Snowshoe Camping, Guskewau Lake, Algonquin 2.0

Celebrate 100 billion nuclear reactors embracing your biosphere once again. Witness the Polar Vortex surrendering to the Gulf of Mexico. Let the puddles melt, let the creeks overflow, let the rivers cascade. This moment is fleeting, don't hesitate.

Itinerary:

Friday, March 28, 2014, after work, say 6:00 pm, head north to the parking lot of the Western Uplands Hiking Trail, Algonquin Park (km marker 3 from the park's western gate on highway 60). On the drive north drop by Mountain Equipment Co-op in Barrie for those needing to rent snowshoes (closing time 8:30). Upon arrival at Western Uplands, 3 hours later, spend the night camping near the parking lot (yes this is legal in winter).

Saturday, 7:30 am, backtrack to Dwight for breakfast, then return to the park gate by 9:00 am for backcountry camping permits.

10:00, start snowshoeing the approximate 4 km to Guskewau Lake, setup camp, collect firewood for the night, then day hike further if so desired.

Sunday, return to parking lot mid afternoon with the intentintentionion of getting back to Mountain Equipment Co-op in Barrie by 5:00 pm for those who may have rented snowshoes Friday.

Cost:

$12 (camping permit) + $40 (shared gas) = $52

If renting snowshoes add $20

Gear:

Goes without saying you'll need snowshoes for any hiking/backpacking in Algonquin Park in winter/early spring. Expect remnant ice on the trails. Bring waterproof high boots augmented with traction devices, micro-spikes, yak tracks, the likes. Anticipate wet condition camping. Bring Canadian Tire tarps, extra rope. Predict mishaps, a wipe-out crossing a creek perhaps. Bring extra copies of dry-fit inner layers.

Rentals:

MEC Barrie has great snowshoe rental rates. They rent MSR's EVO model, a great choice.

Algonquin Outfitters, Oxetung Lake, rents snowshoes as well as complete winter camping gear. They are close to Algonquin so hours of operation aren't an issue.

Adventure Guide, Waterloo, whatever....

Difficulty:

The distance/time to campsite is intentionally short, 2 1/2 hours. Late March is an opportune time for bushwhacking. As the crow flies its another 4 km to Oak Lake, the beaver damn capital of Canada. I think we can make it.

Inspiration:

Guskewau 1.0, Winter 2014 http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/19386122 /

Titles aside, the following two trips ended up at Guskewau last year.

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/12554392/#195737452

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/12483142/#193767052