The Happy Camper: Algonquin Spring Canoe Trip
It was a hot and muggy 26 degrees Celsius when I was packing for my first canoe trip of the season in Ontario’s Algonquin park, so throwing in an extra wool sweater and toque almost didn’t happen.
I’ve learned from past experiences, however, that any wilderness trip during the shoulder season can change on a dime and you should aways pack for anything Mother Nature can throw at you.
The first day was a cool 12 degrees, a temperature that kept the bugs down and our spirits high. By late afternoon though it began to rain — a solid downpour for two days! Then the wind picked up, causing us to be stuck on the same lake for the remaining three days. At least the rain stopped on day three — it changed to snow! Average daytime temperatures hovered around four to -2 degrees. Nighttime temps were unbearable. I resorted to placing heated rocks inside my sleeping bag and, eventually, cuddling up to my tent partner to gain body heat (a moment we will never speak of again).
The winds stalled long enough on the last day for us to escape back to the vehicles where we jacked the heat on our return drive home, like dogs with our tails between our legs.
In retrospect, it was one of the best adventures I’ve had out there. The scenery was amazing and the good camaraderie in camp got us through some nasty moments.
Check out the video. It was shot with my new lightweight Sony NEX 5r camera:
