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SEPTEMBER 6 - 11, 2005
$600 - FULL
Mary Coffin, Leader
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 Algonquin
Park has over 1200 miles of canoe routes connected by well established
portages (called "carries" in the Adirondacks). This 6 day canoe trip
includes wilderness camping, hiking, historic sites, wildlife viewing,
Native American pictographs and spectacular shoreline vistas. You
do not need to be an expert canoeist but you do need to have basic
skills, and the physical conditioning to paddle 4-6 hr/day and carry
gear and canoes while portaging up to 1.7 miles in one location.
Most portages are less than 1/4 of a mile. Participants should enjoy
the challenges of wilderness camping, be a team player and be willing
to share duties and help others. We can expect to see or hear loons,
beaver, moose, turtles and many birds. Side attractions include the
excellent Alqonquin Visitor Center with its dioramas of human and
natural history of the park and the Logging Museum.Algonquin is the oldest and most famous provincial park in Canada. Its 7,725 square kilometers contains over 1200 miles of canoe routes and many miles of hiking trails. It is similar to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota in that it abounds with lakes (230), bogs and streams connected by well established portage routes. There are many canoeing and backpacking opportunities. The topography was carved out by the glaciers. Typical northern mixed hardwood and conifer forests, cliffs and beaches surround the waterways. This region was first inhabited sparsely by hunter/fisher gatherer Native Americans who left their rock art behind in the form of pictographs. In the 1800s loggers took over the area seeking the valued white pine and sent it to back to European markets via the Ottawa River. Remains and artifacts of the logging camps, old rail beds and fire towers can still be seen. In 1893 the province purchased the land and made it into a wildlife sanctuary. Since that time logging and agriculture have been limited. Old growth pines can still be found. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities: 250 bird species (many warblers, spruce grouse, Gray jay, kingfisher, heron, merganser, hawks, owls, common loon), beaver, otter, mink, deer, wolf, coyote and moose. To learn about the park refer to: www.algonquinpark.on.ca, or call 705-633-5572.  Fitness requirements: Novice paddling ability, able to lift and carry 40-60 pounds and hike up to 1.7 miles of portage with pack, stamina to paddle up to 6 hours/day. Personal enjoyment: Enjoy interacting with others and group, wilderness camping, team work, assisting with meals and making and breaking camp, observing wildlife and are comfortable in a canoe.  Wilderness canoe camping: Involves setting up and breaking camp daily, practicing Leave No Trace ethics, canoeing 4-6 hours on lakes connected by portage trails (called "carries" in the Adirondacks). When portaging we will usually make two trips: one with canoes and canoe equipment and the other with group supplies or individual packs. Often the trails are on old logging roads or abandoned rail beds. Some are rocky or muddy after a rain. Our route has 5 portages with the longest on the last day, Louisa to Rock lake, 2895 meters or 1.7 miles. Expect temperatures of 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Price of $600 ($75 nonrefundable) includes: Meals, (starting with dinner on day 1 and concluding with dinner on day 5), all canoes, camping and cooking equipment, packs, permits and camping fees. Not included: Transportation to the Park, bridge, interstate or ferry tolls, alcohol, and souvenirs, breakfast on day 6 (departure). I hope that you will consider joining us on this unique experience. Our maximum group size is nine. So act quickly if you are interested. For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Mary Coffin, 328 Deepsprings Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, telephone 315- 687-3589, E-mail mcoffin1@twcny.rr.com. |