were done at the Visitor Centre we climbed up the lookout tower. It was a very windy day so you could feel the tower swaying in the wind. The view from the top was great. Lake Huron on one side, Georgian bay on the other.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mKuAxAIM-DmDpzufGRI1epYBBlL2v3IVWZ6Sz4vyFBp9MUcFvJx10wzA64vbYNJtEgEGzUGL_J5HHXVjvdNVvJF8Y50EYKFn9I4P30D2ndxySczuH8zo8rMG6yhdQ2OVbEVGBJOJCKXK/s1600/P8220148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mKuAxAIM-DmDpzufGRI1epYBBlL2v3IVWZ6Sz4vyFBp9MUcFvJx10wzA64vbYNJtEgEGzUGL_J5HHXVjvdNVvJF8Y50EYKFn9I4P30D2ndxySczuH8zo8rMG6yhdQ2OVbEVGBJOJCKXK/s640/P8220148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Fathom Five Got Its Name</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinkjSz8c2jBR2gkOTGlRc1Tz4yVr3wml6oKD-aHxckPPYjufzm-QR7srZqP4-7pOT76mrYaXogHh2aL20Bmf0214PC4OuJkEEfNLsgfOdMIt6-BclipCDUrX1yII_G8pwSZC0ySiiHcW7/s1600/tobermory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinkjSz8c2jBR2gkOTGlRc1Tz4yVr3wml6oKD-aHxckPPYjufzm-QR7srZqP4-7pOT76mrYaXogHh2aL20Bmf0214PC4OuJkEEfNLsgfOdMIt6-BclipCDUrX1yII_G8pwSZC0ySiiHcW7/s640/tobermory.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout Tower</td></tr>
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We followed the trail at the bottom of the tower to Little Dunks Bay and enjoyed the view.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyDn7gVbRsUdkjFo7fy00NJgVBmikS8Bqj5cdt4dpxiMb8bJybg9ZFwcCGTcYfrqHxpc5L18NyQFPBbdNqHMaUaauxry4rk6KhbjdiBOzuA42UV83aTru-hpgu-bYX6_qmUFBAqEPoH5N/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyDn7gVbRsUdkjFo7fy00NJgVBmikS8Bqj5cdt4dpxiMb8bJybg9ZFwcCGTcYfrqHxpc5L18NyQFPBbdNqHMaUaauxry4rk6KhbjdiBOzuA42UV83aTru-hpgu-bYX6_qmUFBAqEPoH5N/s640/IMG_3131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting At Little Dunks Bay</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ7sUY8r_1xAPthdaDceXJ3jFnVw9D1LAyzt7upoXpYx9ldatfRtKgT6SBwW_j01_Ro1bGQysAsBMQROBGskmakCimj1yhfM-2PuZ7XUHWrB2PVr5rWWCi7tSsIqcHF0fxtNxgzs5rLnT/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ7sUY8r_1xAPthdaDceXJ3jFnVw9D1LAyzt7upoXpYx9ldatfRtKgT6SBwW_j01_Ro1bGQysAsBMQROBGskmakCimj1yhfM-2PuZ7XUHWrB2PVr5rWWCi7tSsIqcHF0fxtNxgzs5rLnT/s640/IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Dunks Bay</td></tr>
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We headed back to our campsite for some dinner and the wind was still just howling (as it did for most of our trip). As we ate we couldn't help talking about how windy it was. "Imagine how big the waves must be on Lake Huron!" So after we cleaned up the site we headed to Singing Sands, on the Lake Huron side of the peninsula, to watch the sun set. The bay is very shallow so you don't see the big waves up close but as we looked out into the open lake we could see the massive waves. It was a beautiful sunset and we decided that we should go back during the day for a swim.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJlv7-zfqGsZEwFApRcDnkunx2ORmJVYOm8OXiVN7w6AtRHdkNlyarMUhyphenhyphenil7u_pzLjqY7CVg0vvPOFEJZUtV0tpk2ffHb40gKu6XMuq09eBbY2lTBHCkZbm3g4QsSWO89Ydy8y3UWbpZ/s1600/P8220179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJlv7-zfqGsZEwFApRcDnkunx2ORmJVYOm8OXiVN7w6AtRHdkNlyarMUhyphenhyphenil7u_pzLjqY7CVg0vvPOFEJZUtV0tpk2ffHb40gKu6XMuq09eBbY2lTBHCkZbm3g4QsSWO89Ydy8y3UWbpZ/s640/P8220179.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong Wind Off Lake Huron</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaV71aqqXbeRcAO4CAN72cPdmiykTZ39jd37A0lERYB7ZDwJr0XGzOB_fhrhZeQL-rVZFebBixjoee0YQUuYVf7EUua8AbveMQkZyFHOThSrbRUy4-o7icJIx1tDCEVZr_SRCn7bgEIrQ/s1600/P8220198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaV71aqqXbeRcAO4CAN72cPdmiykTZ39jd37A0lERYB7ZDwJr0XGzOB_fhrhZeQL-rVZFebBixjoee0YQUuYVf7EUua8AbveMQkZyFHOThSrbRUy4-o7icJIx1tDCEVZr_SRCn7bgEIrQ/s640/P8220198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Singing Sands Beach</td></tr>
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Day four was our last full day so we made the most of it. The plan was to hike to the Grotto and check it out then move on to Overhanging Point. As luck would have it we timed our visit to the Grotto just right (completely by accident). The first wave of visitors was well on the way back to the parking lot and second wave hadn't begun yet (due to <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/experiences/grotto/parking">time slot parking</a>). There were other campers there but not that many. We did have intentions of swimming but it wasn't that warm and the wind was really strong. Brrrr.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclvPHSPBnOTO7X7YbbrbJWfkPUem3Kpn_VmRk4SjqDrHY6Wk1w7JtwoHfS-1MXyabO7lheJvtUD5kQrYCerwF-2wbXLdhkab5z3WHOeZgYOy5ZqX31ZqAgfjUkI_tmMqRshr1A93rvGSw/s1600/P8230213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclvPHSPBnOTO7X7YbbrbJWfkPUem3Kpn_VmRk4SjqDrHY6Wk1w7JtwoHfS-1MXyabO7lheJvtUD5kQrYCerwF-2wbXLdhkab5z3WHOeZgYOy5ZqX31ZqAgfjUkI_tmMqRshr1A93rvGSw/s640/P8230213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7B993qet9I0keZT-40Ac3FOt2f4DYD1r1c6dFWP4z9lPxtpFSksCOLmemkMExuD5PFiYRds0lFdWkl3vl-gEwzcwPC3cf18uH0t1mHW6QT41i8_TaaKsBvdND_XbvYRUX0z8V_1na_9r/s1600/P8230219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7B993qet9I0keZT-40Ac3FOt2f4DYD1r1c6dFWP4z9lPxtpFSksCOLmemkMExuD5PFiYRds0lFdWkl3vl-gEwzcwPC3cf18uH0t1mHW6QT41i8_TaaKsBvdND_XbvYRUX0z8V_1na_9r/s640/P8230219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Head Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_oDFnh0ncD3m5-jxf04mnk0MFYhRMOwZXCQnNcvYj3YdYUClqAK9w5nly4OY5VHuXj9RHT0hxG6ZSDuHPj9Zwqatyfw3w_3JNBgkc07mIrYDxhO2FUlC8iNzytslspufr4Oot_9lZSxi/s1600/P8230222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_oDFnh0ncD3m5-jxf04mnk0MFYhRMOwZXCQnNcvYj3YdYUClqAK9w5nly4OY5VHuXj9RHT0hxG6ZSDuHPj9Zwqatyfw3w_3JNBgkc07mIrYDxhO2FUlC8iNzytslspufr4Oot_9lZSxi/s640/P8230222.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Down at the Grotto</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr2q2JsUMRbM4IFJGps5ok0b24c42TPvnWj7DNvI9K1S0GSJHa2Ew04__zVDk3Iz8R5FXdBJZGQpc-IqPqiBE7GbfuixkvT5Xjo6pHolTVu26W4yA97BrRZGVW0agOiI4FHoBpG-jWkG1/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr2q2JsUMRbM4IFJGps5ok0b24c42TPvnWj7DNvI9K1S0GSJHa2Ew04__zVDk3Iz8R5FXdBJZGQpc-IqPqiBE7GbfuixkvT5Xjo6pHolTVu26W4yA97BrRZGVW0agOiI4FHoBpG-jWkG1/s640/IMG_3185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Way Down</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85gQMu9cjrzaORoESnMdiVMa4BAmgvftiYCLX9-EN2ldc5Tu21vwkthqdb_aFiy-l9k6HOYDlsqFGoOuG3lp5Rl6j87ru7cjKnLtkYbkYZd4u7MxfpSVDa7JL4bkVmDmbBKsNxBXhuS77/s1600/P8230225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85gQMu9cjrzaORoESnMdiVMa4BAmgvftiYCLX9-EN2ldc5Tu21vwkthqdb_aFiy-l9k6HOYDlsqFGoOuG3lp5Rl6j87ru7cjKnLtkYbkYZd4u7MxfpSVDa7JL4bkVmDmbBKsNxBXhuS77/s640/P8230225.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Way Down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbyrMO1dNiptBf2JBiS_7Aur-D3wb3rXR7dSe_hT5uuSbUS0zHrB_7Nc_xKiT5i87t3ZE-0VZH1vNaPsBiUy53u9SAod2vqPmRe40l-BxdGrXIJvjyqCw1AuaNB_CZl0vISpu62LYivtT/s1600/P8230233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbyrMO1dNiptBf2JBiS_7Aur-D3wb3rXR7dSe_hT5uuSbUS0zHrB_7Nc_xKiT5i87t3ZE-0VZH1vNaPsBiUy53u9SAod2vqPmRe40l-BxdGrXIJvjyqCw1AuaNB_CZl0vISpu62LYivtT/s640/P8230233.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Grotto</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5Yp6qW0w2RuLPdt332QunjaxOqfKFSh_rtLSpKHnOdT9SMuOWr55NcbK4QDP8U1mMHIrSCifvvnor12jlWrYfZ58RzX6xWsYqtMK2FUwBy7X6xFgyhetaEZhX_EsleS7DfpZX9xqKZws/s1600/P8230241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5Yp6qW0w2RuLPdt332QunjaxOqfKFSh_rtLSpKHnOdT9SMuOWr55NcbK4QDP8U1mMHIrSCifvvnor12jlWrYfZ58RzX6xWsYqtMK2FUwBy7X6xFgyhetaEZhX_EsleS7DfpZX9xqKZws/s640/P8230241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Out Into Georgian Bay From the Grotto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiP4dqjMpRlGzypMtWGQEBLFe_SDHCK0-ogEVDFE7pzR4Hmqj81TxzirmQfU7BLoGqHu8AFZ5w8XeFtf9DkocgUD3MFGerZ24blj3U1adGQIzvnS8bQNI9MjUzA6udbhddEb13JnrrdnP/s1600/IMG_3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiP4dqjMpRlGzypMtWGQEBLFe_SDHCK0-ogEVDFE7pzR4Hmqj81TxzirmQfU7BLoGqHu8AFZ5w8XeFtf9DkocgUD3MFGerZ24blj3U1adGQIzvnS8bQNI9MjUzA6udbhddEb13JnrrdnP/s640/IMG_3191.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to Make Our Way Back Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3OZfUS6nx5cFiBCPCYPwrlBPdaVS6y4_7G_z4KfuFtcuVi8P0fG-o5uAe5MlmfC8AQ6fvVyfT9ascIsdwT5WtsXNAWFTDYLQF5l37H_kSZI5ACfkEChI8uYDwN5ge6L3RxHykTFDY2xl/s1600/P8230244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3OZfUS6nx5cFiBCPCYPwrlBPdaVS6y4_7G_z4KfuFtcuVi8P0fG-o5uAe5MlmfC8AQ6fvVyfT9ascIsdwT5WtsXNAWFTDYLQF5l37H_kSZI5ACfkEChI8uYDwN5ge6L3RxHykTFDY2xl/s640/P8230244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Up</td></tr>
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From the Grotto we continued along the trail in search of Overhanging Point. There were some spectacular views of Georgian Bay, giant waves and all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bdZHjGmu0kS50cWARuvojYaCvIiJt3xEK4SSY5dJG6-q5cGSf7lCGtM2_Qsgs4is1beS17sq38bK3lmlY2Q3jB1lmPwZHRz7Ep-LlDl5Dv9VR7BvTXNfhA5DM9C9IJV1TF8uEaVxq-iR/s1600/P8230248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bdZHjGmu0kS50cWARuvojYaCvIiJt3xEK4SSY5dJG6-q5cGSf7lCGtM2_Qsgs4is1beS17sq38bK3lmlY2Q3jB1lmPwZHRz7Ep-LlDl5Dv9VR7BvTXNfhA5DM9C9IJV1TF8uEaVxq-iR/s640/P8230248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves Crashing </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgwpgxB4ZhE7_sI4Es0unmZNoEw_HCZvQWq2XBCAAQaNILbpBaMiAnql9X7wtjvTMQG9ZnRj3JoaGdkBbViu2w5PlEZ3KM0tC9EERkRvw6c9o-lc2RiV5lyfdoL_ZPR2EWB_19blJmVaC/s640/IMG_3207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves Soaking</td></tr>
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We made our way across Boulder Beach, which was no small feat. The beach is just a bunch of loose rock which makes walking difficult (especially for little people). We did, however, make our way across the beach to the much more rugged section of trail. The trail was great and the kids were doing a great job of hiking.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En Route to Overhanging Point</td></tr>
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At one point we came to a rock lined hole next to the trail. This seemed like it might be the way down to see the overhang but we thought we'd press on and perhaps head down the rabbit hole on the way back. A short while later we found a bit of a hidden path that led us to the underside of the overhang. It was incredible to see how much of the rock had been eroded by wave action so long ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Overhang</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IZekt7AsXBVkVP3EjtJRfuigr0U4P1ZkRO6z1w5SfeABKKFfDerSts8mQ6pzPKzJtuV6xf5VCJLQOPp97Izw5ONjl7eQXyfa5-yIwvGszV1O_sWCiE83dOhPOPq-I1tshJt62_F7S56w/s1600/P8230292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IZekt7AsXBVkVP3EjtJRfuigr0U4P1ZkRO6z1w5SfeABKKFfDerSts8mQ6pzPKzJtuV6xf5VCJLQOPp97Izw5ONjl7eQXyfa5-yIwvGszV1O_sWCiE83dOhPOPq-I1tshJt62_F7S56w/s640/P8230292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View From Under the Overhang</td></tr>
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We had our lunch under the overhang then hiked back. It was much busier on the way back. There was a line up of people waiting to go down the rabbit hole, so we decided to pass. The Grotto and Indian Head Cove were super busy. I'm glad we arrived when we did. We hiked back to Cyprus Lake and by this point we were ready for a swim. The water was warm but the wind was quite cool. I wasn't in for very long but the kids were as happy as could be. We headed back to the site to throw together some dinner before heading out to one of the parks interpretive programs. The program was a campfire with one of the park staff telling First Nations stories. It was very entertaining and the presenter did a great job. Another day of adventure in the books.</div>
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On the last day we packed up and headed to Singing Sands. We figured we could do some hiking then go for a swim. We had a great hike but we all thought it was a bit cool for swimming. So we had some lunch, packed up and headed for home.</div>
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What a great trip! This trip was quite different from most of our camping trips but we saw and did a ton. It seemed as though we were hardly ever at our campsite. Despite being so busy and seeing so much I feel that we really could have used another day or two to explore. There were lots of trails that we didn't get to explore and we didn't have a chance to paddle Cyprus Lake. All the more reason to come back some time.</div>
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Do you have any favourite activities to do while at Bruce Peninsula National Park or Fathom Five National Marine Park? We'd love to hear about them.</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-20850972814984722272017-08-02T18:56:00.000-07:002017-08-05T07:56:45.702-07:00Canoe Trip from Achray to OpalescentUsually we book our tips last minute. Partly to make sure the kids are healthy and the weather is good, but mostly because we're not usually that organized. This time we booked a trip to the eastern part of Algonquin (Achray) well in advance. As our departure date approached we could see that there was some rain in the forecast. We weren't worried about it but we kept an eye on it (Though I'm not sure why. It's not like keeping an eye on the weather actually changes anything). The day we left the forecast was calling for lots of rain with some rainfall warnings in nearby Pembroke and Petawawa. As we drove north we were hopeful. There were some showers, but mostly it was just cloudy, that is until we were about 30 minutes away. Then the rain started and didn't stop until sometime overnight.<br />
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At Achray we donned our rain gear and headed out. Everyone was in great spirits, so it didn't really matter that it was raining. We loaded the boats and headed off on Grand Lake. It was so peaceful. We were the only ones on the lake. In fact we only saw one other boat all day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkoXxjIdJjOIe0HMKqdXx6bNNTLYmIEQvJz2e_p8UBaum1hyGrEayL6zCI8X4DvHFxj_CG10toxO5PvcWIa7tQePh0NrBEaqsZ32TlT50nCwGxebsXohwtXZpwZ6amE86WTYZc9Tr9WKP/s1600/P7240135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkoXxjIdJjOIe0HMKqdXx6bNNTLYmIEQvJz2e_p8UBaum1hyGrEayL6zCI8X4DvHFxj_CG10toxO5PvcWIa7tQePh0NrBEaqsZ32TlT50nCwGxebsXohwtXZpwZ6amE86WTYZc9Tr9WKP/s640/P7240135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lake to Ourselves</td></tr>
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We blasted through the 50m portage into Stratton Lake and began the long paddle to the other end of the lake. By the time we got to the portage leading into St. Andrews we had been paddling in the rain for about two and a half hours. This kids were soaked to the bone (time for some new rain gear) and were chilled. We hurried through the portage and made our way to the first site on the lake. It was empty so we decided this would be our home for the next two nights.<br />
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I don't mind camping in the rain, but it's really difficult to setup in the rain when you're already soaking wet. We setup a tarp and started unloading some gear (tents and dry clothes for the kids) but found it difficult not to get everything wet. Fortunately, the rain let up a bit as we were ready to setup the tents. While we were setting up the tents our son thought he'd try to get the stick stove going. Everything was so wet that it was going to be a challenge getting any kind of fire going. It's a skill we should practice more someday, but late in the day with a bunch of cold bodies didn't seem like the right time. We fired up the stove, cooked some pasta, cleaned up then got into the tents to get away from the bugs. It was quite late by the time we got into the tents. This has a lot to do with the fact that this was our first trip with two boats. We move a lot slower with one adult paddling in each boat than with two in a single boat. I'm sure we'll get faster with practice.<br />
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It was an amazing feeling to waken to the sun streaming into the tent on the second day. What a relief. We would be able to hang all of our wet gear out to dry. The morning was a little cool but the sun was quickly warming things up. We slowly had some breakfast and cleaned up. The plan for the day was to head to the 'water slide' to play in the water. We packed a lunch and headed off. We retraced our steps into Stratton Lake and started paddling towards High Falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2tpAfOwiWJSsk9-VBAqvyttI3k5hj6CtH3Vm4E8vkIvbGRXTZw3Lv27ZyCDTIHDoDa0yH82-vJlMesoUD76NDAIjYLcpfXIvbCkpdlYO4DbDsw8o-BOaQHDKTDa2fGI8QpOU33vJQum8/s1600/P7250148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2tpAfOwiWJSsk9-VBAqvyttI3k5hj6CtH3Vm4E8vkIvbGRXTZw3Lv27ZyCDTIHDoDa0yH82-vJlMesoUD76NDAIjYLcpfXIvbCkpdlYO4DbDsw8o-BOaQHDKTDa2fGI8QpOU33vJQum8/s640/P7250148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to the Water Slide</td></tr>
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As we got close there was no question about where to land to get to the water slide. There were about ten boats on the shore. We found a place to squeeze into and followed the trail and the sound of water. We had some lunch then played in the water. I went down the water slide first to see what it would be like for the kids. It was a blast. I sat on a solid, smooth mass of Canadian Shield with water pushing at my back. I pushed off and let the water take me down the slide. At the bottom I hit the wall of water and disappeared under the water, not quite sure when I would resurface. Sure enough I popped up a few seconds later. Our son is a confident enough swimmer that I knew he would feel comfortable and both of our daughters were wearing their PFDs so they would be fine. I waited at the bottom as the two older kids had a turn. The smiles on their faces were priceless. Our youngest daughter wanted to go but was a little frightened. Eventually she was ready so she went down with Sarah. She was so excited when she resurfaced at the bottom. I didn't get any pictures of the water slide but I did get some video that I will post soon.<br />
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After sliding for a bit the kids wanted to swim in the lagoon upstream from the slide. I took this opportunity to head down stream to see High Falls. There were far fewer people downstream but High Falls was spectacular. If you visit the area do yourself a favour and hike the extra couple of hundred metres to see the falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Further Down Stream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Back to the Campsite</td></tr>
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We had a lovely paddle back to our site. We decided to skip the portage and run the rapids back into St. Andrews Lake. We made it through and only bumped a couple of rocks on the way down. By the time we made it back to our site it was getting late. We cooked up some pizza (on the fire). What a great day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_IIO-MMr9flQqunWU0UgBzH5OUFtmmId8LvUh42k_vwAMdsYlsxvYlAIC0nF4BpvoXRjCEWraEHBSu75TOsdduH8VH7orOgiAn95cE8Qtm4dosCZDnGBBY9hVPHvd4nsfgVNJLEikUsJ/s1600/P7250180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_IIO-MMr9flQqunWU0UgBzH5OUFtmmId8LvUh42k_vwAMdsYlsxvYlAIC0nF4BpvoXRjCEWraEHBSu75TOsdduH8VH7orOgiAn95cE8Qtm4dosCZDnGBBY9hVPHvd4nsfgVNJLEikUsJ/s640/P7250180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on St. Andrews Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Campsite</td></tr>
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On the third day we woke up to sun and lots of wind. Thankfully the wind would be in our favour. We had some breakfast and packed up and headed out. The paddle down St. Andrews was a breeze, thanks to the wind. Then came the first long portage of the trip (the first of three for the day). It was a 595m portage into High Falls lake. The kids did great on the portage and we were rewarded with a beautiful water fall near the end of the portage. The very end of the portage was a very steep and rocky decent to the water. Watch your footing!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096bJr49ozPVF_yPbvXH52xitP-Lkb1y-WkJBCtYJzCcWCMgxSIGNdKb1B2ELmaF51c6mc0LW5Trc2zhMQ12kaw8uiXhPxn3uz2PajWq-FoX5Hz7uQFtDxa2jjSJt0-f8Aq1wjfcG4KpI/s1600/P7260192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096bJr49ozPVF_yPbvXH52xitP-Lkb1y-WkJBCtYJzCcWCMgxSIGNdKb1B2ELmaF51c6mc0LW5Trc2zhMQ12kaw8uiXhPxn3uz2PajWq-FoX5Hz7uQFtDxa2jjSJt0-f8Aq1wjfcG4KpI/s640/P7260192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall Along the Portage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was curious to see what High Falls Lake looked like. There had been a fire there a couple of summers ago. I wondered how quickly things had regrown. We had some lunch as we drifted (assisted by the wind) down the lake. We could see where the fire had been. I imagine it would have been a scary place to be during the fire. We could see some signs of damage at the south end of the lake but the damage was much more obvious at the north end near the portage into Ooze Lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrglJJf5-HtQrZPzGt7ikfg8bfufZOQFEcIsS-VdYVd6iMwhr76CzWh2oK70QD3L-8t-4tgbX3uHEjvJ-5_qEQN1XVsxOwZ4Nc4L23uowrdsGWYBbCgc2fJE2m4GkKTBypH9QHXgB8ggK/s1600/P7260201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrglJJf5-HtQrZPzGt7ikfg8bfufZOQFEcIsS-VdYVd6iMwhr76CzWh2oK70QD3L-8t-4tgbX3uHEjvJ-5_qEQN1XVsxOwZ4Nc4L23uowrdsGWYBbCgc2fJE2m4GkKTBypH9QHXgB8ggK/s640/P7260201.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnt Tree Overhanging the Water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZA4GMQ-7a2IzyjIdmPcFbsq11ZAMyn4yhKcJdT1teaivrCmJ19R38COb1chyphenhyphenI_ShrVlGAJ9MBQaqzxLMrnm7N4Z7ofLkvwYPQLVplCxKR5xxJGWY3-BTb7ewSK0vUASAdt381mTSPQhj/s1600/P7260202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZA4GMQ-7a2IzyjIdmPcFbsq11ZAMyn4yhKcJdT1teaivrCmJ19R38COb1chyphenhyphenI_ShrVlGAJ9MBQaqzxLMrnm7N4Z7ofLkvwYPQLVplCxKR5xxJGWY3-BTb7ewSK0vUASAdt381mTSPQhj/s640/P7260202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North End of High Falls Lake</td></tr>
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After lunch we finished paddling High Falls Lake and completed the 330m portage into Ooze Lake. The portage was uneventful and Ooze Lake looks much like you might expect it. It was a short paddle across Ooze to the 640m portage into Opalescent (our destination). The 640m portage was a tough one for us. It was late in the day and we were getting tired. At the beginning of the portage our 4 year old broke down in tears. She didn't want to go any further. When I asked if she was tired she replied "No...My feet are tired". Given how well she had done and that we needed to get going, I piggybacked her halfway across the portage. I set her down where she had a rest with the other kids while I went back to get the canoe. By the time I made it back to the halfway point the kids were still there resting. I stopped and chatted with them, then went back for our packs. Thankfully they had moved on when I got back. The portage was long but we made it through. The kids seemed to be enjoying themselves when I finally made it to the end. It started to sprinkle as we finished the portage. We got into the canoes and began searching for a site. We chose the site on the south end of the lake. It was a really nice site. The only drawback was that there was another site (not marked on the map) less than 20m away. We speculated that perhaps the other site had been decommissioned but the sign hadn't been removed(?). We thought this because we were unable to locate the thunderbox.<br />
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Setting up in the rain was a little easier this time. It had only been raining lightly and we weren't completely soaked.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pH3scHZde9C6k4ZYshhEdNNTPEtO5NaAwHm8yVurD9zL9siMFxYxun9OYLNfWdJdYDmALhHXGyRlVa3_LVu-eNnlYRrV4PgyahOYVKRLF5akjLiqVaAtfK4ooKFcwy-yEzLAwKsPKrn1/s1600/P7260206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pH3scHZde9C6k4ZYshhEdNNTPEtO5NaAwHm8yVurD9zL9siMFxYxun9OYLNfWdJdYDmALhHXGyRlVa3_LVu-eNnlYRrV4PgyahOYVKRLF5akjLiqVaAtfK4ooKFcwy-yEzLAwKsPKrn1/s640/P7260206.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opalescent Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB_zK0zWOliKm9cebGUNczw3qvHhVZ4NZBM-gUDUeakMXWysNpX9ANHeGMcbnmopy5QkRh74Qfmb8dbu2dKifedgR0eej01tYQl9YG-G4qdFXd8geR26YmfiC0kQaBt36r_jaPfeeP6RS/s1600/P7260224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB_zK0zWOliKm9cebGUNczw3qvHhVZ4NZBM-gUDUeakMXWysNpX9ANHeGMcbnmopy5QkRh74Qfmb8dbu2dKifedgR0eej01tYQl9YG-G4qdFXd8geR26YmfiC0kQaBt36r_jaPfeeP6RS/s640/P7260224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking South On Opalescent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We cooked up some rice, vegetables and cheese for dinner and had a delicious grasshopper pie for dessert. By the time we finished eating the rain had stopped so we did a little fishing. Our son caught a couple of small bass. We were all tired so we headed for bed early. This was a tough day for us but everyone was in good spirits by the end of the day.<br />
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The plan for day four was to do a day trip to the Barron Canyon. The girls, however, were insistent on staying put for the day. Sarah said that she would be happy to stay with them if our son and I wanted to go to the canyon. Our son thought long and hard about what he wanted to do and eventually decided to stay at the site. It was probably a good decision by all, given that the following day we would need to retrace our steps all the way back to the access point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjg9vALcYFp8QuTFHho4jVwgu5OS7D4xsb_dWU6nHJMt1TbjtCXN8g0DImol9rqib6w7ii8aB5LLoWjMU02tUPnBIrSeN4qewkzzMBXsSuobV42FZAyEH0-KNmyqAsKtoayQ6SXPSwjwL/s1600/P7270228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjg9vALcYFp8QuTFHho4jVwgu5OS7D4xsb_dWU6nHJMt1TbjtCXN8g0DImol9rqib6w7ii8aB5LLoWjMU02tUPnBIrSeN4qewkzzMBXsSuobV42FZAyEH0-KNmyqAsKtoayQ6SXPSwjwL/s640/P7270228.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltvE1h-huu2ImLCWO1OZSmnmJGJantVcvhZulmV4vEGezCA38bqBw2jhsINcvxF5VyZHorq19YHFsg5wf4Irjeo1066CEG2Wa_irE5gg4bPyntylLTy0UDHcjetdbUVneeuR1xpTlG7ZJ/s1600/P7270230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltvE1h-huu2ImLCWO1OZSmnmJGJantVcvhZulmV4vEGezCA38bqBw2jhsINcvxF5VyZHorq19YHFsg5wf4Irjeo1066CEG2Wa_irE5gg4bPyntylLTy0UDHcjetdbUVneeuR1xpTlG7ZJ/s640/P7270230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the others hung around the site, I decided that I would head to the Barron Canyon. I battled a tough head wind to get to the 750m portage into Brigham Lake. It was such a peaceful portage. I was in the woods all by myself. I paddled across the lake to the 100m portage. I thought the rapids might be runnable, but figured it was probably faster to portage than to scout the rapids then run them. Next came a 440m portage, the first part of which was not runnable. The second part looked doable. There was even a spot where people obviously put their canoes in. I decided to finish up the portage instead. I figured taking unnecessary risks when you're by yourself, in the middle of nowhere wasn't worth it.<br />
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Once I completed the portage I was leisurely moving along the Barron River taking in the amazing sights of the canyon. Unfortunately, the battery for one of my cameras died and the other was giving communication errors between the lens and the body. I didn't get as many pictures as I had hoped but did manage to get some.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfrRivpoVnzkwI5XjwTq69zRSLcOpU2Fw3ijnlPGSYyYkBqXxvWsUR4qDJBKmxGTJuBbLs_r1ZcHGW4X3Tz4RRLkWp-Y9RSe-o_SwwCENpQJYGMZ_W0ShxZ6bhEvIV0xlo9h2SWuF8qGW/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfrRivpoVnzkwI5XjwTq69zRSLcOpU2Fw3ijnlPGSYyYkBqXxvWsUR4qDJBKmxGTJuBbLs_r1ZcHGW4X3Tz4RRLkWp-Y9RSe-o_SwwCENpQJYGMZ_W0ShxZ6bhEvIV0xlo9h2SWuF8qGW/s640/IMG_2917.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barron River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrp7cjADRYE6EoEU3CcwkH9uLOg9yGB081AXYOQRV1-h0ecrNlXhU6t5u5bIGYoJxIlwWkNFUPUdyCr6uf2NP0HKP8NjtS6b2WRPwI2JUhpYoVDxpy1jiuD0qenlxjSaCof5kTCeNrDbN/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrp7cjADRYE6EoEU3CcwkH9uLOg9yGB081AXYOQRV1-h0ecrNlXhU6t5u5bIGYoJxIlwWkNFUPUdyCr6uf2NP0HKP8NjtS6b2WRPwI2JUhpYoVDxpy1jiuD0qenlxjSaCof5kTCeNrDbN/s640/IMG_2919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiyCOYODeBhErRuTmHKrd4c2kEH9y8hWRMHxHnOn_024vcROUcK76aoJ3rTurMxZjnNoWOgloqOEl9OsvV7jxgucHsuDDOBGGUlqx0e4faF8pGzduBNKax9efYunZ9rRaziDBYJkX5iqL/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiyCOYODeBhErRuTmHKrd4c2kEH9y8hWRMHxHnOn_024vcROUcK76aoJ3rTurMxZjnNoWOgloqOEl9OsvV7jxgucHsuDDOBGGUlqx0e4faF8pGzduBNKax9efYunZ9rRaziDBYJkX5iqL/s640/IMG_2927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lJ5PdCjB6iao9wB3HeC4OXFKjCjMh8LpflPX6pZc0zNEmQLQLTd1uZIUvfENCMteB6WF5tWU5Ir_ytEllKIj1azK4gzSOuT0ITqziE06ScnjhCqcdAQQJ3T43glMIQ-yFA2WSFzGMxit/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lJ5PdCjB6iao9wB3HeC4OXFKjCjMh8LpflPX6pZc0zNEmQLQLTd1uZIUvfENCMteB6WF5tWU5Ir_ytEllKIj1azK4gzSOuT0ITqziE06ScnjhCqcdAQQJ3T43glMIQ-yFA2WSFzGMxit/s640/IMG_2938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I paddled along I could hear water rushing. There was a waterfall flowing into the canyon. I made for the shore, pulled the canoe up and realized I was thigh high in poison ivy. Thankfully I was wearing pants. I should have landed about 30m upstream to avoid the poison ivy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJJcfUreHSjNfLMrtOBIxP4TKN-0sTDt2Qc2duwlnwzOmRO9xZbWczFOeYtSTLR1sa966Z49r75A3nGvJPEzxASoyWku2S0fCusXOzAEuRgBsUTwaQp07uQubnuWhGQcEqnnMESuRbfe7/s1600/P7270240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJJcfUreHSjNfLMrtOBIxP4TKN-0sTDt2Qc2duwlnwzOmRO9xZbWczFOeYtSTLR1sa966Z49r75A3nGvJPEzxASoyWku2S0fCusXOzAEuRgBsUTwaQp07uQubnuWhGQcEqnnMESuRbfe7/s640/P7270240.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall into the Barron Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The canyon was quite busy, but it was hard to notice because of the sheer size and beauty of it all. Mother Nature sure is a beautiful artist.<br />
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After paddling through the canyon I figured I should turn around and make my way back to the rest of the family. Upon my arrival the girls were lying in a hammock while Sarah read a book out loud. They had a good restful day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qIKvsmrcIMv807X1XmuvFn02fd0q-8NrUZfTz7aTV0TQXTA4dsnEnZ2-r_kXMFPeS0h5yqhpDpKiBBIuZkFbQRGqfgNTO3UP2hf2LbGWh3atxOb9GZDj5pAAk7SWtilNrH3zGlhb-JmH/s1600/P7270242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qIKvsmrcIMv807X1XmuvFn02fd0q-8NrUZfTz7aTV0TQXTA4dsnEnZ2-r_kXMFPeS0h5yqhpDpKiBBIuZkFbQRGqfgNTO3UP2hf2LbGWh3atxOb9GZDj5pAAk7SWtilNrH3zGlhb-JmH/s640/P7270242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' Around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadzmkqQ6G9dWgwZ7LlxtJ3sagpAS4tdui2YmyRn9zDUM41NuMPJcBtpzXGUnRZjyXtQp2nP0qa6pbRGY56W7rMW85RvilbgxJZm-OCEidxxEULj06ctrsoNqa3oP0tlk8rbHsjmXlImPm/s1600/P7270257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadzmkqQ6G9dWgwZ7LlxtJ3sagpAS4tdui2YmyRn9zDUM41NuMPJcBtpzXGUnRZjyXtQp2nP0qa6pbRGY56W7rMW85RvilbgxJZm-OCEidxxEULj06ctrsoNqa3oP0tlk8rbHsjmXlImPm/s640/P7270257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S'mores</td></tr>
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Our final day was all about retracing our path back to the access point at Achray. We left our site a little after 9:00. We had the three long portages to do, but everyone had fresh legs so we blasted through them. We had lunch in the canoe on St. Andrews Lake with the wind pushing us in the right direction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOdULpWw_DRE_E1pF1wHt-1AI672zSNZfKiIsQHZAi5gjYPIUc0FcyiI-p4xYhrRi9I7pPj-xUCwU3bqowgtwdPqo2HwhFXd0bfpo9EXqSwDU3jB9wL4VoKRwZ1U6Eusgc4mLojkUsEM3/s1600/P7280295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOdULpWw_DRE_E1pF1wHt-1AI672zSNZfKiIsQHZAi5gjYPIUc0FcyiI-p4xYhrRi9I7pPj-xUCwU3bqowgtwdPqo2HwhFXd0bfpo9EXqSwDU3jB9wL4VoKRwZ1U6Eusgc4mLojkUsEM3/s640/P7280295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Andrews Lake</td></tr>
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With the three big portages out of the way, the rest of the trip should be fine. The girls spent much of the time playing and making up games and stories as I paddled along. They were happy, as was I. Stratton Lake is a long lake and it took us a long time to paddle it, but eventually we made it to the portage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_QkCjMTC0yhh1P-Pbc0KbefF9yaQ9nM-DAVmNptSbxm1XrfO01bbrDtQ-D9kC_oCCvdCHYvNOD1y4WCo7IUey2jCiePGhBpcwrK6F3pw_Gbr90lzpOeV0yW2WKO18VPfZZSk9FvfW3BN/s1600/P7280298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_QkCjMTC0yhh1P-Pbc0KbefF9yaQ9nM-DAVmNptSbxm1XrfO01bbrDtQ-D9kC_oCCvdCHYvNOD1y4WCo7IUey2jCiePGhBpcwrK6F3pw_Gbr90lzpOeV0yW2WKO18VPfZZSk9FvfW3BN/s640/P7280298.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stratton Lake</td></tr>
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We completed the portage and before we had finished paddling the small creek that leads to Grand Lake we knew that the strong wind would be in our faces. We paddled and paddled against the head wind. The wind was strong enough that as we neared the end we didn't hear that a float plane had landed behind us and was making its way to the dock we were headed for. The plane dropped of a crew (of what I assume were maintenance workers) and a canoe, then headed out again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3NkSeH2czoO0LHWqkPCaRgwCw_A4sfKCEW8Z13foDGWZTv3nYncyDi8rMsMEvlC5R0YAYy9rhTVDVTb-GqTqOR-c4OzuDrDnau0m43u9iXqWmo6qGR8BIS-QrDscz78YwaolrXqgHCUb/s1600/P7280311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3NkSeH2czoO0LHWqkPCaRgwCw_A4sfKCEW8Z13foDGWZTv3nYncyDi8rMsMEvlC5R0YAYy9rhTVDVTb-GqTqOR-c4OzuDrDnau0m43u9iXqWmo6qGR8BIS-QrDscz78YwaolrXqgHCUb/s640/P7280311.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Float Plane</td></tr>
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It was an incredible trip. We had a great time connecting with nature and to each other. The rain on the first day was a bit of a downer but the rest of the trip was great. The only other negative part of the trip were the bugs. They were really bad. At one point we counted 39 bug bites on our youngest daughter. Everything else more than made up for these two negatives. </div>
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If we were to do the trip again I would add an extra day so that there could be a rest day at Opalescent Lake as well as a trip to the Barron Canyon or I would pay the $55 to have our <a href="http://www.algonquinportage.com/deliveries_and_car_shuttles.php">car shuttled</a> from Achray to Squirrel Rapids. This would allow us to paddle the Barron River on our way out of the park.</div>
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Rather than scratching the itch to get out there, this trip has only made the itch worse. I wonder when we can sneak in another trip?<br />
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Video:</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-64943300671663059912017-05-28T16:59:00.001-07:002017-05-28T16:59:19.328-07:00Victoria Day at Bon EchoWe don't make a habit of getting away for the long weekend in May but this year we decided to head to <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/bonecho">Bon Echo Provincial Park</a>. The kids love it there and we always have a great time when we visit. It's also fairly close which meant we could get there early Friday night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Saddle Shaped Rock at the Gate House</td></tr>
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We checked in and made our way to our site. Upon arriving we decided that we needed more clothes since there were a lot of bugs. We setup our site and had some delicious chicken sandwiches for dinner. We then went for a walk around the campground and to the boat launch to get a look at the rock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Setup</td></tr>
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Upon returning to our site we got all bundled up and settled in for the night. The low for the night was forecast to be in the low single digits. Although it was cold we all seemed quite comfortable.<br />
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The morning sun made it easy to get out of our tents and get moving the next morning. We cooked up some oatmeal then headed for the High Pines Trail. The trail is a nice trail and at 1.7 km almost all of use could do it quite comfortably. The four year old did catch a short ride a couple of times but other than that she was fine. The highlight of the hike was seeing a small deer trying to cross the trail, only to realize we were on the trail. It stopped and watched us a bit then took off. A few hundred metres up the trail, as we stopped for a rest we could hear the deer coming towards us. It crossed the trail about 30 metres behind us. What a great reward!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Up the High Pines Trail</td></tr>
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After the hike we headed back to our site for lunch. As we were eating the cousins and family showed up, followed shortly by the grandparents. It was a beautiful day so we carried the canoes to the water and headed for the rock. We paddled right along the rock to see the amazing pictographs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This View Never Gets Old</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShnIsQt127M03ab81EnhPNyF_LDd7InlCtpQdTVHzC83kYts6F20BnjDr7inpBW7tAgxFDeDzL4a9BIaOJkJd7DJteGFwxqjumUTF-K-RWmYJe67Ited54IKtZD_uWip1-7GI-t42ZFdr/s1600/P5200021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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As an added bonus we were able to see some rock climbers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb5vwYKQ7Mg9zc2lBD_8soI5CENSfOF3lsAQ1-aVCosOOMtxtXV_NSRNt39GZcZHHRgblQ-QO0vpwE2u6N-UuhflMkM73jpXEZupUsl6SvAiVg9YsQVB4mJrtX8m6MEiqALxCxKseTQtQ/s1600/P5200025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb5vwYKQ7Mg9zc2lBD_8soI5CENSfOF3lsAQ1-aVCosOOMtxtXV_NSRNt39GZcZHHRgblQ-QO0vpwE2u6N-UuhflMkM73jpXEZupUsl6SvAiVg9YsQVB4mJrtX8m6MEiqALxCxKseTQtQ/s640/P5200025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sunday was a bit wet with showers on and off for the morning and the first part of the afternoon. We made hiked to the visitor centre and gift shop. Although there was no scheduled show at the amphitheatre some of the kids decided to put on their own show.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Even Pack the Entertainment</td></tr>
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We had planned to cook fajitas over the fire but as dinner time neared the rain grew stronger. We debated about cooking over the fire or using the stove instead. It's hard to pass up a delicious meal cooked over the fire so that is what we opted for. We had decided before the trip that we would work on our bushcraft skills a bit. We wanted to try starting all of our fires with a fire steel and we were successful. It was fairly easy to do given that we had paper and our wood had been under cover all day. Now to work on that skill a bit more for the backcountry.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fajita Time</td></tr>
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We headed for bed with the sound of rain pounding the tent and cars leaving the park. I spoke with one of the park staff the following morning and she said there was a steady stream of traffic leaving the park Sunday night.<br />
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When we awoke on Monday the rain had stopped and we were all mostly dry. It was very cloudy and it looked like it might rain on and off throughout the day. The weather didn't bother the kids at all they were happy to be outside, playing. The girls wanted to play at the water so we headed to the boat launch where we were greeted by this cool fog/mist/low clouds. We stayed for a bit then headed back to the site to start the packing up process.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foggy</td></tr>
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We packed up some stuff, had lunch, packed up the rest of our stuff and left the site at 2:00. The girls really wanted to play at the beach so that's where we headed. They didn't seem to mind that it was sprinkling. They had the entire beach to themselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbsumXQE9buYJ_kaHIuei9hsX0SxNCtnxD0Xi0hoBOfQxGgL9FWFAMZKw0rIqyi_c5xuFcs3JlxeBGyUJjr1_34-EnIkCJ4fr7k5EK9uaCSiTrrScQlxpdqUbE4nNaJCzEuZwebwnGVTW/s1600/P5220057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbsumXQE9buYJ_kaHIuei9hsX0SxNCtnxD0Xi0hoBOfQxGgL9FWFAMZKw0rIqyi_c5xuFcs3JlxeBGyUJjr1_34-EnIkCJ4fr7k5EK9uaCSiTrrScQlxpdqUbE4nNaJCzEuZwebwnGVTW/s640/P5220057.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deserted Beach</td></tr>
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We had an amazing time. You can have a lot of fun outside in what many people would typically call bad weather. The right attitude and a bit of planning go a long way.<br />
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Where are you headed next?</div>
Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-29945638914019717682017-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:002017-04-17T09:00:03.894-07:00Easter Hike At Frontenac Provincial Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took advantage of the nice weather over Easter weekend to do some hiking at Frontenac Provincial Park. On Sunday we headed to the park. The forecast was for a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18°C. There was an increasing chance of showers as the afternoon progressed, but we figured we'd be finished before the greatest chance arrived.</div>
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As luck would have it, as we pulled into the parking lot it started raining. We made our way to the park office, purchased our permits and used the facilities. We had a look at some of the displays in the office then decided to head out. The rain had stopped by this point and it looked as though the skies were clearing a bit.</div>
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We've hiked the Arab Lake Gorge trail (an easy 1.5 km hike) in the past so this time we opted for something a little more challenging. We decided to hike the 3 km Doe Lake trail. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the Trailhead</td></tr>
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The Doe Lake Trail (along with the Arab Lake trail) starts with a section of boardwalk that passes through a swamp that was teaming with the sounds of frogs. We heard northern leopard frogs, wood frogs and tree frogs. It was great to hear these signs of spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjTzc706ZSjO5CR00I-TVjJMEL_ggDJd8AnX69Gj1kLB77JfzUMBFx1OehJd4KHnMR9EOId6t5SZ2mZPl7XTC7_YiVUSnXBLrohJcCDMMaBghs713eb3NG-VdEW-GGT3KZ-0fh04MTtrK/s1600/going+down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjTzc706ZSjO5CR00I-TVjJMEL_ggDJd8AnX69Gj1kLB77JfzUMBFx1OehJd4KHnMR9EOId6t5SZ2mZPl7XTC7_YiVUSnXBLrohJcCDMMaBghs713eb3NG-VdEW-GGT3KZ-0fh04MTtrK/s640/going+down.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs leading to the Boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuuQSIjRgUYeUYD4Eprt6WqchCCTw0IParpE5fFmgrP3ESC7pxMc28sYccGpEIfDlVVwXduPd6OapMDMzSObayd2LZjGT9DVbcNRSoHki2oh9YdNH7LV4YFvMYkm5mGwnut2txCREs6aG/s640/boardwalk.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrp9CecR5io4ufCecIzGchNuW0vfPXqxRNT3_VWpzik2IXyN-DrRkUKlmbQ-WZcnjfr_hynBlwCVjwXpsP4JPdKvT4IErUTJ6p4rUBycga3xLdyLg7nms9gmOFzZPGPPI2Hr-4c7crVoNp/s1600/going+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrp9CecR5io4ufCecIzGchNuW0vfPXqxRNT3_VWpzik2IXyN-DrRkUKlmbQ-WZcnjfr_hynBlwCVjwXpsP4JPdKvT4IErUTJ6p4rUBycga3xLdyLg7nms9gmOFzZPGPPI2Hr-4c7crVoNp/s640/going+up.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Fork in the Trail</td></tr>
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The Doe Lake trail starts by meandering nicely along the shore of South Otter Lake. On this day, the lake looked so inviting. It was quite calm and the light breeze off the water was welcome given that the temperature in the sun was 24°C. Our son kept saying that he wanted to swim so I encouraged him to walk down to the water and put his hand in. After doing so he still said he wanted to swim. When I mentioned he should try it, he didn't take me up on the offer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcW5TM2MxnBvwTn7jjqqrHy5SpKcUkwkimAEVxUpW21BQ2j5pVLPiA17UctGgO7a0bAQ6dR2nEoIOAdXaeFcSpik7jA9-_dnUOMckGHb4gHrFOYD30t4UW5CooMph77lrfmf-W2ynI1-8/s1600/otter+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcW5TM2MxnBvwTn7jjqqrHy5SpKcUkwkimAEVxUpW21BQ2j5pVLPiA17UctGgO7a0bAQ6dR2nEoIOAdXaeFcSpik7jA9-_dnUOMckGHb4gHrFOYD30t4UW5CooMph77lrfmf-W2ynI1-8/s640/otter+lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Otter Lake</td></tr>
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The lake looked so inviting. I wished that we had brought a canoe with us. Next time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez0iJfr_PVbQUVGZaCud8e8Iezg82JrXdFAZGm329wdhpFxhYTElZe72XLtLuSUOexw__EdJboWpz0zLMWDS732oxT8ud3Y-LqXhNTpgIxsCk0uFGEtm-IFdQOau_leBUXKarGEgk6qn1/s1600/looking+out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez0iJfr_PVbQUVGZaCud8e8Iezg82JrXdFAZGm329wdhpFxhYTElZe72XLtLuSUOexw__EdJboWpz0zLMWDS732oxT8ud3Y-LqXhNTpgIxsCk0uFGEtm-IFdQOau_leBUXKarGEgk6qn1/s640/looking+out.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out Over South Otter Lake</td></tr>
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The trail branches off to head up to see the Kemp Mine, an old mica mine. We were able to see deep into the mine, where there was water and some snow. Outside the mine it's very easy to see small bits of mica. We had fun looking at the different forms of mica. I didn't get any pictures of the mine. We have a new camera and the kids were enjoying having a turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin8pkeasQZ78N7fXDjXg9xg815q-L85bWLml22-85BSI0O181-Dru0dvNrIDDkiRU5GqCgmnM66XcRWYQ6yebylc2bbY8Be5O-MLn0YamawlByJKNUWwo9AIz87Ac9aLqr79v5bYknr_Q/s1600/snake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin8pkeasQZ78N7fXDjXg9xg815q-L85bWLml22-85BSI0O181-Dru0dvNrIDDkiRU5GqCgmnM66XcRWYQ6yebylc2bbY8Be5O-MLn0YamawlByJKNUWwo9AIz87Ac9aLqr79v5bYknr_Q/s640/snake.JPG" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garter Snake 'Captured' by the Four Year Old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIRyIZOR6Xq4_wwaxrODWFoQT7_sqt5idaMgp50Vb-L2CgciqrhpDLG0lU0dCoiIOqInSrOGKs1nv7uSDpPyvjQIHQRlg9VlRy5XvwRqv3eG4MjTd1bDKiryDk_cvPLKSxuMckbqow3ck/s1600/huge+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIRyIZOR6Xq4_wwaxrODWFoQT7_sqt5idaMgp50Vb-L2CgciqrhpDLG0lU0dCoiIOqInSrOGKs1nv7uSDpPyvjQIHQRlg9VlRy5XvwRqv3eG4MjTd1bDKiryDk_cvPLKSxuMckbqow3ck/s640/huge+rock.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfG2ClF23OFjI8eKgtMjWTdLvzwh6-QGrxTnUgt3lcPgx8DYC_cDU9OLtdeiokjGOfxT_oYiOyV9knwQxxpmM_EawpPeRkKw9Jj0loUT5fi401yTuQhmbQsPGOphvJHW33f1dT-jdeBpZL/s1600/shanty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfG2ClF23OFjI8eKgtMjWTdLvzwh6-QGrxTnUgt3lcPgx8DYC_cDU9OLtdeiokjGOfxT_oYiOyV9knwQxxpmM_EawpPeRkKw9Jj0loUT5fi401yTuQhmbQsPGOphvJHW33f1dT-jdeBpZL/s640/shanty.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7irU6gVz9Kk_blbKePSMBO05oduWaQodGLKwJFYsHhQFamaFurvEKjGPWH_PMdEFrWMLTgnl_-YRf2gXLixh0-ebBJeD2zXGgd6lLaq0rYEpqw1l1uXvmJLV-FnUdS7dAa00pjsP0qww/s640/over+the+boardwalk.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through The Woods</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_9jyv6IW3LKMf5css8ltWa079hjVs2VQiz3zZynA9aCsz839icOeElp6gXPhhhcefohqQz3jEjE8y_T4Gew8XRtE9mO1Rdbt1vGyWv5hhsUo-M_uuMddCnZpPk67RMPINxLTbx5gprt2/s1600/lookout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_9jyv6IW3LKMf5css8ltWa079hjVs2VQiz3zZynA9aCsz839icOeElp6gXPhhhcefohqQz3jEjE8y_T4Gew8XRtE9mO1Rdbt1vGyWv5hhsUo-M_uuMddCnZpPk67RMPINxLTbx5gprt2/s640/lookout.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Out Over Doe Lake</td></tr>
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As we left the Doe Lake lookout I noticed some dark clouds off in the distance. We picked up the pace as the clouds started to roll in. It did start raining lightly on us for the last 500 m or so. It didn't much matter since we had come prepared to hike in the rain.<br />
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We all had a great time enjoying the fresh air and taking in the sights of the forest as it awakens from its winter slumber. Next time we'll be sure to bring the canoe along.</div>
Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-26755679687630207242017-03-04T14:18:00.001-08:002017-03-04T14:18:49.474-08:00Family Day in Algonquin ParkWe made an effort this year to get to Algonquin Park's Winter in the Wild held on the Family day weekend. We didn't decide to go until quite recently so there weren't any yurts available. Instead we booked a room just outside the park. We arrived on Friday night and were very excited to see more and more snow on the ground as we headed north.<br />
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Saturday we took in a number of the Winter in the Wild activities. The first was a great talk by one of the park staff about bears. He talked about bears, their habitat, their habits, etc. but he also talked about the research going on in the park about the bears. He showed some amazing pictures showing how the park staff attach collars to the bears so they can be studied. Listening to the talk make me wish I was a biologist so that I could do some of this cool sounding research.<br />
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Following the talk we had lunch in the Visitor Centre and checked out the viewing platform. It was a great view. There were a huge number of evening grosbeaks enjoying the bird feeders. We also saw some woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and ravens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqePGf9BHyZCEolV91t3nH6y3oMTgl2UEHSLtvQBAWhGjgI6Yt_dfDak2aWidsMwrwIqTe7s0MgU5drOWMu3I1AZGFDD81JSHZDebziA9OMqUgipWZeHvCh5LPI-7IsDWWjArpnlvTy2p/s1600/VC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqePGf9BHyZCEolV91t3nH6y3oMTgl2UEHSLtvQBAWhGjgI6Yt_dfDak2aWidsMwrwIqTe7s0MgU5drOWMu3I1AZGFDD81JSHZDebziA9OMqUgipWZeHvCh5LPI-7IsDWWjArpnlvTy2p/s640/VC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoY1p2oMZhN1oUUXKQeqLA_0fnC_G2WYNh11Opc-qJGMnje9TmIaXls-HYECdeippFj6VrXvLGnmwo5qPrp2McjHwEQkupRhzNwmrqNBiR8UJ4r_urM_1PCqoPAecWkKljUaEuBQD7XXE/s1600/sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoY1p2oMZhN1oUUXKQeqLA_0fnC_G2WYNh11Opc-qJGMnje9TmIaXls-HYECdeippFj6VrXvLGnmwo5qPrp2McjHwEQkupRhzNwmrqNBiR8UJ4r_urM_1PCqoPAecWkKljUaEuBQD7XXE/s640/sun.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Visitor Centre</td></tr>
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Our next stop was the Spruce Bog Trail for a guided bird hike. The weather was amazing, we saw a lot of birds (including ravens, crows, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and gray jays) at the beginning of the hike and the guide was a wealth of knowledge. We haven't done many guided hikes recently. It was so great to have an expert travelling with us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFxV1AR-JQ41ZuU5-Tx-idj5OrmiecbP_OUcvHZU_mXBZ_DTaewlFyhZwd5AxqWOkQocovn2M-MGR7RykU0zKXgAJlB4WwbwgfjgFCCC1bfZg5uk4hTBolGDkGqZbXHJfGxUMuNGCwDau/s1600/Spruce+Bog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFxV1AR-JQ41ZuU5-Tx-idj5OrmiecbP_OUcvHZU_mXBZ_DTaewlFyhZwd5AxqWOkQocovn2M-MGR7RykU0zKXgAJlB4WwbwgfjgFCCC1bfZg5uk4hTBolGDkGqZbXHJfGxUMuNGCwDau/s640/Spruce+Bog.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Spruce Bog</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KFbiPrjRfrOWf0E2QO3V_qhe_a0ABqnWts8STfoV3aiOaZ6u3zLx88l4Br3qwr3hGEtRm9y1_TInDtlKcqaYkYWXSu6oYzI5b-HfqlL1-QW2LAor3o9s-YNvg1sYmlK-e9ZmSDpdXQd7/s1600/ice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KFbiPrjRfrOWf0E2QO3V_qhe_a0ABqnWts8STfoV3aiOaZ6u3zLx88l4Br3qwr3hGEtRm9y1_TInDtlKcqaYkYWXSu6oYzI5b-HfqlL1-QW2LAor3o9s-YNvg1sYmlK-e9ZmSDpdXQd7/s640/ice.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Formation</td></tr>
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Following the hike there were some winter camping demonstrations at Mew Lake so naturally we headed to the campground to check it out. I was amazed by what we saw. There were far more people camping in the campground than I would have imagined. We saw such a variety of winter accommodations. We saw regular tents, tent trailers, campers, a tipi and a good number of hot tents. We visited and toured a number of the tents and also had the chance to meet some of the great outdoor people that we follow online. We talked about winter camping and the amazing community that springs up at MewLake in the winter. It was incredible. A huge thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/luv2campingmom">The Camping Family</a> for giving us the scoop on winter camping at Mew Lake. I'm sure we will be back. Also a big thanks to <a href="https://camperchristina.com/">Camper Christina</a> for showing us her homemade tipi.<br />
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After checking out the accommodations we headed to the BBQ hosted by Friends Of Algonquin Park. We bought some burgers and hot dogs then made our way to the campfire to eat and roast marshmallows. It had been an action packed day and the youngest among us were exhausted so we skipped the fireside talk and night hike (hopefully we'll make it next time). Instead we headed made our way back to our lodging.<br />
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When we got back to our room we began talking about what the next day might look like. We all decided that it would be best to ski in the morning before the snow got too slushy (the forecast high was 9°C). The plan was to ski the <a href="http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/map_leaflakeskitrail.pdf">Leaf Lake Trail</a>, get an early start, ski to Dee's cabin for lunch and then ski back. Once the kids were in bed it occurred to me that I didn't remember seeing the ski boots in our room. I went and checked the van but they weren't there either. I would have to wait until morning to do a thorough search of our room, but I was feeling pretty confident that we had left the boots at home. Sure enough that's exactly what happened. I was very disappointed at myself for forgetting the boots but eventually realized that it just meant we'd have to come back next year.<br />
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Needless to say we changed the plan. We opted to skate at the Mew Lake rink in the morning since the ice was likely to be slushy later in the day. We had a great time. It wasn't very crowded, everyone we did see was very friendly. Our kids were laughing, giggling and just having a great time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDraQ3UY6Metk_ZRS6hMTZ60vXMwIdb8-2hkBXChvqaT7txDdSSdVnCPkg05k6ZNxy1PGUpywfKEodoADk3v-Sg-e_BpZcd4-7wZBnPmcJxQEHNv8Ak2Y9x9n3zn9DnQUPteoHbqOQESR/s1600/laughing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDraQ3UY6Metk_ZRS6hMTZ60vXMwIdb8-2hkBXChvqaT7txDdSSdVnCPkg05k6ZNxy1PGUpywfKEodoADk3v-Sg-e_BpZcd4-7wZBnPmcJxQEHNv8Ak2Y9x9n3zn9DnQUPteoHbqOQESR/s640/laughing.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Excited to be Skating</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi2oejbTxV78YV6qfg1schgdiWl0MiR0IrtpL6JflZAHz4JQlT4_D65jBUfnLBIy1_Er7CTR-0nI7rOCJ99rlyDIoDiF1q0r34oddYDyNlyaNpHyR2pL9RSlC5bn3xMJz7HxtK0UF3F5Z/s1600/around.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi2oejbTxV78YV6qfg1schgdiWl0MiR0IrtpL6JflZAHz4JQlT4_D65jBUfnLBIy1_Er7CTR-0nI7rOCJ99rlyDIoDiF1q0r34oddYDyNlyaNpHyR2pL9RSlC5bn3xMJz7HxtK0UF3F5Z/s640/around.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round and Round She Goes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ozZA8itclCEeQ_H3z4uXicHRtqzROVu7tClmJQ26oci383r20ccmSsvzrhQ_QlISYaIqap14W9nppO7sZBNsO_hH7rjPopLuPRYYOhPudphKgABlUIsxQpLsqUFDsSq4E_TpS5lgvi5/s1600/going+solo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ozZA8itclCEeQ_H3z4uXicHRtqzROVu7tClmJQ26oci383r20ccmSsvzrhQ_QlISYaIqap14W9nppO7sZBNsO_hH7rjPopLuPRYYOhPudphKgABlUIsxQpLsqUFDsSq4E_TpS5lgvi5/s640/going+solo.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Solo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIOMZCr_nDOc-p2ZG3bIY5EZNyBzdjywmqD-gO6DB-qsSBSuggP5EG7eXKVNWTUc_3QwOlSpJ3A12y35HmAMHLKjGFdWK5FzbElUlsTruRx8lxpInGsZcJTEUfQo-QmvuawCqAfV2JqxL/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIOMZCr_nDOc-p2ZG3bIY5EZNyBzdjywmqD-gO6DB-qsSBSuggP5EG7eXKVNWTUc_3QwOlSpJ3A12y35HmAMHLKjGFdWK5FzbElUlsTruRx8lxpInGsZcJTEUfQo-QmvuawCqAfV2JqxL/s640/IMG_2199.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break Time</td></tr>
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Once we finished skating we headed over to the camp fire and ate lunch. It was such a beautiful day we were happy to be taking our time eating and soaking up the sun. We had a couple of campers stop by to chat with us which was great. We asked a lot of questions and there were all great at promoting winter camping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlhqXPe-NcjFLWKCyENsHn-IMBEZI2PxNOpOdjSGRvxSJ9qWov8Qd-XZuwYnRb88_uROoiY8B32vyMtpmK3u4_v249GzAfF_IZTqJWELpqmh2tAPjq93gjIQ85adXkq2BM0h8tdxPaK3y/s1600/lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlhqXPe-NcjFLWKCyENsHn-IMBEZI2PxNOpOdjSGRvxSJ9qWov8Qd-XZuwYnRb88_uROoiY8B32vyMtpmK3u4_v249GzAfF_IZTqJWELpqmh2tAPjq93gjIQ85adXkq2BM0h8tdxPaK3y/s640/lunch.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch by the Fire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeSAVsDFHyVcA03RjwSegCAo82jWPAlzqJiHBewbH_2tQMxv1bDnUarBtLNI2jYpK2uyTZKlqN3hFM0m1d2EkhTchfiCWRAnUhCVjYmeeSK3TmiTHTIdhWqHBk8QEkViTLFi-S-q3Y5Xc/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeSAVsDFHyVcA03RjwSegCAo82jWPAlzqJiHBewbH_2tQMxv1bDnUarBtLNI2jYpK2uyTZKlqN3hFM0m1d2EkhTchfiCWRAnUhCVjYmeeSK3TmiTHTIdhWqHBk8QEkViTLFi-S-q3Y5Xc/s640/IMG_2209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum...Lunch</td></tr>
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With our bellies full and our bodies rested we decided to head back to the Spruce Bog Traill. We hiked to the bird feeder then followed a small path that meandered through the woods. There were a number of suet ball setup along the path and the gray jays would move back and forth between the feeders. They really didn't seem to mind that we were there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz9yjt4pPpzC9E7A40kGW1An6fo08GZ0eeL5ra1PznmSC0mRNciPa2wDPIIi9c8qQSBOd22cHjVOfU5e5S_RBaaGvOMD-EDWr-o9a6VYKglLcAVsyWaomhy3TaTKbeMkc3fABSY4BDUBx/s1600/IMG_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz9yjt4pPpzC9E7A40kGW1An6fo08GZ0eeL5ra1PznmSC0mRNciPa2wDPIIi9c8qQSBOd22cHjVOfU5e5S_RBaaGvOMD-EDWr-o9a6VYKglLcAVsyWaomhy3TaTKbeMkc3fABSY4BDUBx/s640/IMG_2246.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Jay Enjoying a Snack</td></tr>
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After a full day outside it was time to head back to our room, have a bite to eat and get a good night's sleep.<br />
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On our final day we packed up and decided to snowshoe the Logging Museum Trial. What a great trail. There was a lot to see and tons of information about logging in the area. We will have to return in the summer to see the museum itself and the displays that are not accessible in the winter. The weather was great, though the temperature was much more seasonal with a bit of a breeze. There were a ton of chickadees around the parking lot so we gave them a snack before we headed out. Some of us decided to snowshoe along the well worn path and others decided to walk (or on occasion run) the path.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnavOETNDJeUsAcbRJ34cvEE6OmEsIV02-tNjVpLdVY-S6qOk69eXWxXnMn931EK4-fEc9-efnO5T01CwH9F2h6bKwWbj6Wn7Q-26X_ZzBFGFWlxSieuaBPyYMNQ7BCUlfATKDu1S28L3u/s1600/hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnavOETNDJeUsAcbRJ34cvEE6OmEsIV02-tNjVpLdVY-S6qOk69eXWxXnMn931EK4-fEc9-efnO5T01CwH9F2h6bKwWbj6Wn7Q-26X_ZzBFGFWlxSieuaBPyYMNQ7BCUlfATKDu1S28L3u/s640/hat.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack Time</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5xtmURYrRtCZgmljzrkAZ7u4XY25PzEYh-UbNS1ugqUTvjxaYmIJ1f0QdnU6mve6skg7QPvB0Zf7ji8rm_6Vz9nycHTcu7Q8Hdl-L8y0t1DDUXMgkkFxl2akXPDBGBscKrbPW7fvs7lm/s1600/running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5xtmURYrRtCZgmljzrkAZ7u4XY25PzEYh-UbNS1ugqUTvjxaYmIJ1f0QdnU6mve6skg7QPvB0Zf7ji8rm_6Vz9nycHTcu7Q8Hdl-L8y0t1DDUXMgkkFxl2akXPDBGBscKrbPW7fvs7lm/s640/running.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Free</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3AbwhKWOasW_6i8q0Lce0znP8JKAOMqqu4-qayNUyCFi812ZgYG-TOJ1IyKKYzzsrg4JF9cvnYS7KJeSoEZqIK1ccf5aicI2A06Q_feFm2dibRRsJPMLQnY0ABne0FXMPKDWtLqyV6cK/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3AbwhKWOasW_6i8q0Lce0znP8JKAOMqqu4-qayNUyCFi812ZgYG-TOJ1IyKKYzzsrg4JF9cvnYS7KJeSoEZqIK1ccf5aicI2A06Q_feFm2dibRRsJPMLQnY0ABne0FXMPKDWtLqyV6cK/s640/IMG_2284.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out Giant Woodpecker Holes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvicyzhD6K-nxyC8xtJP_uBf3LB61Uuh6ABFzicevaMhmqtngTNeRGHXRGs59HhMt7WMJHDzxEFh4r_lAiuiWqquxZCr_Up5zZVkueNN0td9A0d2MTqikkJ3EC9RLMZbYsZwpF1fkyD11p/s1600/lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvicyzhD6K-nxyC8xtJP_uBf3LB61Uuh6ABFzicevaMhmqtngTNeRGHXRGs59HhMt7WMJHDzxEFh4r_lAiuiWqquxZCr_Up5zZVkueNN0td9A0d2MTqikkJ3EC9RLMZbYsZwpF1fkyD11p/s640/lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Lake Along the Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5FM16AAoPeBjZuhl356UZx4qmxkxhYg5GW-t7n5yVeT9oEWLZAv3RYmGx8zpyRxXLA1JfkUtjHbSlskD0IwXbPUYDxt7UdZjQZUVUC8ViuEDv5ZyTvreKg1OEkUTH0ithWeanQzS8eUE/s1600/Alligator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5FM16AAoPeBjZuhl356UZx4qmxkxhYg5GW-t7n5yVeT9oEWLZAv3RYmGx8zpyRxXLA1JfkUtjHbSlskD0IwXbPUYDxt7UdZjQZUVUC8ViuEDv5ZyTvreKg1OEkUTH0ithWeanQzS8eUE/s640/Alligator.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alligator Paddle Wheel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5-fxMGdfnBD1WE45XxWciOxvW_cFUGiUw-wvI1_W2i1ut9DUHnVcMBlsDyodbuzHEysKWAtrd6xqNHXEsMInEUo2MXFTBGGz94vc1qRjAGEyJGe_fk5zaKz5L-gcjqssL9b8rcdyuNi/s1600/gator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5-fxMGdfnBD1WE45XxWciOxvW_cFUGiUw-wvI1_W2i1ut9DUHnVcMBlsDyodbuzHEysKWAtrd6xqNHXEsMInEUo2MXFTBGGz94vc1qRjAGEyJGe_fk5zaKz5L-gcjqssL9b8rcdyuNi/s640/gator.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Out the Alligator</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-92ojEpnj_Szt3rplLM01HA-jV1FTVPlAXmVSqTyb2yU6uOezy-wwNupvGA2kNqKfNEkfdssvixY-s76PsjSfm6GKdaJnv2mzHByfOAP7gjTFkqntjBkDriklPzaWm9rAsD9iKE8MkHI/s1600/log+chute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-92ojEpnj_Szt3rplLM01HA-jV1FTVPlAXmVSqTyb2yU6uOezy-wwNupvGA2kNqKfNEkfdssvixY-s76PsjSfm6GKdaJnv2mzHByfOAP7gjTFkqntjBkDriklPzaWm9rAsD9iKE8MkHI/s640/log+chute.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log Chute</td></tr>
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After the hike we were ready for lunch. We had spotted some picnic tables on the other side of the snowbank across the parking lot so we beat a path through the snow to a table. Although it was a bit cool with the breeze the snowbank offered a good wind break and the sun warmed us up nicely. While we were having lunch the a pair of gray jays thought they'd see what we were eating. They were very interested. One landed on the table and plucked a small piece of bread off one of the kids' plates.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmx-SsOcFZ8NHyEqxt9cauZ1Xl7r5KeZ_b_ccoYci80ekwKlrUkmk0GJ4VmcC8RKGUH9laC0aZsL7HPLVvczR_nynpYGDFwP4wDdFpatz47Anlz8LurLxKkhsGRmXpxsPzW4nGIs6KONi/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmx-SsOcFZ8NHyEqxt9cauZ1Xl7r5KeZ_b_ccoYci80ekwKlrUkmk0GJ4VmcC8RKGUH9laC0aZsL7HPLVvczR_nynpYGDFwP4wDdFpatz47Anlz8LurLxKkhsGRmXpxsPzW4nGIs6KONi/s640/IMG_2372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime Visitor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07MvPxS5LOUxphryanXOnrty0nIN1qm-ylo-Me3InOCgOsasFv-96x-uFhJTKtXojMlZfO0emf8MeugceNNzHOD6jynUU-NG1XLAvpUqw8Zs_F9ubyHqTSNOa_J2AXUeKW8g8G5q0GB5z/s1600/gray+jay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07MvPxS5LOUxphryanXOnrty0nIN1qm-ylo-Me3InOCgOsasFv-96x-uFhJTKtXojMlZfO0emf8MeugceNNzHOD6jynUU-NG1XLAvpUqw8Zs_F9ubyHqTSNOa_J2AXUeKW8g8G5q0GB5z/s640/gray+jay.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly, Feathered and a Bit Heavy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR-fZdDAHpZo06cqnb_e_Vl_huLv0xU8PxPPgnE4w5loKQL2W0k23gIX0dwmcPBv-BYK8RLYoZrD4JPWC20tI5RepOF8SWMTnPg7Hf21rirkP1gTiI786ReJ4BHFaUeZeCKFJLOYVrRpl/s1600/gray+jay+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR-fZdDAHpZo06cqnb_e_Vl_huLv0xU8PxPPgnE4w5loKQL2W0k23gIX0dwmcPBv-BYK8RLYoZrD4JPWC20tI5RepOF8SWMTnPg7Hf21rirkP1gTiI786ReJ4BHFaUeZeCKFJLOYVrRpl/s640/gray+jay+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such Beautiful Birds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX42aYpZF1zpyrK8d6kvEDTMU1y37H95SWVLXNmYfErGmyPvs1t-NjOPc3fZXpc1Bpf8pGvRalQEvSkOqTMG0EzyRUvXBu0IPmELuQWxny58nGkTeR5UtMtv8kZC7aquwDaqTuLVSNLtOs/s1600/snowman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX42aYpZF1zpyrK8d6kvEDTMU1y37H95SWVLXNmYfErGmyPvs1t-NjOPc3fZXpc1Bpf8pGvRalQEvSkOqTMG0EzyRUvXBu0IPmELuQWxny58nGkTeR5UtMtv8kZC7aquwDaqTuLVSNLtOs/s640/snowman.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasonal Bird Feeder</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We built a snowman and left some seeds for the chickadees. Then we packed up and headed for home. We had such an amazing weekend. The weather was outstanding and it was great to be able to spend most of the weekend outside. We will certainly be back...hopefully in a tent of some sort.</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-67229806985634135322017-02-20T19:29:00.002-08:002017-02-20T19:29:59.578-08:00Winter Weekend at HomeWe often wander great distances to find adventure, but sometimes it can be found right in our own backyard...literally.<br />
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Last week we had the first snow that we'd had in a while. Friday night we received about 7 cm of snow. I didn't think much about it given that the high for Saturday was forecast to be 5°C. We took care of our Saturday morning errands and came home and our son was so keen to build a quinzee that we could sleep in. Fortunately, the forecast had changed and the high was now only supposed to be 1°C. So we decided to go for it.<br />
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We scraped the ground clean of snow and piled it into a large pile then let it settle for a few hours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Pile of Snow</td></tr>
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Then came the hard part of digging out the quinzee. I worked on the inside while our son worked at moving all of the snow out of the doorway. It was tough at first since there was so little room for the shovel, but it seemed to get easier as we went. Before long the quinzee was dug out and we were soaked, both from the inside and the outside. I'm not sure how we'd manage all our wet gear if we were out in the woods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN80zf87AEBvalc_5J_lmBhbtia4dGDoleRbWxe2EFQwq6wCx1k7e1eunAPk1vLUY0uU4jgWZHsGvas-j-Bf0CD5FoCV8yHsPovHVrktkEYBSLIbHN16CiCw2qFcDt1ybzMsd7eEm1Iy0/s1600/quinzee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN80zf87AEBvalc_5J_lmBhbtia4dGDoleRbWxe2EFQwq6wCx1k7e1eunAPk1vLUY0uU4jgWZHsGvas-j-Bf0CD5FoCV8yHsPovHVrktkEYBSLIbHN16CiCw2qFcDt1ybzMsd7eEm1Iy0/s640/quinzee.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Dug Out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We headed inside for a warm meal and some dry clothes. We dug out our warmest pyjamas, a pair of sleeping bags each and a bottle of hot water to throw in our sleeping bags. Before heading out our son said to me "If we survive, we'll be able to go winter camping". I hope he realizes that I had no intention of not surviving. Once setup we were both too warm. We peeled back a layer or two and turned in. The temperature outside dropped to -10°C but we were quite comfortable in the quinzee. We woke up around 6:30 and headed in for a pancake breakfast. Our outing was a successful one and we are ready to give it a try in the wild.<br />
<br />
It snowed all day on Sunday and the puddles had been around as a result of the rain, freezing rain and thawing from before were now buried and frozen solid. The kids decided to shovel them off and slide around them on their boots. They were having a great time so I suggested they get their skates out. So they did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fKfcu5PcgiPmHzjZ9nGDq7-1Jep5e-zT30WpS6EP22ZI6Sv2Uv_1v0pSggiClPIleaejP_uuV2dPA_tLEg0zBrsBvQXcwc0bm0AcRNjd9EKUWRRyPt4I0Q3M7YM4l4LafV_Ffo9POcGS/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fKfcu5PcgiPmHzjZ9nGDq7-1Jep5e-zT30WpS6EP22ZI6Sv2Uv_1v0pSggiClPIleaejP_uuV2dPA_tLEg0zBrsBvQXcwc0bm0AcRNjd9EKUWRRyPt4I0Q3M7YM4l4LafV_Ffo9POcGS/s640/IMG_2110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just the Right Size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1_xxqQmFwVuz9tx2tGcg8NK_1HUVJFQu-NwAKNNuKSKUJGsKcUux_R5N2E7pDmTH7Lv5qQFGWIicAEk-brghsfHOjUz9Gk16r1se4qlpaFFC5q-NzwqX0MUQtsi7A-L4GKhiLuTWAr4/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l1_xxqQmFwVuz9tx2tGcg8NK_1HUVJFQu-NwAKNNuKSKUJGsKcUux_R5N2E7pDmTH7Lv5qQFGWIicAEk-brghsfHOjUz9Gk16r1se4qlpaFFC5q-NzwqX0MUQtsi7A-L4GKhiLuTWAr4/s640/IMG_2113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rink-side Seating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiibFvxr206xomvWL3PK3dq93-oQilaTGW4G8k6aS2uFfXWrh6i1v2kT2aVw37asO393W8i45LyYJTjFUGT6_lS9_3MEs0WBPAvFZvjjeZbKJz5hvbmd1qu6B7dG1PUFgFST7kMd85-QXX/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiibFvxr206xomvWL3PK3dq93-oQilaTGW4G8k6aS2uFfXWrh6i1v2kT2aVw37asO393W8i45LyYJTjFUGT6_lS9_3MEs0WBPAvFZvjjeZbKJz5hvbmd1qu6B7dG1PUFgFST7kMd85-QXX/s640/IMG_2119.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a Blast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7XT-E_HUpFsi1r5YrD8BvnkxIuFj6KD3U978efx1E35n6Sb_g285BwZG8nowHwtWXThRB8lOO7zyyGJb070yX9NbQlPuYukGuIP1MN0lExQYAIW1TMP4qRbgZaJnhyphenhyphen-iUCO1keij4Wt3/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7XT-E_HUpFsi1r5YrD8BvnkxIuFj6KD3U978efx1E35n6Sb_g285BwZG8nowHwtWXThRB8lOO7zyyGJb070yX9NbQlPuYukGuIP1MN0lExQYAIW1TMP4qRbgZaJnhyphenhyphen-iUCO1keij4Wt3/s640/IMG_2124.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's All About Balance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So much fun right in our own backyard! We were so grateful that winter decided to make an appearance. We all seem to enjoy winter so much more where there's snow.<br />
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-82057018495908012292017-02-05T07:12:00.001-08:002017-02-10T17:46:37.559-08:00We Found Winter at Arrowhead!If you're a fan of snowy winters and live in southern Ontario, this likely has not been much of a fun winter for you. We've had a lot of rain and freezing rain this winter along with some mild temperatures. Recently we decided to set out to find winter by booking a cabin at Arrowhead Provincial Park for the middle of the week. We had such a blast there <a href="http://kindredwanderings.blogspot.ca/2016/02/five-fabulous-days-at-arrowhead.html">last winter</a> we thought we'd go back.<br />
<br />
We couldn't have asked for better weather. The Ice Skating Trail reopened the day before we arrived and there was lots of snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The temperature was below zero every day we were there and as it seems to do every time we go, it snowed every day. The first couple of days brought a couple of centimetres each and on our last day we must have received close to 10 cm. All of the extra snow meant that the tubing hill opened on our last day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJ0ihJ_6bMaxyHGxoKJT50Up37KR_GzUHtN7HGlQWudZHp9bMlwIw7ToiMpbJcCnF9HRGjlna6huBt_qF62wREqGCZRiZ4VnqwuvyQJ-cytO-vozABBMHRGnIqhxlLd5PpZR3O3FGrZL/s1600/IMG_1909_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJ0ihJ_6bMaxyHGxoKJT50Up37KR_GzUHtN7HGlQWudZHp9bMlwIw7ToiMpbJcCnF9HRGjlna6huBt_qF62wREqGCZRiZ4VnqwuvyQJ-cytO-vozABBMHRGnIqhxlLd5PpZR3O3FGrZL/s640/IMG_1909_2.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowshoeing at Mayflower Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6SxKreh266Yq8U1J5GrTQajTM6qPIxbGv-wbUf3t0JmJSYBxXUUk9TFScuH2Fdhp8vu2aLArvNcSeYZNjg1AC_1MJEG_oQHqZNsBEiL0BRZEPJcWCAxzjyh5oa7DQxOWOX5aNYiJUQW1/s1600/IMG_1917_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6SxKreh266Yq8U1J5GrTQajTM6qPIxbGv-wbUf3t0JmJSYBxXUUk9TFScuH2Fdhp8vu2aLArvNcSeYZNjg1AC_1MJEG_oQHqZNsBEiL0BRZEPJcWCAxzjyh5oa7DQxOWOX5aNYiJUQW1/s640/IMG_1917_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a Rest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ohB1hUOM1GrwVzgdsGi81pk43MjcbuQjCciSYIJMAer_yFNwmlBo9aR91tJsFYeo2XWrsdT1DCKaaG9VZ3LFfqx64cXZ2_hyC2Ka3wZXWLAYYdzPpEThqfUpk1hbyb7WFFclo5iK5bBZ/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ohB1hUOM1GrwVzgdsGi81pk43MjcbuQjCciSYIJMAer_yFNwmlBo9aR91tJsFYeo2XWrsdT1DCKaaG9VZ3LFfqx64cXZ2_hyC2Ka3wZXWLAYYdzPpEThqfUpk1hbyb7WFFclo5iK5bBZ/s640/IMG_1921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayflower Lake Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0SJskRcL6mUi2-zo9GWEDZwSCUOdU-9HM4pkc3nMUWMrlLs0UUhYxQ1TmGb0XS6CH8r0qn1-s9FWMMNgRpywDmK4YNND5mV-3oE8mWhqO4LpShjJ6Ff7PBtq04T49ncn5P89w4IBPlSZ/s1600/IMG_1934_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0SJskRcL6mUi2-zo9GWEDZwSCUOdU-9HM4pkc3nMUWMrlLs0UUhYxQ1TmGb0XS6CH8r0qn1-s9FWMMNgRpywDmK4YNND5mV-3oE8mWhqO4LpShjJ6Ff7PBtq04T49ncn5P89w4IBPlSZ/s640/IMG_1934_2.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short Loop or Long Loop?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznSe5Migg_K_QxPuW9UXHZ6rcXGLNJl5ODjV1_eeq7XTjDIWuT7jQdrbTox1xwRoTyxHTArpjYiHC4zki9AQPPF5kXKNb0PH_lYMlCpm7J91BrKH2sewGPJwhqm6r2B3VnPYN3TeIxSJL/s1600/IMG_1937_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznSe5Migg_K_QxPuW9UXHZ6rcXGLNJl5ODjV1_eeq7XTjDIWuT7jQdrbTox1xwRoTyxHTArpjYiHC4zki9AQPPF5kXKNb0PH_lYMlCpm7J91BrKH2sewGPJwhqm6r2B3VnPYN3TeIxSJL/s640/IMG_1937_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a Break at the Amphitheatre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkvcwg1Zc3UU0bJaXFqyaEI6kWQvb6Jnau6Qs28IoAeJBkaQVdWah-56brVmc3fzyBLnesY5Dd2DJoeFXGHqEU_ylfPZxGd9EsNLHFynibQRBg-BBlkmGhDQzFe7jn48N4mofG8hcb78w/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkvcwg1Zc3UU0bJaXFqyaEI6kWQvb6Jnau6Qs28IoAeJBkaQVdWah-56brVmc3fzyBLnesY5Dd2DJoeFXGHqEU_ylfPZxGd9EsNLHFynibQRBg-BBlkmGhDQzFe7jn48N4mofG8hcb78w/s640/IMG_1971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting on the Way Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUzKUYQO90klZqHKZBal4D60uwU6bhzB7-P8cV3HPSrKlftLce8yFVEFsmkA06M2eZwGM6grorwWML21fGi0JT5sRNs31Dgr46ktPzGmXZfhIgYStzKiW_sIOBQw207Wn0bPG1T08fPTf/s1600/IMG_1989_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUzKUYQO90klZqHKZBal4D60uwU6bhzB7-P8cV3HPSrKlftLce8yFVEFsmkA06M2eZwGM6grorwWML21fGi0JT5sRNs31Dgr46ktPzGmXZfhIgYStzKiW_sIOBQw207Wn0bPG1T08fPTf/s640/IMG_1989_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Hemlock Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mPxJNDDq8t7abripkvFrE-Cu8UJoI1il-lvybT_e6uDXaiqn5yT5jP0TlfnMbDTRd515pRP_KsamXt-uf4ateFvb-lSsvS8DGOWcMzVLWPBGf3-pJFcdETSnKQKfxc6Aa6GuZZ4JCNRY/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mPxJNDDq8t7abripkvFrE-Cu8UJoI1il-lvybT_e6uDXaiqn5yT5jP0TlfnMbDTRd515pRP_KsamXt-uf4ateFvb-lSsvS8DGOWcMzVLWPBGf3-pJFcdETSnKQKfxc6Aa6GuZZ4JCNRY/s640/IMG_2008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n7i_j7lb1B0-ujeurT4IbxcIXxrHaAE5KjIJw6LUm2w4yKJ7zQwv51J8i79JdmXXN7wd8Jgn2jYGRQZ0VUijurhuARZvctsnNWXrD2YmYLZSpfJMwuizvl4Cx8TWHMcJQ2mDoyMJJfpX/s1600/IMG_2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n7i_j7lb1B0-ujeurT4IbxcIXxrHaAE5KjIJw6LUm2w4yKJ7zQwv51J8i79JdmXXN7wd8Jgn2jYGRQZ0VUijurhuARZvctsnNWXrD2YmYLZSpfJMwuizvl4Cx8TWHMcJQ2mDoyMJJfpX/s640/IMG_2023.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurray for Winter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj1zraWgG_TnDOOCkLeiTHTeWRCInpnXcnL7iKuWeAhXBshsi9LRS_XDfle2uZaQ8ElOKK_sMc3ijPxE90zr6BbbLCHSBfmNwvM-K9x2p_aRgmF7nW-Xz8a6-cLaE5LJgTh9QC4PMi5BF/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj1zraWgG_TnDOOCkLeiTHTeWRCInpnXcnL7iKuWeAhXBshsi9LRS_XDfle2uZaQ8ElOKK_sMc3ijPxE90zr6BbbLCHSBfmNwvM-K9x2p_aRgmF7nW-Xz8a6-cLaE5LJgTh9QC4PMi5BF/s640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly Chickadees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPc9TpHm4TnVwUdO6Yl0cc7rajrbMc8NBjBazI9xve9unvff_cqJu2vwEvCeFFX0U9kq0POHF_g-Gw4nRF1w43gfCoa6nxNKBIXTx8HsC_UdV2zchwzLodx-ELcgCrb7gcLLmtlHdxbZL/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPc9TpHm4TnVwUdO6Yl0cc7rajrbMc8NBjBazI9xve9unvff_cqJu2vwEvCeFFX0U9kq0POHF_g-Gw4nRF1w43gfCoa6nxNKBIXTx8HsC_UdV2zchwzLodx-ELcgCrb7gcLLmtlHdxbZL/s640/IMG_2064.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table for Two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KAEYPh5TOThyphenhyphenPLOJ8ZpOzY3_xPThV8wH3Bydih2Tb19Qx7gwes3Amnc-jTglnRkfunWTsGKgI5FUeQR7JJaQt6UYScHYw8qE2p3jXFOApIWblslmNtN4KXeBCpsgogob-V8PSlTimYDJ/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KAEYPh5TOThyphenhyphenPLOJ8ZpOzY3_xPThV8wH3Bydih2Tb19Qx7gwes3Amnc-jTglnRkfunWTsGKgI5FUeQR7JJaQt6UYScHYw8qE2p3jXFOApIWblslmNtN4KXeBCpsgogob-V8PSlTimYDJ/s640/IMG_2068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Many Chickadees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Skate<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof7mP-yrC8GKfi4-CFvLwsUThT-JSJfkqWZYv6GVnZCeSnwyJmoB5QNAjS3lzp28xCZyvvoyLkP4_IYoaHOQRzNC_HP8xKhcgux9-CI2tOeQWjv5KwpXfSfifkHK_JnEdHBRLD5WcBG0M/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof7mP-yrC8GKfi4-CFvLwsUThT-JSJfkqWZYv6GVnZCeSnwyJmoB5QNAjS3lzp28xCZyvvoyLkP4_IYoaHOQRzNC_HP8xKhcgux9-CI2tOeQWjv5KwpXfSfifkHK_JnEdHBRLD5WcBG0M/s640/IMG_2085.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">One Stride at a Time</td></tr>
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Staying at the cabins at Arrowhead Provincial Park provided us with an amazing winter location. The scenery was spectacular, the activities were plentiful and the company couldn't be beat. The time away allowed us to really connect as a family. The distractions of work, school, extra curricular activities, jobs around the house, etc. all faded away for a few days. The only important things for those days were being together and being outside. We can't wait to do it again.<br />
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What are your favourite winter destinations?<br />
<br />Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-29906839067883992622017-01-08T06:34:00.000-08:002017-01-08T06:34:00.234-08:00Skiing the SJAM Winter Trail and Gatineau Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We recently made a trip to Ottawa so that we could enjoy a bit of winter with family. Our first stop in the city (second if you include the rest stop) was to the new <a href="http://www.wintertrail.ca/">Sir John A. MacDonald (SJAM) Winter Trail</a>. I'd read a lot about this trail and couldn't believe that a multi-use pathway that was groomed regularly by volunteers existed right in the city (<a href="http://www.westborobeach.ca/_/rsrc/1457094173290/sjam-winter-trail/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-03%20at%205.53.13%20PM.png">map</a>). How amazing would it be to live in Ottawa and be able to take advantage of the the trail? Wouldn't it be cool if you could ski to work? We had to check it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excited to be Trying Out the SJAM Trail</td></tr>
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We parked at Island Park Drive. The map doesn't show a parking lot, but there was one that was plowed. Although it was cold, with a bitter wind the day we visited we still had a great time. The trail was well groomed and there were a ton of people out. Lots of parents were there introducing their children to skiing. The trail was a flurry of activity. There were beginner skiers, expert skiers (both classic and skate), snowshoers, <strike>fat bikers</strike> <strike>fat-bikers</strike> fat bikes and even some walkers. All of this is available free of charge but you can make a donation<a href="http://www.wintertrail.ca/donate/"> here</a> (it's worth it). It was incredible. What a great way to get people active in the winter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmVjbefKlOcpmli5wF9tzZ2d4zmaQEgPL3jE9D4TI4VezCsUivr8Mj6ATLc11GjB2AtmoPShuC7Yt-UWoUQyRpJqXWOqaI78gY1s_SKPLnwB59dCyxlTdnS9SUQtiUpFXYQ4K2Ya-SUjg/s1600/2017-01-05+14.00.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmVjbefKlOcpmli5wF9tzZ2d4zmaQEgPL3jE9D4TI4VezCsUivr8Mj6ATLc11GjB2AtmoPShuC7Yt-UWoUQyRpJqXWOqaI78gY1s_SKPLnwB59dCyxlTdnS9SUQtiUpFXYQ4K2Ya-SUjg/s640/2017-01-05+14.00.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising Along the SJAM Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJrQ7yfocAWoDQ7zqPwuLU6TMEIYl6CYXBXynyYCrJGB8mBdMHeT056ukgp4qQt1bgwXX_Gg9dzV_ynUkmiZbJVRTjq_LV9e0rez6jYvkHwWBy1omP7n-72miU6wTQL-pyZAaYSOV5AtE/s1600/2017-01-05+14.21.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJrQ7yfocAWoDQ7zqPwuLU6TMEIYl6CYXBXynyYCrJGB8mBdMHeT056ukgp4qQt1bgwXX_Gg9dzV_ynUkmiZbJVRTjq_LV9e0rez6jYvkHwWBy1omP7n-72miU6wTQL-pyZAaYSOV5AtE/s640/2017-01-05+14.21.38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Under the Parkway</td></tr>
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We spent about an hour on the trail before our toes started getting cold. I find it amazing to see how much the kids are improving each time we go out. Their technique is getting better, they can go further and best of all...they're just happy being outside.<br />
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We packed up our things and went to visit some family. During the visit we planned what the next day would look like. We all wanted to go skiing in <a href="http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/things-to-do/cross-country-skiing-gatineau-park">Gatineau Park</a>. The park is an amazing collection of cross-country ski trails (over 200 km). To say it's a cross-country skier's paradise would be an understatement.<br />
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We thought it would be a ton of fun to park at P10, ski the Fortune Lake Parkway to Keogan Cabin, have lunch then ski back. Round trip would be about 7 km. We weren't sure how the younger members of our group would fare and the forecast was for cold temperatures again. Rather than trying to push it we decided to do an easier route. We started with a stop at the visitor centre to purchase our tickets. It was here that we discovered that kids under the age of 13 are FREE. What a great deal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i4DC3cGyQWEZGjMTSeezW5wpS-EbUR-YGtWYziAUDHp_HNOdykmiJJR7CmDtaf_FHcbbvd8Iy-qqQ_zq0mkByLu2YUATiZly2sO_nEKkDO-ygWUnhGiP_I_NFdXJTlFX8zXVRJtB15ua/s1600/2017-01-06+11.21.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i4DC3cGyQWEZGjMTSeezW5wpS-EbUR-YGtWYziAUDHp_HNOdykmiJJR7CmDtaf_FHcbbvd8Iy-qqQ_zq0mkByLu2YUATiZly2sO_nEKkDO-ygWUnhGiP_I_NFdXJTlFX8zXVRJtB15ua/s640/2017-01-06+11.21.34.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Much Snow</td></tr>
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We headed to P8 and skied the northern section of the Gatineau Parkway. Everyone had a great time and when we got tired it was easy to turn around and head back to the parking lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0OJBWZTSlMru8nCsQks2cYekHN07veCuLjOya2MsLXDH7q5CZa0clR16mE6juqc3osjAtppRtfCs_MOxut9eawLkjglLJNKJbgnJGVx6qEB0RiaUE3cYiUDW0-DAH9GZs_Yvcl8msxt/s1600/2017-01-06+11.40.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0OJBWZTSlMru8nCsQks2cYekHN07veCuLjOya2MsLXDH7q5CZa0clR16mE6juqc3osjAtppRtfCs_MOxut9eawLkjglLJNKJbgnJGVx6qEB0RiaUE3cYiUDW0-DAH9GZs_Yvcl8msxt/s640/2017-01-06+11.40.43.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're Off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9WBp-xIqrDnZNntftxl8YcN2ZPEC8EhZ2UjRFxo_HdNPMnKfxAEv-9LNpoeQWh_fswVMLQTnYt7QjhEy4v4bDTXC6GVRmKE-0V7_G7drcLgJMq6oOCd3dIA7BOvIhw0ig37Q6zne4d-K/s1600/2017-01-06+11.52.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9WBp-xIqrDnZNntftxl8YcN2ZPEC8EhZ2UjRFxo_HdNPMnKfxAEv-9LNpoeQWh_fswVMLQTnYt7QjhEy4v4bDTXC6GVRmKE-0V7_G7drcLgJMq6oOCd3dIA7BOvIhw0ig37Q6zne4d-K/s640/2017-01-06+11.52.38.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for Some Assistance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMWTCqlQ7Ukt2Iue6Bi4dw0yJXymWeeaWvS7ZqYlk6QIEW_TpuD8sGvhKapEEmZc6rjJAjCh7tChji2d7DQPuE40N46WlHVOmyutMKY67x52sehYg0rEuXUd-RpX4anXAmbbQ0ts2CjLl/s1600/2017-01-06+12.12.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMWTCqlQ7Ukt2Iue6Bi4dw0yJXymWeeaWvS7ZqYlk6QIEW_TpuD8sGvhKapEEmZc6rjJAjCh7tChji2d7DQPuE40N46WlHVOmyutMKY67x52sehYg0rEuXUd-RpX4anXAmbbQ0ts2CjLl/s640/2017-01-06+12.12.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Scenery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a Great Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmalmzgxg3LHdehhHACV4hQYhMWDYDymyD1_g4Z7V5X5BDUExopIFCNsB5jjnZzi43vtrx3kTZox_zq7oOWOF8aAf7PKxW2mOrAyVO8jFht0Jzgtr5Y5DsCD0o01yc4kWNRxEiswdb3hJw/s1600/2017-01-06+12.25.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmalmzgxg3LHdehhHACV4hQYhMWDYDymyD1_g4Z7V5X5BDUExopIFCNsB5jjnZzi43vtrx3kTZox_zq7oOWOF8aAf7PKxW2mOrAyVO8jFht0Jzgtr5Y5DsCD0o01yc4kWNRxEiswdb3hJw/s640/2017-01-06+12.25.46.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Fortune in the Distance</td></tr>
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We headed back to visitor centre for lunch. They have a great lunch room with a bunch of picnic style tables for visitors. We had lunch then the kids went off to explore the exhibits while a few of the adults decided to try a more challenging trail. We parked at P7 and began the long climb up trail 30. It probably took up close to 20 minutes to do the climb up to trail 1, a distance of only 1 km. It was a great workout and the view from the lookout was great. We skied along trail 1 all the way to Keogan Cabin. It was a neat cabin with lots of tables and a wood stove. It would make a great lunch stop. Perhaps next year we'll have to bring the kids (taking a different route of course). We didn't stay long so that we could get back to the parking lot before the sun set. The return trip seemed a lot faster as a result of the huge downhill section at the end. The trip was a good workout full of beautiful scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu1sN2BTECRVPU3J1mbiSGYkxLtwOYKPpfSXzK4Wqh4XF6AuJ8o88pZ525ihU5fPUlLOHubgTc6KwZJ47YoqwUJSd9uqz0sStf_jt2I7OUU-WFDVo7XGPoKgfS0IVuAiDpq9shyPStu5E/s1600/2017-01-06+14.48.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu1sN2BTECRVPU3J1mbiSGYkxLtwOYKPpfSXzK4Wqh4XF6AuJ8o88pZ525ihU5fPUlLOHubgTc6KwZJ47YoqwUJSd9uqz0sStf_jt2I7OUU-WFDVo7XGPoKgfS0IVuAiDpq9shyPStu5E/s640/2017-01-06+14.48.16.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiNjMaavoNxNhTCIt0CwlEk_paOaQLT2mH1zsvByQxKTspggdBL5WK1vMm8Z0m-iI2l5pWr3wfMWVSqKD0y5bNKWJnIn8WI8pNq5JrqfXxKlgAl5LzcxWzX-32UFTMi-cFoBKfd9hyphenhyphenJvJ/s1600/2017-01-06+14.55.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiNjMaavoNxNhTCIt0CwlEk_paOaQLT2mH1zsvByQxKTspggdBL5WK1vMm8Z0m-iI2l5pWr3wfMWVSqKD0y5bNKWJnIn8WI8pNq5JrqfXxKlgAl5LzcxWzX-32UFTMi-cFoBKfd9hyphenhyphenJvJ/s640/2017-01-06+14.55.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAeniOa70czZxHERF9AN5fP8RzztjShQrgzQNv5_f-mMOn0WsviQlnTn2BI39OlrVRJaNI3oXpJu_d-hqdk9yuvUe_lZetvwDxPnoxAuLnOc5x-2bJmDSNkDQkqZSHh7xMRAA-Ges5SQT/s1600/2017-01-06+15.49.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAeniOa70czZxHERF9AN5fP8RzztjShQrgzQNv5_f-mMOn0WsviQlnTn2BI39OlrVRJaNI3oXpJu_d-hqdk9yuvUe_lZetvwDxPnoxAuLnOc5x-2bJmDSNkDQkqZSHh7xMRAA-Ges5SQT/s640/2017-01-06+15.49.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Late in the Day</td></tr>
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We were hoping to take the kids for a quick ski along the SJAM trail the following day but the morning temperature was -20°C. Despite the cold I ducked out early-ish for a quick trip along the trail. It was cold but once I was moving I didn't really notice. The views were breathtaking and I didn't see another person on the trail until I had reached the halfway point of my trip. What a great way to start the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFLf_edbSX0enyzqpAX3JTBUeE7NeVpe_JDN-7B18-UKnSNX5teG7Fn4nRFv5Zf9hmHJ8rEviNxzgooFumtciV0OZd5oHf8Ekw-iLV0RmbE8KVm28_kWX1bZmMdh_2a8h2d0hm7LBbN4/s1600/2017-01-07+08.35.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFLf_edbSX0enyzqpAX3JTBUeE7NeVpe_JDN-7B18-UKnSNX5teG7Fn4nRFv5Zf9hmHJ8rEviNxzgooFumtciV0OZd5oHf8Ekw-iLV0RmbE8KVm28_kWX1bZmMdh_2a8h2d0hm7LBbN4/s640/2017-01-07+08.35.47.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Morning on the SJAM Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim4Z98ud4D8mvELTM9izkE9Z0mrIhp6TkloSEzCHM60S_hrA7AYD_lIQL1B4XYRwXbjFYhebvkGnm-mOv61ob2P8bzWRgNqfN2S8sOZvdHIvDJUWb9ThWSMf5Lne7kK-ujmbDHdkVaIxa/s1600/1483803699473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim4Z98ud4D8mvELTM9izkE9Z0mrIhp6TkloSEzCHM60S_hrA7AYD_lIQL1B4XYRwXbjFYhebvkGnm-mOv61ob2P8bzWRgNqfN2S8sOZvdHIvDJUWb9ThWSMf5Lne7kK-ujmbDHdkVaIxa/s640/1483803699473.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Out Over the River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had such a great visit to the nation's capital. We're so grateful for both of these natural spaces located so close to the city and the volunteers and staff who make them possible.<br />
<br />
We're already planning our next winter outing. Where will your winter adventures take you?Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-43191100343019592962017-01-01T19:22:00.001-08:002017-01-01T19:22:35.526-08:00Skiing Into the New YearYou can't help but think it's going to be an excellent day when you put on your merino wool after breakfast and anticipate being in it for the rest of the day. We decided to celebrate the New Year (happy New Year) by spending the day on our skis. As I write this, Google is showing me photos of what we did last year on this day. It turns out it was the same thing. I guess we've started a bit of a New Year's day tradition.<br />
<br />
We had our breakfast then packed up and headed for <a href="http://kawarthanordic.ca/">Kawartha Nordic</a>. We must have been really excited to get going because I almost forgot our ski boots and when we arrived I realized that I'd left the polls for our pulk behind. I guess the three year old is going to have to ski the whole way! Fortunately, the ski shop was open and they still had a pulk we could rent. I was surprised and relieved to see that they were open.<br />
<br />
Although we had been here a week earlier we hadn't noticed that the <a href="http://kawarthanordic.ca/maps.php">trail map</a> had been updated. There seems to be a ton of new trails. A huge thank you to everyone that helps us have such a great experience.<br />
<br />
As a family we decided that we were ready to take the next step. Often when we ski at Kawartha Nordic we do the 2.5km loop to the sugar shack and back. We were all ready for more and decided that we'd ski to Laderach Cabin for lunch (Rabbit to Kenner to Deer), have a break and ski back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqDiJczn00vqxGIkAe1ZWL-X0_ZYHcE3oyFTvAWBHwIMlyJSAMX5sFd7BDHP1j588m62VWFQ1nRnp0cg_JzRXyPLi_NGhYaL-4x_DM1itDw5SaUaOVM4PpdKBOYXT2eLmu131aGO6SymM/s1600/2017-01-01+12.51.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqDiJczn00vqxGIkAe1ZWL-X0_ZYHcE3oyFTvAWBHwIMlyJSAMX5sFd7BDHP1j588m62VWFQ1nRnp0cg_JzRXyPLi_NGhYaL-4x_DM1itDw5SaUaOVM4PpdKBOYXT2eLmu131aGO6SymM/s640/2017-01-01+12.51.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laderach Cabin</td></tr>
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We couldn't have asked for a better day. There was a pile of fresh snow, the wind was light and the temperature was just below freezing. The conditions and grooming were perfect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9Q7EcajfTKub3Krscjc3cKMdxP_yhTkg3Dv2Cq2L8s0KXF5_pfBulshUP23NO4fptzIdaAkVj7GPzlmgmzwlAOqqhcGubmIbOUrtdq8Xyb1KqOvGMUfzQjZRsUMUlFqPFO80an3BlFHj/s1600/2017-01-01+11.31.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9Q7EcajfTKub3Krscjc3cKMdxP_yhTkg3Dv2Cq2L8s0KXF5_pfBulshUP23NO4fptzIdaAkVj7GPzlmgmzwlAOqqhcGubmIbOUrtdq8Xyb1KqOvGMUfzQjZRsUMUlFqPFO80an3BlFHj/s640/2017-01-01+11.31.51.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're Off</td></tr>
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Our three year old chose to ski first and she did amazingly well. She went much further than I imagined and seemed to enjoy herself the whole way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDDEHTIIHoonKad2CO1MjFKMDKDl8TAzaGDSpJx5xULyQc1-kQlvcKv4kDh4Owq1HVnWtwBbD32xrACWDkjYio_XhxACsMqy3r0qlN47xBxONaDB1WI_OxMY8WKfK_sXF9AlDKLDW7OHF/s1600/2017-01-01+11.39.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDDEHTIIHoonKad2CO1MjFKMDKDl8TAzaGDSpJx5xULyQc1-kQlvcKv4kDh4Owq1HVnWtwBbD32xrACWDkjYio_XhxACsMqy3r0qlN47xBxONaDB1WI_OxMY8WKfK_sXF9AlDKLDW7OHF/s640/2017-01-01+11.39.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still Having a Great Time</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52UF7KinJhkrksLgnCneghM0Vt2x662nnWWkmQx4zPhuyzszMMxDdiyYpj5e4kBm2UFsBnI9-p4_xnuOmgfsb0q8iLdEGHSz6tFzNiPEgaHNSHkQejCpxmvnWN9yXD10SsGVM2KfUUb1z/s1600/2017-01-01+11.42.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52UF7KinJhkrksLgnCneghM0Vt2x662nnWWkmQx4zPhuyzszMMxDdiyYpj5e4kBm2UFsBnI9-p4_xnuOmgfsb0q8iLdEGHSz6tFzNiPEgaHNSHkQejCpxmvnWN9yXD10SsGVM2KfUUb1z/s640/2017-01-01+11.42.23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2plUzNL-AmAOr0N4FCupcy7Z-bKfoU-bHb-Wmi0zhTaBeGxL9tuKGnNEHtK9I-i-bVBdRAFdc3RAlKF0Eh34UxCuQ1BJDYM7oQ0D79bDDwF5RjuINSt2MUzwFVfftsxRRzCvGG51u8Y4/s1600/2017-01-01+11.47.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2plUzNL-AmAOr0N4FCupcy7Z-bKfoU-bHb-Wmi0zhTaBeGxL9tuKGnNEHtK9I-i-bVBdRAFdc3RAlKF0Eh34UxCuQ1BJDYM7oQ0D79bDDwF5RjuINSt2MUzwFVfftsxRRzCvGG51u8Y4/s640/2017-01-01+11.47.03.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man Down!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNiq65GziSGX6L_vZkV6M0uJ_BMSFi1zqOLZzS8FJf9FnCKOyiOQeg96ZzcOCWD8oP_SdMp5jwXsnNQ6cEY3ZFjNRHbdrwW2OS82e-LjBbV69J74r_yQv8qilbnwS_1QzQTqTxtijFW_u/s1600/2017-01-01+12.17.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNiq65GziSGX6L_vZkV6M0uJ_BMSFi1zqOLZzS8FJf9FnCKOyiOQeg96ZzcOCWD8oP_SdMp5jwXsnNQ6cEY3ZFjNRHbdrwW2OS82e-LjBbV69J74r_yQv8qilbnwS_1QzQTqTxtijFW_u/s640/2017-01-01+12.17.19.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing Great</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we skied I couldn't help but notice the beauty that surrounded us. I felt very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and to be outside enjoying it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUVz59BMdJW4Rez6Ej7bsSDNW9RyHBR6rnLlhq7VFKwJKCCV6MZS1k0SHEGg4pSMLJeMJ72Dp9m79qEHwvebHx94WPKECudBdEReLvu4waP401bUTv9c2Oq76_S5wVvbDg3NNnZwNy_L9/s1600/2017-01-01+12.03.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUVz59BMdJW4Rez6Ej7bsSDNW9RyHBR6rnLlhq7VFKwJKCCV6MZS1k0SHEGg4pSMLJeMJ72Dp9m79qEHwvebHx94WPKECudBdEReLvu4waP401bUTv9c2Oq76_S5wVvbDg3NNnZwNy_L9/s1600/2017-01-01+12.03.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CUMxmqKn3eYqY01621d4AbW9zPqYYgVmsnoFaM9EGWrDLItNbFfTC7uGW4oaMCJstdnjkOFx9BXYuRHabICEiDzYF4ugA9omCH82UoABUAQsneHGloD1EKy80SD4lbuJlvGAHLY7jHsg/s1600/2017-01-01+12.10.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CUMxmqKn3eYqY01621d4AbW9zPqYYgVmsnoFaM9EGWrDLItNbFfTC7uGW4oaMCJstdnjkOFx9BXYuRHabICEiDzYF4ugA9omCH82UoABUAQsneHGloD1EKy80SD4lbuJlvGAHLY7jHsg/s640/2017-01-01+12.10.30.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Conditions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv85kui_tCQnPVEC92jfylkPOTg4JmIy1XRXqfjuc6hnD19KRrE-6vnUw89oWtdbxQu1m-YRPXRKwDalRg0cCIO2YWfNi9090rSOEIKcRbPffryl28QnzihyphenhyphenCF1HJKO_PedNk8dE8c4Oq/s1600/2017-01-01+12.18.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv85kui_tCQnPVEC92jfylkPOTg4JmIy1XRXqfjuc6hnD19KRrE-6vnUw89oWtdbxQu1m-YRPXRKwDalRg0cCIO2YWfNi9090rSOEIKcRbPffryl28QnzihyphenhyphenCF1HJKO_PedNk8dE8c4Oq/s640/2017-01-01+12.18.48.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEEt4ajqetSJhdCvb_zKXXdZrRP9U7uSwVybAMpsPpr6psoJdslBgeWj4igJ2NipX6vQLh0RZWu1s1t1MIqRCigedrzHmE3H03DybO1uOJMNENryyMswAda4FJaHYp7sBsuzS4XQOokag/s1600/2017-01-01+12.20.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEEt4ajqetSJhdCvb_zKXXdZrRP9U7uSwVybAMpsPpr6psoJdslBgeWj4igJ2NipX6vQLh0RZWu1s1t1MIqRCigedrzHmE3H03DybO1uOJMNENryyMswAda4FJaHYp7sBsuzS4XQOokag/s640/2017-01-01+12.20.23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulk Needs a Bumper Sticker: Skier on Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG_CiZDMagLTQG474a4baULFpYlTMI6phxae8DqBb-k0nH0aOopIfsoLE82gZVNHeyXZDnKLKeWeM6J1XBAEhT-fRiJguyDM_RxAr5FtOPiSXjMBXk8BgT9ZRtyEsMun4bjCJKxDciC-X/s1600/2017-01-01+12.27.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG_CiZDMagLTQG474a4baULFpYlTMI6phxae8DqBb-k0nH0aOopIfsoLE82gZVNHeyXZDnKLKeWeM6J1XBAEhT-fRiJguyDM_RxAr5FtOPiSXjMBXk8BgT9ZRtyEsMun4bjCJKxDciC-X/s640/2017-01-01+12.27.03.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SFH722KxF1V73Ix7bN8-HrbuhcBPx6sQlw1aIdc22LS36lFc7fOaXv3ROfe-n5AswsWAlWzOehQOMMON76S3_Dn9yrCrscmHWK5F3p-b04W6G5w51rPXpJdP9uTSn9YY6ny8_rLcqx9e/s640/2017-01-01+12.50.50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole Lotta Snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we arrived at the cabin a fire had already be started in the wood stove. It would make a perfect spot for lunch. Our son and I polished off our lunches quickly so we set out to do some exploring while the girls finished theirs. We decided to head north on Adam Scott, west on Fisher and then we started on the new Hills trail. As we started climbing the Hills trail our son asked me why the trail wasn't groomed. We both concluded that perhaps it was too steep for the groomer, even though it wasn't that steep. It wasn't until we got to the top and saw how steep the down hill was that we understood why it hadn't been groomed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tkqylphMyUr4YQLz4I7rFh0e8QwfcQNb9qaCYhDY6F6v-bYTSZetgLBapm_Y4LYcFsT3JdoICkFJ-3TLjhjjClVcyup4UhHZnmBt-3e6RWVZh0VNSOUSYPZyr4kx1WbyqrcGLgwSzrzN/s1600/2017-01-01+13.40.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tkqylphMyUr4YQLz4I7rFh0e8QwfcQNb9qaCYhDY6F6v-bYTSZetgLBapm_Y4LYcFsT3JdoICkFJ-3TLjhjjClVcyup4UhHZnmBt-3e6RWVZh0VNSOUSYPZyr4kx1WbyqrcGLgwSzrzN/s640/2017-01-01+13.40.47.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motoring Along Adam Scott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSe_S04oTuV15g4nwq_HMbpGERT5X7go3y8tMMLqlnLFAEks2Y2e3ssEClAY4eYMtcdXn1vrV-YQvG0agC8MCeWt7OiUKEefZo8N1_0X3OH96lkb6v-U1ZZBhFcm18irfy5jc7kHPEcRz/s1600/2017-01-01+13.48.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSe_S04oTuV15g4nwq_HMbpGERT5X7go3y8tMMLqlnLFAEks2Y2e3ssEClAY4eYMtcdXn1vrV-YQvG0agC8MCeWt7OiUKEefZo8N1_0X3OH96lkb6v-U1ZZBhFcm18irfy5jc7kHPEcRz/s640/2017-01-01+13.48.32.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep Downhill</td></tr>
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We returned to the cabin after completing just over 3km and tried our hand feeding the birds. We then head out (via Adam Scott to Fisher to Beaver).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4jSFGDgDjYJlrfmutr49-E3lZv37ezajdnRZJxMKS7Qn9o2j-vkqPqDVPOHRHeKc_o1IJCWpv7dsVj_QbNYWpOdzpEJB-c3Y2qwVobut1SQnDHmz8py25IzgIESgL2lRPVCR-LBLKKn4/s1600/2017-01-01+14.12.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4jSFGDgDjYJlrfmutr49-E3lZv37ezajdnRZJxMKS7Qn9o2j-vkqPqDVPOHRHeKc_o1IJCWpv7dsVj_QbNYWpOdzpEJB-c3Y2qwVobut1SQnDHmz8py25IzgIESgL2lRPVCR-LBLKKn4/s640/2017-01-01+14.12.03.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bird in the Hand...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-aMJhWosGLmGyX9nS7BY24MgMKoEfEFL-5hdXesqAMeRTgF0J8ryhRLnox5aadza1qNTXcMtRMmFDK79XD2DVQgHuwuHTtVApDWgt00Gxu8M3rh33YRG3yO5h8jcQ2auIKGwJeCZQwC/s1600/2017-01-01+14.15.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-aMJhWosGLmGyX9nS7BY24MgMKoEfEFL-5hdXesqAMeRTgF0J8ryhRLnox5aadza1qNTXcMtRMmFDK79XD2DVQgHuwuHTtVApDWgt00Gxu8M3rh33YRG3yO5h8jcQ2auIKGwJeCZQwC/s640/2017-01-01+14.15.35.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Whisperer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK4PNP0Xjf0r7wRVealDddQ6ndN_rT9iQbxDBmiBxCeAAm4GI08R_dBnfnP-aF5nTyF2Of1ku864V0sBetBmusj0hrdByPnztqjIDj3vvufX9x1g6z-jnNv5zM5YoQ_9J6TIhWW5ZRXK_/s1600/2017-01-01+14.18.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK4PNP0Xjf0r7wRVealDddQ6ndN_rT9iQbxDBmiBxCeAAm4GI08R_dBnfnP-aF5nTyF2Of1ku864V0sBetBmusj0hrdByPnztqjIDj3vvufX9x1g6z-jnNv5zM5YoQ_9J6TIhWW5ZRXK_/s640/2017-01-01+14.18.03.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can You Spot the Recently Departed Chickadee?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDAZyoRUfYBiOLGq8HXCCIyuIeTyYFlbzrbsyAmhbjgBoNW6kjjXFsd-XulOtSyVVKsUTdjed2EAt5UB26jbiNr_83gVg2FBTeykWC-WfOQsLqtyGMv5cdYpLZG67Zyu5llnmnLNcpop4/s1600/2017-01-01+14.31.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDAZyoRUfYBiOLGq8HXCCIyuIeTyYFlbzrbsyAmhbjgBoNW6kjjXFsd-XulOtSyVVKsUTdjed2EAt5UB26jbiNr_83gVg2FBTeykWC-WfOQsLqtyGMv5cdYpLZG67Zyu5llnmnLNcpop4/s640/2017-01-01+14.31.02.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading Back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPe_U6ung2n18Iu9Gg1Mzl4nO9bZPRS6G-72RxEIgfXuBQs974cm6iuAG57MwgOoiZP-IR277Rzl4rrJNzftH-VgOYOWYaMXWn5ZbROOD4t3gcwZI4x_Hmg65Ynscy8E8fdMEd6FqgVXs/s640/2017-01-01+14.46.57.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski Train</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low Sun</td></tr>
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Overall we had an amazing day with some great milestones reached by all of the kids. I can't get over how much they have improved since our last outing a week ago. I love that they are so excited to get out there. One of them said on the ski out "I wish we lived closer so we could come more often". If you're looking to do some cross country skiing this winter, be sure to add Kawartha Nordic to your list. You won't be disappointed.<br />
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Here's hoping that 2017 is filled with outdoor adventures.<br />
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-56056329452477264822016-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:002016-09-16T19:59:08.079-07:00A Short But Good Weekend At SandbanksAt the beginning of September we decided we should head to Sandbanks for a weekend. Luckily for us the park had just opened up reservations for the Outlet B campground the day before. As a result we managed to get what might be the best site in the entire park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps the Best Site in the Park</td></tr>
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We arrived in time for a late dinner Friday. We dug out the food and began preparing dinner as the kids played in the sand. The view from the site was great and being outside made the busyness of the first week of school disappear. Summer holidays were back...at least for a couple of days.<br /><br />
We setup the tents and got ready for bed. Just before turning in we spent some time admiring the moon and the stars. One of the nice things about the sun setting earlier is that the kids get to spend a little more time observing the night sky. <br /><br />
This was the first time that we brought two tents. We thought that the kids might like to sleep in a tent while we slept in another tent. They decided it would be better to have a boy's tent and a girl's tent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaX5BP9nUDwmobsec3Ro9BDpKbKIsnZOD9F8PT1GrT73aD3t_bXs80YEhj-ntnt05B8pFXjRAyX0ZOvtuW5N36rhpYGYPj5aqht41GawezLwytPiIlaAl25lvf5H_oNEXmA6QhwS73_tI/s1600/night+tent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaX5BP9nUDwmobsec3Ro9BDpKbKIsnZOD9F8PT1GrT73aD3t_bXs80YEhj-ntnt05B8pFXjRAyX0ZOvtuW5N36rhpYGYPj5aqht41GawezLwytPiIlaAl25lvf5H_oNEXmA6QhwS73_tI/s640/night+tent.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site at Night</td></tr>
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Once the kids were asleep I decided to walk to the main beach. The moon was out and was fairly bright. The walk was very pleasant. When I arrived on the beach I only saw one other person. You could hear the waves crashing but the wind had died long ago. Although the crashing waves were quite loud it somehow still seemed very peaceful.<br />
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The boys tent was the first to be vacated in the morning. We decided to go for a paddle until the girls were awake. We paddled the Outlet River until we got to Lake Ontario then turned around and made our way back to the site where the girls were playing in the sand. With everyone awake it was time to get the fire going so we could bake cinnamon buns for breakfast. We had intended to bring a cast iron frying pan to bake the buns in but we forgot it at home. Instead we just used the foil pan that the buns were placed in to rise. It worked great. The buns couldn't have turned out any better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Buns</td></tr>
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After breakfast we loaded the family and some toys into the canoe and paddled to the main beach. It was warm and a little cloudy, which made for a great morning to be at the beach. We played on the beach, swam and just enjoyed being outside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1WCZnHR0-FwLW45WPeSl1eJmIuhR2sjYKEOLbbsaLmdF7Do-a4Hr21JIMiZu4IxfuSTWhq4pQJDE8-BuLkj2yU-zSYJbdMpa9UWFa1mkoAecQVElOv6D14d8YdkPo8ZN495VWM8TyK1l/s1600/sand+castles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1WCZnHR0-FwLW45WPeSl1eJmIuhR2sjYKEOLbbsaLmdF7Do-a4Hr21JIMiZu4IxfuSTWhq4pQJDE8-BuLkj2yU-zSYJbdMpa9UWFa1mkoAecQVElOv6D14d8YdkPo8ZN495VWM8TyK1l/s640/sand+castles.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard at Work</td></tr>
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As the morning wore on, more and more clouds rolled in. We decided to pack up and head back to the site for lunch. As we got into the canoe it started raining a light rain that seemed warm. It didn't seem to matter to anyone that we were getting wet since we were all in our swimsuits. By the time we reached our site it was pouring. We sat in the screen room and watched the rain just come down. It rained on and off for a good part of the afternoon but there were lots of sunny periods mixed in with the rain. We played in the sand when it wasn't raining and played games when it was raining. Around 3:00 (I'm guessing since I don't wear a watch) the sun was back out. The kids were having a blast in the water so I decided to paddle up the Outlet River to East Lake and paddle a bit in East Lake. It was getting late so I headed back to the site. On my way back I could hear, very faintly, thunder in the distance.<br />
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Upon arriving at the site we quickly started to put dinner together. The thunder and lightning was now much closer but it looked as though the worst of it was passing to the north of us. We were just on the edge of the cloud bank. We finished cooking our dinner over the fire by which time the thunder and lightning seemed to be constant, but still north of us. It was an amazing show of light and sound. It poured for a bit then stopped. The thunder, dark clouds and rain all seemed to have moved east and it looked as though we had avoided the worst of the storm. As we finished eating the park wardens came by and informed us that there was a tornado watch and that we should seek shelter immediately. This seemed odd given that it looked like the worst had already passed, but I'm not a meteorologist. We got the kids in the van then quickly packed up (it must have been record time) our wet, sandy things and threw them into the van and headed for home.<br />
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As we drove north we passed through lots of heavy rain and noticed the signs indicating that high winds had been present. The worst of the damage was definitely in Bloomfield. There were downed trees and the emergency crews were out. We had certainly missed the worst of the storm. It was certainly our slowest drive home from Sandbanks but we were happy to be safe and dry.Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-43064182178443721322016-09-11T12:30:00.000-07:002016-09-16T18:29:41.701-07:00Algonquin: Canoe Lake To Burnt IslandWe figured we, as a family, were ready for our first back country trip where we didn't just setup camp on one lake and stay there. Canoe Lake in Algonquin seemed like a good place to start. It was meant to be a four day trip but our oldest daughter was sick the day before we were set to leave and the day we were to leave. We shortened the trip by a day but kept the root the same, which meant our first day would be a long one.<br />
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We put in at Canoe Lake which was extremely busy on a Saturday afternoon. We had lunch at the access point and I couldn't get over the number of canoes in the water. While we ate, there were never fewer than a dozen canoes visible on the water at once. At one point we were able to count eighteen canoes in the water. There was a time I might have been discouraged by such a large crowd. I might have liked to enjoy the peace and quiet that would come with an empty lake. In recent years my perspective has changed a great deal. I was ecstatic to see so many people. It means that people (and lots of them) are getting out there doing the things that I love doing. We saw young families, university students, couples, seniors all out in canoes and kayaks. Some were out for the first time, others were bringing friends and family out for the first time and still others were on their way to much quieter lakes. Rather than being frustrated at the crowds, I had a huge smile on my face the entire time. I hope more people take some time to explore this great park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Launch From Canoe Lake</td></tr>
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After packing away our lunch we headed off. We knew that we'd have to work hard to make up for not arriving on the Friday. but I was really hoping to see the Tom Thomson Cairn since I had never seen it. I knew we were pressed for time but decided to stop anyway. The Cairn was easy to locate due to the totem pole at the site. The kids were able to pick it out from a distance. We stopped and I had a quick peek while the others waited in the canoe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x_hvvdlQr9hCqik8DII2y6r84q8tOEOddvIix8HKlpk1sWzM9vonsFkbideaOcUZje94qSEys4n-76q_cy7HQPDw_m97gy015qhM7dFhehtYWweyJ2S03XQX0b5yGhLQ-4yqiVObNKCU/s1600/cairn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x_hvvdlQr9hCqik8DII2y6r84q8tOEOddvIix8HKlpk1sWzM9vonsFkbideaOcUZje94qSEys4n-76q_cy7HQPDw_m97gy015qhM7dFhehtYWweyJ2S03XQX0b5yGhLQ-4yqiVObNKCU/s640/cairn.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Thomson Cairn</td></tr>
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We continued north towards the portage. As we neared the portage we could see a traffic jam of canoes. We took our time gliding into the portage and by the time we landed the others were on their way. We blasted through the 260m portage without issue. Upon arriving at the other end of the portage we saw more boats and people than we had when we arrived. While many of the others took their time and lingered at the portage, we were quick to get back on the water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off He Goes! Looks Like the Girls Are at a Parade.</td></tr>
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We enjoyed a beautiful paddle through Joe and Little Joe Lakes. The sun was out, there was a bit of a breeze and there were lots of people enjoying their sites. We skipped the 120m portage along the creek at the north end of the lake. There were a few shallow rocks at the beginning but they were easy enough to avoid.<br />
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We made very good time in our paddling. We managed to pass a few groups also headed to Burnt Island Lake. This would prove beneficial later as all the sites on the lake were booked that night and it was getting late. Getting ahead of a few groups would make it easier to find a site.<br />
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Along the portage from Little Joe Lake to Baby Joe Lake we met a couple with adult children who were on their first canoe trip. Great to see!<br />
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After arriving on Burnt Island Lake we spent some time paddling in and out of different bays looking for a site that was available. We eventually found a vacant site which turned out to be great. It had a nice spot for landing the canoe, a good swimming spot and was quite flat. The only downside is that there was another site very close by. It started drizzling shortly after we arrived so we set up the tent and the rain stopped. After a tough day of paddling we were all very hungry which made our simple pita pizzas seem extra delicious. The kids had a great time playing on the spacious site. As we settled in for the night it began to rain a little. The pitter patter of rain drop on the tent made for a great sound track to fall asleep to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home For the Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WnD7aA0_-T5bh6Wc5yEbpV1Cil_HwLFFpbxDrudHEIOAGtLeeNOcwJeIrgBscczAFzVS6MO2Vzd6BZho51uSFBEqB8Ek4lUioYm4C8KOtgul72iq0EJQiqZFRlURj8YI9RMfZkKnNfKZ/s1600/hobo+stove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WnD7aA0_-T5bh6Wc5yEbpV1Cil_HwLFFpbxDrudHEIOAGtLeeNOcwJeIrgBscczAFzVS6MO2Vzd6BZho51uSFBEqB8Ek4lUioYm4C8KOtgul72iq0EJQiqZFRlURj8YI9RMfZkKnNfKZ/s640/hobo+stove.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourite Camp 'Chore': Tending the Stick Stove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H6Xf0YHMjFlbBkZRaKroe3ABlaWr6kP5umVaRTBE1CB6AkUwjAV89sEMusFjofOdA75Q0DmnwZRYhKWmyNTf-f5VZPxPmtJqcL6roC-UG9E2EybUVa0qbo_ezh5OTnmMcpL4OvQ7S-kB/s1600/playing+with+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H6Xf0YHMjFlbBkZRaKroe3ABlaWr6kP5umVaRTBE1CB6AkUwjAV89sEMusFjofOdA75Q0DmnwZRYhKWmyNTf-f5VZPxPmtJqcL6roC-UG9E2EybUVa0qbo_ezh5OTnmMcpL4OvQ7S-kB/s640/playing+with+water.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Outside</td></tr>
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The next day was a little cool and quite windy. We had a leisurely breakfast and took our time getting ready to go. As we were leaving our site the kids noticed a very small island with what looked like a single tree. They wondered if this small island was in fact Burnt Island, that had burned at one time leaving a lone dead tree. They wanted to check it out so our first order of business was to paddle the short distance to the island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFypws2EFofp25WyX4S9yqgWHJVbOAH8Re8njCoPS2cvo-33S50LtRu_Frnj_owgDxfIrh8JJfh6vDSyZQ0yXd_mnRhFnr0WW_03171ZKtdRBnRijRHIG_zfi8wCQU7c46g4Qign3fx7n-/s1600/little+island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFypws2EFofp25WyX4S9yqgWHJVbOAH8Re8njCoPS2cvo-33S50LtRu_Frnj_owgDxfIrh8JJfh6vDSyZQ0yXd_mnRhFnr0WW_03171ZKtdRBnRijRHIG_zfi8wCQU7c46g4Qign3fx7n-/s640/little+island.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Island on Burnt Island Lake</td></tr>
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We had a quick peek then turned around started paddling into a very strong headwind. It was at this point in the trip that I appreciated the fact that we had travelled in one canoe rather than two. On our way to the portage to Little Doe Lake we noticed about 10 canoes heading in the same direction. The portage was quite busy, but everyone else seemed to be going to the Joe Lakes, leaving us on our own to get to Little Doe. We covered the 1340m portage much quicker than I though we would. A good sign for future trips. As we loaded up the canoe on Little Doe it was a little misty. We thought it might rain but before long it started clearing up. We paddled past a couple of sites that looked okay and thought we could come back to them if we didn't find anything else. Before long we came upon what looked like a great site. It was a little tough to get the canoe out of the water but other than that the site was great.<br />
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We setup our site, went for a swim, did some paddling as well as some relaxing. It was a great day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH4RaOaDaw9FDfOmS9WuGDc2aBSAY-TvSwXouS5Tt0xeXZug8T0SCZuBGTrafX3JJFz0-J8V5_s9AKv-SO-qAwbrCO_Q0GC1HicjkzUcX5PRZM-mG4dqzuw7DySyXB71e6qvni-NeMZ9T/s1600/touring+around.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH4RaOaDaw9FDfOmS9WuGDc2aBSAY-TvSwXouS5Tt0xeXZug8T0SCZuBGTrafX3JJFz0-J8V5_s9AKv-SO-qAwbrCO_Q0GC1HicjkzUcX5PRZM-mG4dqzuw7DySyXB71e6qvni-NeMZ9T/s640/touring+around.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring Around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBBb0r-GcUNmJ2-WYkM8DIktSddamyZBG5gd2maIBt6oMtzdWsENfzRDDepQc02bRLjBbDLbh9dHNz3Zc0NG2tZFwVNW06bmUnpGNGhJixiZfhSDUmYbwnjIlSSFV6wQcERh-2thZyxI/s1600/little+Doe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBBb0r-GcUNmJ2-WYkM8DIktSddamyZBG5gd2maIBt6oMtzdWsENfzRDDepQc02bRLjBbDLbh9dHNz3Zc0NG2tZFwVNW06bmUnpGNGhJixiZfhSDUmYbwnjIlSSFV6wQcERh-2thZyxI/s640/little+Doe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite on Little Doe Lake</td></tr>
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The soundtrack that we fell asleep to on this night consisted of barred owls hooting back and forth to one another.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T3mx3WHId3m-VpB4lRK4UJrScJXL0MlH52TNk5lTnaKs9e2ET0LyyYQAXYb7H5w7rKIPsHlgzw4ypJpexDHsfeBjMFsRWl1ay5-_tqW_ASyRMYHLIt982T-JrUpUpq_fCEcaCPlBv6iV/s1600/littledoe2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T3mx3WHId3m-VpB4lRK4UJrScJXL0MlH52TNk5lTnaKs9e2ET0LyyYQAXYb7H5w7rKIPsHlgzw4ypJpexDHsfeBjMFsRWl1ay5-_tqW_ASyRMYHLIt982T-JrUpUpq_fCEcaCPlBv6iV/s640/littledoe2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Out Over Little Doe</td></tr>
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I was hoping to go for a swim on our last day before leaving the site but it was quite cool in the morning. The swim would have to wait. We had breakfast and packed up. We decided it would be fun to paddle into Tom Thomson Lake just to see it. We paddled up the short creek from Little Doe to Tom Thomson. We hoped we might see a moose, but we did not. Tom Thomson was a beautiful lake. It would be a good lake to camp on for a future trip.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOBI1GS5OuVoNAr9e-g1DaSfHzxg6FlYCSeI4RidKLfxgnAJLjrqcHgyOyREuU7VzdaEoGjYT5Pi73NRNFc00HpzbE4Yj-BYMVtqDzpYdW8LlxSoBQzT2y9X8qcnzVMbEN2xxDJFg_7N3/s1600/bow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOBI1GS5OuVoNAr9e-g1DaSfHzxg6FlYCSeI4RidKLfxgnAJLjrqcHgyOyREuU7VzdaEoGjYT5Pi73NRNFc00HpzbE4Yj-BYMVtqDzpYdW8LlxSoBQzT2y9X8qcnzVMbEN2xxDJFg_7N3/s640/bow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Lily Pads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi9Zj31khMaWedMWSmEx1cV6Tnf5z9slFRO8BOQzypmvB_rxRt16viLFUH70z6uP5EZETW-Q_VXesLKROM3TFmnKUirv_0cz39ZPF8TyL3BNHrLA4TBinXVWg0WeS0Z7vy-kmdGQVJqre/s1600/Beaver+Dam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi9Zj31khMaWedMWSmEx1cV6Tnf5z9slFRO8BOQzypmvB_rxRt16viLFUH70z6uP5EZETW-Q_VXesLKROM3TFmnKUirv_0cz39ZPF8TyL3BNHrLA4TBinXVWg0WeS0Z7vy-kmdGQVJqre/s640/Beaver+Dam.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Dam En Route to Tom Thomson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NJUOQDKzWMHoXhp4dmnhZ-Wg8ZX1_QF4JQflKL_W2pVRaDOuqWgntxKoHCVVzzSK-e9E-TTRxFbwU8XiFHQpx3JcSHDWz0X8t1c3SF32eilnttFW64ECXxPGFTYV6OPSFHivQMZipzzC/s1600/loon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NJUOQDKzWMHoXhp4dmnhZ-Wg8ZX1_QF4JQflKL_W2pVRaDOuqWgntxKoHCVVzzSK-e9E-TTRxFbwU8XiFHQpx3JcSHDWz0X8t1c3SF32eilnttFW64ECXxPGFTYV6OPSFHivQMZipzzC/s640/loon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly Loon</td></tr>
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Eventually we decided we should start making our way back to Canoe Lake. We paddled down the Little Oxtongue River to Teepee Lake. We noticed that we seemed to be paddling slower today than we had on the other days. Were we just tired and suffering from sore muscles? Perhaps. Is it possible we were subconsciously paddling slowly in order to extend our stay in the park? Perhaps. Either way it was a great paddle. As we paddled we noticed that the wind had died entirely. We decided to find a campsite on Joe Lake where we could stop for lunch. We found a vacant site across from Joe Island and unloaded our lunch. The site had a ton of garbage in the fire pit. I was pleased to hear the kids ask "Why would anyone leave all this garbage here". We had bagels for lunch. I finished quickly and went for a swim while the kids were finishing their lunch. They decided that they didn't want to swim so we cleaned up the site and pressed on.<br />
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The paddle across Canoe Lake was interesting. There still wasn't any wind and the lake was as flat as glass. It was beautiful and there were far fewer boats on the water than when we had left. What a great way to end the trip. When we arrived at the access point we discovered that it was 4:30, which was much later than we had anticipated. We loaded our stuff up and headed for home. Before we got to Highway 60 the kids were asking if we could come back. A good sign that we had a successful trip.<br />
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-44913298579647880052016-07-29T13:14:00.000-07:002016-07-29T13:14:02.640-07:00Bon Echo's Hidden Gems<div>
When we visited Bon Echo Provincial Park <a href="http://kindredwanderings.blogspot.ca/2015/07/a-visit-to-bon-echo.html">last year</a> we did the typical things a family might do including: playing at the beach, watching the sun come up over Mazinaw Rock, hiking the Clifftop Trail, visiting the Visitor Centre and taking in some of the programs offered. It was great and we all loved it. </div>
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This year we wanted to add some variety to the trip so we thought we'd explore some of the lesser known parts of the parks.</div>
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We were visiting for three days and had hoped to do the Kishkebus Canoe Route on our full day. Just before leaving the house we noticed that there was a chance of thunderstorms on our second day so we modified our plan to do the canoe route on our first day.</div>
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We arrived at the park and were registered by 11:00. We unpacked the canoe, the kids, some water and snacks and headed out. It was a gorgeous day with very light winds which made for an easy paddle to the portage into Kishkebus Lake. We paddled along the rock and admired it's utter size and the amazing pictograph located along the water. Even though we've paddled here before, it hard not to be struck by the shear magnitude of this rock. If you visit the park make sure you take an opportunity to paddle the base of the rock. You won't be disappointed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInYBWGcBjfVLhqsg0F6ERRAmiFW0ruWdVk2VGxMePK_uJMFAlalV3zayLUeAzaSXIKUulB1Mw6uuGR-b7JepsX31sTNoKLdwV2pD5_ZlFuWqPMrqcuVCLR_Lguw5QgAUsMwhRAkw4yI3/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInYBWGcBjfVLhqsg0F6ERRAmiFW0ruWdVk2VGxMePK_uJMFAlalV3zayLUeAzaSXIKUulB1Mw6uuGR-b7JepsX31sTNoKLdwV2pD5_ZlFuWqPMrqcuVCLR_Lguw5QgAUsMwhRAkw4yI3/s640/IMG_1026.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling Along Mazinaw Rock</td></tr>
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We had lunch on the water just before starting the portage into Kishkebus Lake. The portage is 1.5km in length. There are a couple of ups and downs but overall it's not a bad portage (though I'm a little out of practice). I actually walked the portage three times: once with the family to give our youngest member a ride should she need it (She did take a ride a couple of times but it was very brief.), once to get back to the start and once with the canoe. Our three year old daughter did a great job. She could totally do the portage on her own. If we were to do it again we'd do the portage in a single trip, which would speed thing up a great deal.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the Portage</td></tr>
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Upon completing the portage we were treated to an amazing lake. Lake Kishkebus is only accessible by portage. There are no cottages on it and the only other people we saw were the two canoes that we had seen on the portage. It felt as though we had left the hustle and bustle of Bon Echo Park behind in exchange for a remote northern lake. We loved paddling the lake. We were so busy taking it all in that we forgot to take pictures. I guess we'll have to go back. Since we had started so late we didn't think we had much time for playing on the lake but it looked as though there was a nice sandy beach on south west portion of the lake. We all agreed that we'd have to come back and spend more time here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQs45fCrGjQKti33D7Ua0OgLkg5suMIVCMEo-yobUoa6GoPbZ6gzd0Fp-LnLwaDYl66KXg72EBaFiHckB3xINL_GDL3PoCNl9O-797lmbH26ACU_9i6AaWGXPX_tUbt9J_bx2N_HfzLV/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQs45fCrGjQKti33D7Ua0OgLkg5suMIVCMEo-yobUoa6GoPbZ6gzd0Fp-LnLwaDYl66KXg72EBaFiHckB3xINL_GDL3PoCNl9O-797lmbH26ACU_9i6AaWGXPX_tUbt9J_bx2N_HfzLV/s640/IMG_1037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Put-in at Kishkebus</td></tr>
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The portage out of Kishkebus was a quick and easy 60m leading into Shabomeka Lake. Shabomeka Lake is not in the park but was still a nice lake to paddle. There were very few cottages at the north end but as we made our way south we saw a lot more cottages. Since it was Sunday afternoon many of the cottagers were packing up and getting ready to leave. It looked as though there was a large (and very busy) beach on the east side of the lake. The portage out of Shabomeka is 40m around a small dam. We didn't look to hard for the portage trail. Instead we crossed the road the dam was on and put in on the downstream side. As we paddled down stream we noticed where we were supposed to have ended the portage.</div>
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Although the body of water that we portaged into was called Semicircle Lake, it seemed more like a meandering creek at first. The passage was somewhat narrow in spots and there were lots of lily pads but the water was very clear.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semicircle Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrQ6SonEqSbxiDFH0077bT_RO2Nfemv8ff6ctYJSz7LM23wBwFchPxkDLJqjK5jFzEGz8pTjFlkPM3AAWWuQFa9rxpgTBlhIxSm58TxiWGcvACv5K9aeHbrDZzg5qSdRsK7pw6m60xeOv/s1600/paddling+semicircle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrQ6SonEqSbxiDFH0077bT_RO2Nfemv8ff6ctYJSz7LM23wBwFchPxkDLJqjK5jFzEGz8pTjFlkPM3AAWWuQFa9rxpgTBlhIxSm58TxiWGcvACv5K9aeHbrDZzg5qSdRsK7pw6m60xeOv/s640/paddling+semicircle.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for Fish</td></tr>
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Not too far into our paddle on Semicircle Lake we came to a large beaver dam. We probably could have found a way around it had we looked, but instead we decided to go over it. Sarah and I got out and lifted the canoe down. The kids enjoyed the ride down and we didn't loose anybody. We estimated the drop to be 40-50cm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazKMd-L4r_E04sBr82bUdXSUFUq6vp5f1QxXqZMKSHKjmwUkyeHoYhPi_Dz7UuavoVuikMfCEst5WFGf-PiCBTSGZ8TUhc8n-0vasw0JJr-_kk6iBE49RgX5yr_jd9JwO6bQdw9YV5fl-/s1600/beaver+dam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazKMd-L4r_E04sBr82bUdXSUFUq6vp5f1QxXqZMKSHKjmwUkyeHoYhPi_Dz7UuavoVuikMfCEst5WFGf-PiCBTSGZ8TUhc8n-0vasw0JJr-_kk6iBE49RgX5yr_jd9JwO6bQdw9YV5fl-/s640/beaver+dam.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at the Beaver Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Shortly after the dam we came to another dam that was entirely submerged. As Sarah got out to pull us over she must have stepped off the pile of sticks because before we knew it she was chest deep in mud. She got back in the boat (we all had a good laugh) and we pushed ourselves over the dam instead. We meandered through the reeds and lily pads until we came to the open part of the lake. Though not large, the lake itself was peaceful and clear.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyi9Mim2Q9H41BAN3UqQEV0nv38qKNFTvoIQKYXBezwggbb3YT1fktoxzOlwkg0aBLjg3YTefJFNGh7bFidhUvNNk4lWrSRxwtoIFjSpbtZ-W4yk8vGuUMyVAFM26OF76QnGmvc50hJxC/s1600/semicircle2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyi9Mim2Q9H41BAN3UqQEV0nv38qKNFTvoIQKYXBezwggbb3YT1fktoxzOlwkg0aBLjg3YTefJFNGh7bFidhUvNNk4lWrSRxwtoIFjSpbtZ-W4yk8vGuUMyVAFM26OF76QnGmvc50hJxC/s640/semicircle2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open Portion of Semicircle Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The map shows a 40m portage from Semicircle Lake to Campbell Creek but as we approached the creek it appeared as though we might be able to bypass the portage. The portage was a small bridge over the creek. We figured we could just paddle under the bridge, which is exactly what we did.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHklhYar72s0WyLizwDNDaNLdnljSnQ0yTuIIFpGEWl8z4wqeEtc8KpRnN_vyjx_z8pM4tAr49POWYUq_ykaMQ4rWUO-wxXGMYrkmeOvL0k2EMqtNmlOJwXZRfNMYQkqowNdF5lzYoScGX/s1600/Brigde+to+Campbell+Creek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHklhYar72s0WyLizwDNDaNLdnljSnQ0yTuIIFpGEWl8z4wqeEtc8KpRnN_vyjx_z8pM4tAr49POWYUq_ykaMQ4rWUO-wxXGMYrkmeOvL0k2EMqtNmlOJwXZRfNMYQkqowNdF5lzYoScGX/s640/Brigde+to+Campbell+Creek.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Bridge Over Campbell Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The paddle through Campbell Creek was nice. Again the water was very clear and we spotted a number of fish. A large fish even broke the surface close by and startled many of us. The short paddle along the creek led us to another beaver dam before dumping into Mazinaw Lake. There's a short portage around the beaver dam, but we chose to go over the dam instead. This one was quite a bit higher than the previous one but we managed just fine. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The paddle up Mazinaw Lake was long, but luckily the wind was at our backs. We stopped at the day use beach for a quick swim to cool off. This was a fantastic canoe route. It's a great day trip and a fairly safe way to see if you like canoe tripping. That being said it is a pretty full day. The group of inexperienced trippers we came across likely took in the neighbourhood of eight hours to complete the loop. The most challenging portion is the 1.5km portage, but if you take your time and rest as needed, it's totally doable. The downside to the route is that once you complete the portage you're committed to finishing the loop unless you want to do the portage again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next day we were hoping to do some hiking on the Abes and Essens trail but we were all pretty tired. We slept in then had a leisurely pancake breakfast. We hung around our site relaxing, reading, writing and napping. After lunch we headed for the beach and spent the rest of the afternoon there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On our final day we packed up and decided to paddle Bon Echo Lake. We headed down the road past the cabins and discovered a dock with some parking nearby. When we arrived we saw another beautiful, wilderness lake. We were the only ones there. While we got things ready the kids hopped into the canoe and were ready to go. They decided where they would sit and where we would sit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJMUQSFOwBoO3S8gZIklJykg7b7NdxwM12LHsCeLdkJmuAchJFK-YEXPjrwv3x3NCn92VHIxio_0shMp1-3kbcFC9josoD6dwV1q_XCzG4r4Ko0S8dNxboMVqoX7Ey5ApNWzIFeQ4PHZs/s1600/Ready+to+go.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJMUQSFOwBoO3S8gZIklJykg7b7NdxwM12LHsCeLdkJmuAchJFK-YEXPjrwv3x3NCn92VHIxio_0shMp1-3kbcFC9josoD6dwV1q_XCzG4r4Ko0S8dNxboMVqoX7Ey5ApNWzIFeQ4PHZs/s640/Ready+to+go.JPG" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids Ready to Go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we rounded the corner of the bay with the dock the wind was strong and blowing right down the lake at us. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBPrvtGrAmixOAa21RU_-Vpb9GHgkaqU7X9YdpDeS-AF-as-oSngf-9ReAHmYijc0apQ5bkUqWTiW4U4ax3BpgdgPpnWnHrPg1VMN4cdsGgVJQ3s-YNT7QwmNUALzd-AwRO7khIo24ahk/s1600/Looking+up+Bon+Echo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBPrvtGrAmixOAa21RU_-Vpb9GHgkaqU7X9YdpDeS-AF-as-oSngf-9ReAHmYijc0apQ5bkUqWTiW4U4ax3BpgdgPpnWnHrPg1VMN4cdsGgVJQ3s-YNT7QwmNUALzd-AwRO7khIo24ahk/s640/Looking+up+Bon+Echo.JPG" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bon Echo Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfyB4_NJ69XI9yJS_UJfDxx5rSbsbG73dSRMe3jE8pSLfq6aG2muX6gRD2Ut0mGZaMYsvvyXGYaHIz3P16-zF6kUEl3cXMWgFZRg7wD88Okz604YPBORuuwEOr0QCxNS0anSya6l0_G2Q/s1600/sterning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfyB4_NJ69XI9yJS_UJfDxx5rSbsbG73dSRMe3jE8pSLfq6aG2muX6gRD2Ut0mGZaMYsvvyXGYaHIz3P16-zF6kUEl3cXMWgFZRg7wD88Okz604YPBORuuwEOr0QCxNS0anSya6l0_G2Q/s640/sterning.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping Us on Track in a Strong Wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We paddled to the western edge of the lake and found a marshy area. There was a small path through the marsh that we attempted to follow, but we didn't get far. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Uz9Yp9G4_2C3LiwAHHeStXxCN8fsuZ41BXfrvsMRzDWJUx_muKCe1uw8dnizyveqy-DGkvaGG1D0OBXdEsuSOeWZc7OXUPlh0PHBpAp5My0VNLRtF8Bx2WPShBEwq1jXH0dc5DkMAfP/s1600/Marsh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77Uz9Yp9G4_2C3LiwAHHeStXxCN8fsuZ41BXfrvsMRzDWJUx_muKCe1uw8dnizyveqy-DGkvaGG1D0OBXdEsuSOeWZc7OXUPlh0PHBpAp5My0VNLRtF8Bx2WPShBEwq1jXH0dc5DkMAfP/s640/Marsh.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After exploring a bit we turned around and had the wind at our backs. Some of us decided we didn't need to paddle on the way back. Paddling Bon Echo Lake was great. There was nobody on the lake and despite the fact that the cabins are close to the lake we didn't see them or their occupants. There's something quite special about being the only ones on a lake.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3JF_APE2BPTyxsGzJCDzksgm8XiLy55BBhOBV2RHAaTJaaXMmupHLcgbInu65HYG1pH_hfGEeMRKIqWN0Vv0mDM5241iz6SVDQIA67B2VTyuSRxTJvY2aVl15eq2OJZkAn6Zce6Y-Fyt/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3JF_APE2BPTyxsGzJCDzksgm8XiLy55BBhOBV2RHAaTJaaXMmupHLcgbInu65HYG1pH_hfGEeMRKIqWN0Vv0mDM5241iz6SVDQIA67B2VTyuSRxTJvY2aVl15eq2OJZkAn6Zce6Y-Fyt/s640/IMG_1174.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's Steering This Boat?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
After paddling we headed for the day use beach where we spent the remainder of the afternoon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bon Echo is a fantastic park with lots to do. On this trip we really enjoyed getting off the beaten path and exploring some of the lesser known and less frequently visited portions of the park. We will certainly be back to spend more time in these more remote sections of the park.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-33663144219161865212016-07-12T20:01:00.001-07:002016-07-12T20:01:30.007-07:00Family BikingI would consider our recent adventures as micro-adventures. In fact they were such a small change in routine for us that we might not have even thought about writing about them.<br />
<br />
Since the month of June was <a href="http://bikemonth.ca/news">Bike Month</a> I decided to think carefully every time I needed to leave the house. I wanted to use the car as little as possible and ride our bikes as much as possible. Every trip was accompanied by the question "Is there any reason we can't bike?". It turned out that many of the trips were totally doable on a bike.<br />
<br />
Our youngest daughter rode in her bicycle seat on my bike to get to preschool. Our middle daughter rode on our '<a href="http://www.trail-a-bike.com/">trail-a-bike</a>' to get to and from school and our son rode his own bike. It was a great way to see things that you miss while in a car.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PkrL8ZjtQx2mXOLpNxOdJo-QcwQBks0IVb6yefhVEUn7c2BeCcTr9qJ0uTQx-FL61VlQ5QRoerSc8M-_sal0ojZj4Y7kJiyitmJVk1nft0PHtXBFQ8b4Z7PS2YU-4v89duJ4PP8lka-e/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PkrL8ZjtQx2mXOLpNxOdJo-QcwQBks0IVb6yefhVEUn7c2BeCcTr9qJ0uTQx-FL61VlQ5QRoerSc8M-_sal0ojZj4Y7kJiyitmJVk1nft0PHtXBFQ8b4Z7PS2YU-4v89duJ4PP8lka-e/s640/IMG_0819.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jhBS0mE-s8WYUwvSghG_f5Glf-Q0GMOEKtj5gQsj9wccrcgCTwLdulrpNrdppbkxL8vlhBcuMis-FIqY9Dble2qTjJ1Uc7jFXTWoPUM0ihY3x-kuEEjh-XQ_WSnMkq8T2ei4cF_U3uUF/s1600/2012-07-11+18.33.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jhBS0mE-s8WYUwvSghG_f5Glf-Q0GMOEKtj5gQsj9wccrcgCTwLdulrpNrdppbkxL8vlhBcuMis-FIqY9Dble2qTjJ1Uc7jFXTWoPUM0ihY3x-kuEEjh-XQ_WSnMkq8T2ei4cF_U3uUF/s640/2012-07-11+18.33.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Old Trail-a-Bike Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHQU24GZkG0lIDbq6b8Uy_pL4d96xUD6i90ARknd6WGO5KGRqH7-h6XphEXyHaLBQfOFMrLW936CuC8KANh4jcFGuBRqKyjsLx567sY2ncpLjLWYd-2qi-1A0_q0SbYmCKx2UIQrMcEcv/s1600/2016-06-20+16.08.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHQU24GZkG0lIDbq6b8Uy_pL4d96xUD6i90ARknd6WGO5KGRqH7-h6XphEXyHaLBQfOFMrLW936CuC8KANh4jcFGuBRqKyjsLx567sY2ncpLjLWYd-2qi-1A0_q0SbYmCKx2UIQrMcEcv/s400/2016-06-20+16.08.14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming Home From School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's what I liked most about our month of biking:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The kids kept asking if we could bike.<br /></li>
<li>We helped the environment - a little. We would normally drive our youngest daughter to preschool so we reduced some driving there. The other kids ride a school bus that comes by our house whether they're on it or not. Removing their combined 100 pounds from the bus probably doesn't do much for the environment but they understand that biking in general is better for the environment.<br /></li>
<li>We immersed ourselves in bike culture. Every day was about biking. How far would we go today? What route would we take? Could we make it home before the bugs came out? Would we beat the bus home?<br /></li>
<li>Fitness. We all got a ton of exercise as a result of all our biking. It feels great to be in better shape.<br /></li>
<li>Being outside. It's no secret that as a family we love being outside. This gave us a way to sneak in more outdoor time on school days as well as other days. In addition to just being outside the kids got to see more nature. It was great to watch the older kids stop on to watch a rabbit that was up ahead on the trail on the way to school. Perhaps the highlight of the month was biking our youngest daughter home from preschool and seeing a deer bounding along side us as we rode, then watching it stop to watch us pass. Who knew a three year old could be so appreciative and respectful of nature (complete with her little whisper so as not to scare it).</li>
</ul>
<br />
I really liked how biking seemed to enhance some of our outing. As an example, one day the kids wanted to go fishing so we decided to bike to the river. We biked along the road to get there but on the way back we took the multipurpose trail. I think they enjoyed the ride along the trail as much as they did the fishing. Everyone was smiling, happy and well worn out just in time for bed.<br />
<br />
Our bikes helped us realize the fact that you don't have to go far to have a good time outside.<br />
<br />
What are your favourite micro-adventures or family biking stories?<br />
<br />Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-24539932651729776292016-06-26T20:03:00.001-07:002016-06-28T14:56:19.904-07:00National Canoe Day 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What better place to be on National Canoe Day than in a canoe. We decided to head to Peterborough to participate in the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/activ/eclusez-pagayez-lock-paddle.aspx">Trent Severn Lock 'n Paddle</a> event. Parks Canada wanted to see how many canoes and kayaks they could squeeze into the Peterborough Lift Lock. The lock is the highest hydraulic lock in the world, rising (or falling) a total of 19.8 metres. The previous record was 101 boats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We decided to put in at <a href="http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Peterborough_Parks/Rogers_Cove.htm">Roger's Cove</a> which is a very short paddle from lock 20 (one lock downstream from the Lift Lock). Roger's Cove is a beautiful park overlooking Little Lake. The park has some great play structures, a splash pad, picnic tables, a nice beach and a portion of paved <a href="http://tctrail.ca/">Trans Canada Trail</a> running through it. Our goal for the day was to participate in the Lock 'n Paddle but also to make sure the kids had fun for the rest of the day. This was the perfect spot to start and finish. I could see us coming back to explore more by canoe or possibly by bike.<br />
<br />
We arrived and had lunch in the park then loaded up the canoe for the short but adventure filled paddle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygotzkDCBP6VhyqucoCijcaueZb-iTHlSUiXTknFZJU3FgeS_iI1IZBZQ93mD8m7I_98drnUZmEMXEzMZOJxvg4UeCBaBr2aGpO63UjDUMNTm-MD_08dYmex8ZuALjavo3R0QXTDZNyO1/s1600/2016-06-25+11.55.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygotzkDCBP6VhyqucoCijcaueZb-iTHlSUiXTknFZJU3FgeS_iI1IZBZQ93mD8m7I_98drnUZmEMXEzMZOJxvg4UeCBaBr2aGpO63UjDUMNTm-MD_08dYmex8ZuALjavo3R0QXTDZNyO1/s640/2016-06-25+11.55.49.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Fountain on Little Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The paddle to our first lock took less than five minutes. The lock masters wanted to lock as many canoes and kayaks together so we waited at the lock for quite some time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLud5mLTxIFSPK_VmTcro91DvbBwu6tNKzD479VvSAc8nuMXdJMGyquVmsWc85H0mn2fxj7JqvtGsM04GqPro5TnsTcsdAheVhxMyryKtsrTZNzPo9EqmqFC1XTtekwGsioTXheMXGSkP/s1600/2016-06-25+12.25.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLud5mLTxIFSPK_VmTcro91DvbBwu6tNKzD479VvSAc8nuMXdJMGyquVmsWc85H0mn2fxj7JqvtGsM04GqPro5TnsTcsdAheVhxMyryKtsrTZNzPo9EqmqFC1XTtekwGsioTXheMXGSkP/s640/2016-06-25+12.25.28.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour boat Coming Through the Locks as we Waited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFn8jVAIwbRVwXOnwwTqoCNhA_96CIYCr8Q9GOnBFIqRoZ88cZxHOVGw2TKZeJ9gh9w56HL8JB1SaL_D6C5ysUkFDY_ect3aH7R0ou0ZVBMQ82N7DKX2MCAFZ-P0c29jcPYjTd4ePRtcc/s1600/2016-06-25+12.52.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFn8jVAIwbRVwXOnwwTqoCNhA_96CIYCr8Q9GOnBFIqRoZ88cZxHOVGw2TKZeJ9gh9w56HL8JB1SaL_D6C5ysUkFDY_ect3aH7R0ou0ZVBMQ82N7DKX2MCAFZ-P0c29jcPYjTd4ePRtcc/s640/2016-06-25+12.52.47.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock 20 Ashburnham Loaded With 60-75 boats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1llNRWeR6tU-rf7lOD3RZgh4yhYVgc7wg-Yuj6XtxlBSSOrWGVir62przu6jWRCyDhjAnl7nrI3dLRyy-lQmcN_llEwZgbBGKQqg-2psCR6m5ySMbFLuTXHZLraH0G5dBOD-LkTNrSqs/s1600/2016-06-25+13.06.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1llNRWeR6tU-rf7lOD3RZgh4yhYVgc7wg-Yuj6XtxlBSSOrWGVir62przu6jWRCyDhjAnl7nrI3dLRyy-lQmcN_llEwZgbBGKQqg-2psCR6m5ySMbFLuTXHZLraH0G5dBOD-LkTNrSqs/s640/2016-06-25+13.06.11.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock on its Way Down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuu50q3iTgAdKslwL3luUK6X76YXa23uptyQUQmG6kGyg5ujOn0dVjw_VCcCgKIiwufW1Nmh4NyaNABmb1lGpuyVCpetBqRA2Fnvrs6SXgMHfidzGtjdLjdC8FC3JZ1lMmwFwxQJiInvm/s1600/2016-06-25+13.25.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuu50q3iTgAdKslwL3luUK6X76YXa23uptyQUQmG6kGyg5ujOn0dVjw_VCcCgKIiwufW1Nmh4NyaNABmb1lGpuyVCpetBqRA2Fnvrs6SXgMHfidzGtjdLjdC8FC3JZ1lMmwFwxQJiInvm/s640/2016-06-25+13.25.09.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading the Lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LdZVkkyjueie6gafPyTBhnC-7sjsQMBzjbPmKffMIZ_opMDSzkVnQTA97nnpyiLPNt9RQgXqRvAyC0vEN0PSDOWuPcsPz8rntY-7gx07yrQpaMijFb2my_ppgiEQNp19HMs65rZZV3x6/s1600/lock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LdZVkkyjueie6gafPyTBhnC-7sjsQMBzjbPmKffMIZ_opMDSzkVnQTA97nnpyiLPNt9RQgXqRvAyC0vEN0PSDOWuPcsPz8rntY-7gx07yrQpaMijFb2my_ppgiEQNp19HMs65rZZV3x6/s640/lock.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Way Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_qKFKU4_lTgs74aqDcOTDEtHgiHvqcO4UZex6MZAv0OrbekZ6agaBY3devnPvPktIN-bPDhvit4hyPi5MDolSg9EUbLz3CLIikDtx0DOMW_J3jBlUoSr6rOIIFgru1_WZM-ndvLjZoxY/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_qKFKU4_lTgs74aqDcOTDEtHgiHvqcO4UZex6MZAv0OrbekZ6agaBY3devnPvPktIN-bPDhvit4hyPi5MDolSg9EUbLz3CLIikDtx0DOMW_J3jBlUoSr6rOIIFgru1_WZM-ndvLjZoxY/s640/IMG_0833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Count </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6l9yWfXx77PyFb91DavseU6UBGbKrtzaMNaT1VM3G2IHh1iYMAf7StUoQ87pc_iv-J0VuV4MM8uQ51TMaMWduNa-BpLaU22r7etbn9drR801__C7BBqd9QoMnyLQ2rNX3uPgJm16Ce8N/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6l9yWfXx77PyFb91DavseU6UBGbKrtzaMNaT1VM3G2IHh1iYMAf7StUoQ87pc_iv-J0VuV4MM8uQ51TMaMWduNa-BpLaU22r7etbn9drR801__C7BBqd9QoMnyLQ2rNX3uPgJm16Ce8N/s640/IMG_0836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving It!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3Y7-uvQV3hU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="399" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Y7-uvQV3hU?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/95_wOA_N82w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="399" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95_wOA_N82w?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
In all there were 138 boats that made the trip up in the lock, with another 15 boats that went up on the next trip. </div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
Here's what it looked like from above.</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center " data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LocknPaddle?src=hash">#LocknPaddle</a> was a success! Thank you paddlers who helped get 138 canoes/kayaks into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peterborough?src=hash">#Peterborough</a> Lift Lock. <a href="https://t.co/IYPi40KSLa">pic.twitter.com/IYPi40KSLa</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
— TrentSevern Waterway (@TrentSevernNHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentSevernNHS/status/747172306032693248">June 26, 2016</a></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
We had an uneventful trip back down to Roger's Cove (if such a thing is possible when surrounded by dozens of other boats). We packed up all of our gear then the kids played at the splash pad and park.<br />
<br />
It was such a fun day filled with incredible experiences!<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128005405546053249.post-35155946937617381612016-05-29T21:08:00.001-07:002016-05-29T21:08:50.582-07:00First Family Trip To Algonquin<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8pknFam0E2ohXl3OtEpW5Dk7LCe32JOZxbMFIph0our7NKq34HgIoOJVZVnZh0uSore4X7pdeZHhjKASh0DbDszqYvWvwNjDU-Uv80EzEwePJzRTxiStLiIwnCLWI37BRl4i5HeWPx82/s1600/Kearney+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8pknFam0E2ohXl3OtEpW5Dk7LCe32JOZxbMFIph0our7NKq34HgIoOJVZVnZh0uSore4X7pdeZHhjKASh0DbDszqYvWvwNjDU-Uv80EzEwePJzRTxiStLiIwnCLWI37BRl4i5HeWPx82/s640/Kearney+Lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kearney Lake</td></tr>
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We don't make a habit of camping on the Victoria Day weekend. This could be for many reasons: the weather can be awful; the bugs can be bad; the parks can be crowded; etc. This year we decided that we really wanted to camp for the long weekend. We made a decision a few weeks before the weekend but decided we would check the weather before booking anything. I don't mind camping in terrible weather but I'm not sure how much fun it would have been for the kids. A week after we made the decision to camp we checked the long range forecast. It looked decent so we decided we should go. My wife and I were really hoping for an interior trip but when we checked the parks close by there weren't a lot of sites left. We decided this would be a great opportunity to take the kids to Algonquin for the first time. For whatever reason, they were not excited about the Algonquin backcountry. We decided to compromise and do some front country camping in Algonquin. This way we could take the kids to see the park but they would also be excited to go.<br />
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We looked online at the <a href="http://ontarioparks.com/reservations">Ontario Parks Reservation</a> page and discovered (to no one's surprise) that the best sites were all booked. We're generally not too picky about sites and noticed that there were some non-reservable campsites on the water available. We decided on Kearney Lake but had some alternatives in mind just in case. My wife was a little apprehensive about just showing up and hoping to get a site on the long weekend. I showed her some maps and the number of sites available. This combined with the fact we would be arriving early Friday seemed to set her mind at ease.<br />
<br />
Friday of the long weekend was a P.A. Day for the kids so we left Friday morning and were on our site before noon. The weather was amazing. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the mid twenties and it didn't look as though there was anyone in the campground. Our site was perfect. We stayed at K238. It was certainly one of the best sites in the whole campground.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDw8hVQl8q5JuNnF_FgRkFNSY9piNdpLStV4LOSlrAkZSgJbNoGP-dM5Xicc5XbHwQuz3FHnYdOJH-fbfXKy2YaUM7vA8FwKTSCENvObqTaQcpCHnTRmUBCUdPUWaCUbIIlwLgSqEqfdF/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDw8hVQl8q5JuNnF_FgRkFNSY9piNdpLStV4LOSlrAkZSgJbNoGP-dM5Xicc5XbHwQuz3FHnYdOJH-fbfXKy2YaUM7vA8FwKTSCENvObqTaQcpCHnTRmUBCUdPUWaCUbIIlwLgSqEqfdF/s640/IMG_0777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home for the Weekend</td></tr>
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We setup our site and discovered there was a boil water advisory for the campground. My first thought was "We should have brought the <a href="https://www.katadyn.com/us/ca/368-8019201-katadyn-base-camp-pro-10l_usa">Katadyn Base Camp Filter</a>. My second thought was to bike to the Pog Lake Campground and see if there was a boil water advisory there. It turns out the water there was fine and the bike ride was only about 400 metres, although biking with 10 litres of water in one hand (and not the other) created an interesting balancing situation. Physics and free-body diagrams came to mind. Later it occurred to me that perhaps we should have check the <a href="https://www.ontarioparks.com/alerts">Ontario Parks Alerts</a> page before we left the house. In the end it didn't matter. Everything worked out just fine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While I was sorting out the drinking water, the kids were checking out the beach. There was a nice sandy area for playing and the kids even ended up in the water. Brrr. Ice out in Algonquin was about three weeks prior to our visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1PhA0vjcm1uUWGGnZFaHV5WWEYWzYlYXagkd8fTxNnSSY3C1E4dPvpIqbt5qkInpLK1uAGUqFyBf3PzGanGQa9p1U9jTT2b6xKK2UGXlRM5AKXnM9AaV8K41iAlW7N9waGGYM4Hbgdu/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1PhA0vjcm1uUWGGnZFaHV5WWEYWzYlYXagkd8fTxNnSSY3C1E4dPvpIqbt5qkInpLK1uAGUqFyBf3PzGanGQa9p1U9jTT2b6xKK2UGXlRM5AKXnM9AaV8K41iAlW7N9waGGYM4Hbgdu/s640/IMG_0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Water </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2yDYHhxrqn7RcSBJKPIrjuZWYYpOfDp0HOGI4JwTqnMJP95cHLkv-eweHsE5uolzapgF7sBewAgt4hRefUKyl4DVKd8dWv9zTfln7Usd4fNVby4OUU-3ghWISWR4XLrBwqAvz6A2bTLp/s1600/geese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2yDYHhxrqn7RcSBJKPIrjuZWYYpOfDp0HOGI4JwTqnMJP95cHLkv-eweHsE5uolzapgF7sBewAgt4hRefUKyl4DVKd8dWv9zTfln7Usd4fNVby4OUU-3ghWISWR4XLrBwqAvz6A2bTLp/s640/geese.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Visitors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F_X6Wy7FmAqtsF9-Hnc7QPn4y8cXHrF7VJChIbBUfr4qlpb5CsnKu17wBgp8jnimwVgxIOx0BJcWw0PWnIVhzwxdGi-3dUdqsXfi4t6b48o-VlFI576M0-scOEwNDXoDiiisHL5HgjdK/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F_X6Wy7FmAqtsF9-Hnc7QPn4y8cXHrF7VJChIbBUfr4qlpb5CsnKu17wBgp8jnimwVgxIOx0BJcWw0PWnIVhzwxdGi-3dUdqsXfi4t6b48o-VlFI576M0-scOEwNDXoDiiisHL5HgjdK/s640/IMG_0556.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2yDYHhxrqn7RcSBJKPIrjuZWYYpOfDp0HOGI4JwTqnMJP95cHLkv-eweHsE5uolzapgF7sBewAgt4hRefUKyl4DVKd8dWv9zTfln7Usd4fNVby4OUU-3ghWISWR4XLrBwqAvz6A2bTLp/s1600/geese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Time for a Dip</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFLzgxxMFHCgLokWMYVjjOUyMM_BRZ-YyRv7dBOBDGGPn6iDeFwT28Sf8T62Z9SNKMANeeZ0jiGlEoDWmC8WUL6kXh-ypgbDvCSHWa7reaUTpbQeaRVKOd4CIfE_-yAUMQ4WbekSALK_/s1600/running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFLzgxxMFHCgLokWMYVjjOUyMM_BRZ-YyRv7dBOBDGGPn6iDeFwT28Sf8T62Z9SNKMANeeZ0jiGlEoDWmC8WUL6kXh-ypgbDvCSHWa7reaUTpbQeaRVKOd4CIfE_-yAUMQ4WbekSALK_/s640/running.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Along the Beach</td></tr>
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Once the kids were cold from being in the water they decided they wanted to bike. We biked around the campground and then biked across the highway to the Pog Lake campground. We saw some nice big sites right along the water. Pog Lake seemed busier than Kearney Lake.<br />
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The next morning we put the canoe in the water and paddled the lake. We found a swampy area on the south east corner of the lake. We followed it towards the highway as it narrowed. We lifted over a couple of beaver dams but the path narrowed so much that it was going to be a tough go. We headed back to the lake paddled around until we came to the north west corner. As we neared we could hear the sound of water flowing. We discovered that it was the sound of a stream emptying into the lake. Our son really likes to explore streams and waterfalls so he and my wife got out and headed upstream to see what they could find.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj435da1haiUQqUjreMDhTsGs_KV3r86l8dSRrLph6gfUH91w8p-zHP2ma0ycR71GDzJn7g7o30UUXC5o4yNwkIeYagB2xpbdOrrpkWZEJcIh92JLk3iBB7_5bpmEHNWPILbAXki1KDeLiF/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj435da1haiUQqUjreMDhTsGs_KV3r86l8dSRrLph6gfUH91w8p-zHP2ma0ycR71GDzJn7g7o30UUXC5o4yNwkIeYagB2xpbdOrrpkWZEJcIh92JLk3iBB7_5bpmEHNWPILbAXki1KDeLiF/s640/IMG_0588.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up a Creek</td></tr>
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Our daughters and I stayed in the canoe and all took turns paddling the canoe around by ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAfwJkEBGlMFYvatzcyxZ23cTyk2LKmeZKABzuW2Y74swYUB-U7xgmgiUdQjaVXftLyzqDimWvv6_hLbeMwWo2ec6Jj9KZP-lgxrlenaUg10InR1uuHsecguTcQlAcFCavvrbqKJojIo6/s1600/paddling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAfwJkEBGlMFYvatzcyxZ23cTyk2LKmeZKABzuW2Y74swYUB-U7xgmgiUdQjaVXftLyzqDimWvv6_hLbeMwWo2ec6Jj9KZP-lgxrlenaUg10InR1uuHsecguTcQlAcFCavvrbqKJojIo6/s640/paddling.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging Out</td></tr>
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We didn't stay for too long but my wife and son were very keen to come back and explore further. We paddled over to the portage leading to Pond Lake so we could check it out. We made it a couple of hundred metres in before we realized the ground was too muddy for the footwear we were wearing. We did manage to find some scat that looked like it could be from a wolf. The girls were quite interested in having a look.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZTztl5oU6n1RKlFy9Foras9TSQgP3CxONkG0H6DsRawOstiVjtYxXENkrYW9_iLlf2Yza0M1SHhyqUZvXoePcu0som8ye1ya-RNWJ3X-aBeQh5X2CqDqbrZuOLxNr7SRnnEJvKZ_rA4W/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZTztl5oU6n1RKlFy9Foras9TSQgP3CxONkG0H6DsRawOstiVjtYxXENkrYW9_iLlf2Yza0M1SHhyqUZvXoePcu0som8ye1ya-RNWJ3X-aBeQh5X2CqDqbrZuOLxNr7SRnnEJvKZ_rA4W/s640/IMG_0600.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out Some Scat</td></tr>
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We headed back to our site for some lunch, then packed up and headed for the Lookout Trail. The trail was only about 2 km, but it was a bit of a climb to the lookout. The black flies were out in full force (much more so than at our site) but they didn't seem to be biting much. We enjoyed the view, found the geocache at the top and headed back down.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8thPZGZaTxOjtOau7uNaQ7KNRyl37go1g4LjNHj_OlgRZJAGb8vfqjvzBYjCD2v3Yafb9STIbq_FVjeuHDMDwAaxhsSBoySBiLu4ejE9axsOq1VJehOexag0-T2fO5ZXcdk3u_RdPnw86/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8thPZGZaTxOjtOau7uNaQ7KNRyl37go1g4LjNHj_OlgRZJAGb8vfqjvzBYjCD2v3Yafb9STIbq_FVjeuHDMDwAaxhsSBoySBiLu4ejE9axsOq1VJehOexag0-T2fO5ZXcdk3u_RdPnw86/s640/IMG_0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacial Erratic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ekje6g0aIXPVdzfOSb-oz-FXACv5owK0l2aIfXKaj73n4l7eaBNWT-ExhjiKZMJnA88gEOOBQ9LkQ1F4JRE3qMPnyvz733nk2qZTzKiDbq3nbm69p_doqkdbN6PqNOyH5vbMjmwkv5iM/s1600/lookout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ekje6g0aIXPVdzfOSb-oz-FXACv5owK0l2aIfXKaj73n4l7eaBNWT-ExhjiKZMJnA88gEOOBQ9LkQ1F4JRE3qMPnyvz733nk2qZTzKiDbq3nbm69p_doqkdbN6PqNOyH5vbMjmwkv5iM/s640/lookout.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout</td></tr>
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On the drive back to our site we spotted cars pulled of to the side of the road. We figured that meant there was a moose close by. Normally I would have kept on driving. I'd much rather see moose as I'm paddling or along a portage than next to the highway. However, given that none of our kids had ever seen a moose I decided we'd have a look. Our three year old was very intrigued. She was very good about being quiet. She really didn't want to scare it off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhQ2KwTfajc0FLYAiwHkyv5uQQCcC9PtFlUty3nKSeyV1DnyUHabwh4t0_h5xXnx8pIveTUr3-bGW5cYIF6vqJvhMdN8Eudc0THiKU4ABvJXytL3gu7q7EZtCeODr316HhIia1Sv4_E_Q/s1600/moose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhQ2KwTfajc0FLYAiwHkyv5uQQCcC9PtFlUty3nKSeyV1DnyUHabwh4t0_h5xXnx8pIveTUr3-bGW5cYIF6vqJvhMdN8Eudc0THiKU4ABvJXytL3gu7q7EZtCeODr316HhIia1Sv4_E_Q/s640/moose.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kids' First Moose</td></tr>
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We spent the rest of the day paddling around the lake, doing some fishing and enjoying being outside. After dinner my son wanted to paddle down the creek that divides the campground in two. I didn't think we'd get very far given how shallow it was at the bridge but once we lined that section it was pretty good. We pulled over some beaver dams, went under the highway and eventually decided to turn around. We had a great time exploring.<br />
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The next morning we had a quick bike ride to Whitefish Lake. We discovered when we got there that Whitefish Lake is a group campground meant for large groups. The beach looked great and when we arrived there were about a dozen canoes just leaving. We biked back to our site then headed for the Visitor Centre. It was amazing how busy it was. That being said the displays were great and we spent quite some time there. The kids (and adults) were curious to learn more about the park.<br />
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After the Visitor Centre we headed back to our site so our three year old could have a nap. Our son decided he wanted to further explore the creek we had paddled the night before. So off we went. Again, I didn't think we'd get too far so I didn't bring any snacks, water, a map or a camera. Next time I'll know better. We paddled and paddled and paddled. There were lots of lift-overs, some downed trees and some tight spaces but we managed to make it all the way to Whitefish Lake. Our son's draw, pry and cross draw strokes improved a great deal, but even better he started to know when to use the strokes.<br />
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The creek meets Whitefish at a meandering river that runs from Pog Lake to Whitefish. As we moved from the creek to the river my paddling partner asked if we could take the portage to get back. It had been a tough, lengthy slog. The portage would be much quicker.<br />
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Not having looked at a map, I wasn't sure which way to head where the creek met the river. We paddled up river and ended up at the dam that leads to Pog Lake. We opted not to portage into Pog Lake. So we turned around and headed downstream to Whitefish Lake. The lake was very picturesque. At the one end of the lake there was a narrow passageway into another section. Over the narrow passage was a bridge; presumably the Rail Trail. We located the beach we had seen in the morning and managed the 1175 m portage without any issues.<br />
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When our youngest awoke from her nap she wanted to go for a bike ride. My wife and other daughter stayed at the site and painted while the rest of us headed for the Rail Trail. I thought it would be fun to bike to Whitefish Lake and check out the bridge. It was a cool looking bridge and we were not disappointed. We stopped to look in the water. We saw a few fish, then in the distance spotted what looked like a beaver swimming towards us. We were very quiet and watched as it got closer and closer. We confirmed it was a beaver and it looked like it was going to swim right under us. Just before it got to the bridge it noticed us. It tried to turn and swim the other way but the passage was too narrow. Frightened, it smacked its tail and dove. It was so neat for us to see this beaver up so close. Too bad I didn't bring the camera.<br />
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We went back to the site dinner and then paddled the lake as the sun was setting. What a great day of adventuring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopRVXf-9RTqSc6tWpai2MJQ_6a5SdjlbiggEPRTNnpcny3Aym5SscOj3CQTrp6KIxQIBJ0G2p8m4BT8AgvCWLS78zP2aTYOeqMxWVGtoNGYBa1NUQwrZp6gPoFZ24KLpDuc3BNRfk1mjS/s1600/IMG_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopRVXf-9RTqSc6tWpai2MJQ_6a5SdjlbiggEPRTNnpcny3Aym5SscOj3CQTrp6KIxQIBJ0G2p8m4BT8AgvCWLS78zP2aTYOeqMxWVGtoNGYBa1NUQwrZp6gPoFZ24KLpDuc3BNRfk1mjS/s640/IMG_0662.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy Dessert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6gE5oXQsXMvuAmlg0lv8YCet2epYfD_cvgscf5BWjSCSUl37uVPEPX5RxAq1SDDou1sHKJ_AFzjlcTb4SNGe3IGVfZe443mq-UL0viPqClnxhIqN61JgFqmr_HDSww5P4pWcx9NphnzX/s1600/sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6gE5oXQsXMvuAmlg0lv8YCet2epYfD_cvgscf5BWjSCSUl37uVPEPX5RxAq1SDDou1sHKJ_AFzjlcTb4SNGe3IGVfZe443mq-UL0viPqClnxhIqN61JgFqmr_HDSww5P4pWcx9NphnzX/s640/sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoreline</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9dgszZeJidrc9WrmpytbAeruAdzn-7r4boCL1ULeI5_McWG3GX7zH0NmWIVZLrdvdoXuadNg8F1-HHI5ZBYrn0U4PiqZd4aRXBN_hoVJdmQVZ9UmpZ4Ghy8atV9qki68d6tuuU2PWOfV/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9dgszZeJidrc9WrmpytbAeruAdzn-7r4boCL1ULeI5_McWG3GX7zH0NmWIVZLrdvdoXuadNg8F1-HHI5ZBYrn0U4PiqZd4aRXBN_hoVJdmQVZ9UmpZ4Ghy8atV9qki68d6tuuU2PWOfV/s640/IMG_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling at Dusk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n4OMrq6ppmkF-IlC6SxVTfz4MMFzPAccMCf8AmU12_lljY-_jsPcPUnr9SAnnM1DI6XkrMpA7Q3jMElWYbdJn1bmZcaZVt0ItIe5Q3b6tczO0TmTpctmykpRQF_UIkk7vZCnjL7XKiq9/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n4OMrq6ppmkF-IlC6SxVTfz4MMFzPAccMCf8AmU12_lljY-_jsPcPUnr9SAnnM1DI6XkrMpA7Q3jMElWYbdJn1bmZcaZVt0ItIe5Q3b6tczO0TmTpctmykpRQF_UIkk7vZCnjL7XKiq9/s640/IMG_0776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
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The following day was our last day so we did a bit of everything. We biked around the campground. Then we paddled to the creek at the north end of the lake. Both our son and my wife wanted to explore further. They made their way upstream and found the remnants of an old concrete dam. We headed back to our site, had lunch and packed up. By the time we were ready to leave it was almost 2:00 (checkout time). We were among the last to leave the campground. </div>
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On the way out of the park we had enough time to hike the Spruce Bog Trail. It was a hot day and the sun was beating down on us while we were on the boardwalk. It was a little reminiscent of being on the Serengeti. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9UPh-QNajAmq3sZtk64s5_J6UCf8ZPuxlFEAHJj7xSA2dxZaNn_SOXhQ_Bj4jvl2cHEIKbVU2SyXbv4kCaUjZKf6HQ0Jn094MecZif4hj_e7QTS7Gpobe5zilo0UWolaK-6Yw1S6c6S-/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9UPh-QNajAmq3sZtk64s5_J6UCf8ZPuxlFEAHJj7xSA2dxZaNn_SOXhQ_Bj4jvl2cHEIKbVU2SyXbv4kCaUjZKf6HQ0Jn094MecZif4hj_e7QTS7Gpobe5zilo0UWolaK-6Yw1S6c6S-/s640/IMG_0784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading the Way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VIUTG4sPxIM8DhevXauksKGqntfBEgNhnQu0ZA4w_2nmgVf0nsycAkufANBLHkhpIrKqH-ckK7AjyMXCNLxnBTiteB6OP2TTSKrrTjQES6aoI11eY5d4OWQEDemSFcfnq72jh9TZy2tt/s1600/bog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VIUTG4sPxIM8DhevXauksKGqntfBEgNhnQu0ZA4w_2nmgVf0nsycAkufANBLHkhpIrKqH-ckK7AjyMXCNLxnBTiteB6OP2TTSKrrTjQES6aoI11eY5d4OWQEDemSFcfnq72jh9TZy2tt/s640/bog.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spruce Bog</td></tr>
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We had an amazing trip. We were able to see and do a ton and there is still so much more for us to explore. We're all really excited to go back. One of the things that surprised me the most was the writing the kids did. We never asked them to but whenever something interesting or exciting would happen they wrote about it in their journals. I'm sure our son wrote more in the four days than he did at school the week before. Cleary he was inspired!</div>
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Dave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.com0