View Full Version : Canada>Central->EGL 2022 Spring - Paddle Back to Chicamoula - May 13-19th, 2022
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EGL Spring 2022 > Paddle Back to Chicamoula
Hello all,
It's been quite a while since an upcoming EGL trip has been posted on the forums. Between concern over Covid, a respect for public health guidelines/restrictions regarding outdoor gatherings, lock-downs and even park closures, I think we've been sensibly cautious with small gatherings. But now, being fully vaccinated and boosted, I feel like this might be the right time to resume something I've enjoyed so much over the years; trout, stout and a few good louts.
It's with that in mind that I'm proposing "a scattering" or a "hang alone together" if you will. Algonquin's McIntosh is a fairly large lake with quite a number of campsites. If we book individually or in small groups, then we should be able to make social distancing a little easier. I've already booked for May 13-19th. At the time of reserving, the 13th was the earliest Algonquin was issuing backcountry permits.
So hopefully we'll have some interest in this. It'd be nice to get the EGL up and running again.
It'll be good seeing your responses either way.
Cheers
KeeWayKeno
01-22-2022, 18:34
I'm in & permit obtained. Whet Newdell might be able to join in the fun (he's a LTV ... Lake Trout Virgin).
tollermama
01-22-2022, 23:13
Hi All, I am interested in doing some paddling trips with you guys. I have been a very mild "lurker" over the years and sounds like you guys have lots of fun. I don't know much about the area you are talking about. Is this a large paddle in campsite that accepts multiple reservations at one spot? How does this work? I love canoe camping. Will the ice be out at that time? (I guess it would or you would not be doing the paddle) Would like some info. Thanks.
BigGreenMoose
01-22-2022, 23:16
The fabled land of Chicamoula!
The first EGL trip I ever considered joining. That year I chickened out, leery about meeting random strangers in the middle of the woods. That was a mistake!
This year looks like the stars are aligned! So looking forward to seeing familiar friends and new faces alike! Truly a fun and welcoming group.
I'm in, plus one at least. Permit obtained.
I did some backtracking to find some earlier reports. Linking here for your convenience.
2015 Chicamoula planning thread (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/107720-gt-Canada-gt-Ont-gt-EGL-Spring-2015-Algonquin-Return-to-Chicamoula)
Bubba's 2015 Report (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/153923-EGL-Spring-Canoe-trip-2019-McIntosh-Lake-Algonquin-Park?p=1970484#post1970484)
Chard's 2013 Report (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/72593-EGL-Spring-Canoe-Hang-May-2013-Late-Thaw-Lakers)
McIntosh related report from 2018 (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/149857-EGL-gt-2018-Canoeing-Season-gt-Sept-2018-gt-The-Hatfields-and-the-McCoys-Break-Bread?highlight=mcintosh)
BigGreenMoose
01-23-2022, 00:50
Hi All, I am interested in doing some paddling trips with you guys. I have been a very mild "lurker" over the years and sounds like you guys have lots of fun. I don't know much about the area you are talking about. Is this a large paddle in campsite that accepts multiple reservations at one spot? How does this work? I love canoe camping. Will the ice be out at that time? (I guess it would or you would not be doing the paddle) Would like some info. Thanks.
Hi Tollermama,
Algonquin backcountry paddle-in sites are booked based on the lake you intend to stay on each night. Ontario Parks Reservations (https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/)
You pick your start date, your starting access point, and the lake(s) you want to stay on per night(s). This is personal preference, as you may choose to break up your trip by staying on different lakes, or get to one lake and stay there for the whole trip.
The booking by lake system means you don't get to pick a particular site on a lake; there are a set number of sites marked on each lake, and once you make a lake reservation, the site you get is determined on a "first to paddle in, first served" basis. If you don't get your preferred site on day one, paddle by the next morning and you may find the occupants packing up and moving on, opening up options for you.
Once you have a reservation on a lake, you can add up to eight more people to stay with you on your permit. They add fees per person and per parked car at the access point permit office before you set off.
It seems a little convoluted, but once you figure it out it's pretty easy to follow.
For this trip, the popular option is to start from the Canoe Lake Access Point (https://goo.gl/maps/vrA93UZG7XASSkVX7) (Grand Central for Algonquin), and wind you way north to McIntosh via Tom Thomson Lake and Ink L.
It's doable in one day from what I gather, primarily paddling through well traveled lakes and rivers without needing to portage until you reach the north end of Thomson, where you have a 2.3 km (1.4 mile) hike to Ink Lake. Based on the trip planning/reports I linked to earlier in the thread, it's a long but not overly complicated portage.
"Jeff's Map" is a popular map (https://algonquinbeyond.com/algonquin-map/#) that's used by many in trip planning. This is one site that has it posted.
Canoe Lake has lots of canoe and gear rental options available, as most of the local outfitters will deliver a boat to the access point, or you can rent (and pick up any last minute gear/souvenirs/lunch) right from the Portage Store at Canoe Lake.
If you are planning to join the trip, say so here and we can share more details on the particulars via PM or email. Given the rona situation, we're spreading out on multiple sites to reduce any risks. It's a very fun group to join, and you'll get whatever help/advice you need, so don't be afraid to ask!
Hope that helps!
BGMoose
p.s. This is planned opening weekend in May, and the ice-out reports are watched eagerly the week before the early Spring trips!
Hi All, I am interested in doing some paddling trips with you guys. I have been a very mild "lurker" over the years and sounds like you guys have lots of fun. I don't know much about the area you are talking about. Is this a large paddle in campsite that accepts multiple reservations at one spot? How does this work? I love canoe camping. Will the ice be out at that time? (I guess it would or you would not be doing the paddle) Would like some info. Thanks.
Hi Tollerman, welcome aboard. Massachusetts is a long way off!
To answer your questions, Algonquin books their "backcountry" permits by the lake, with the lake's actual sites being on a first come first serve. If you've managed to book the lake you're almost guaranteed of finding somewhere to camp. Ice-out; sigh... That's normally a critical question and has been the bane of many an early trip. This year the Park management has decreed that the "interior" opens on May 13th. Ice-out can happen anywhere from late April to mid-May. It's a crapshoot really and the park doesn't have the resources to constantly change permits as canoists played the ice-out game. Personally, I'm not in favour of their new solution, sometimes the old ways are the best ways, but that's best discussed with a scotch by a campfire.
Before Covid, we'd all try to camp on the same site, share pots of stew around the campfire and share stories into the wee hours of the morning. Now, I'm afraid I'd suggest that we try to limit the sites to small groups only. Of course visiting would be encouraged by we should really take care. Frankly I'd hope that everyone considering attending would have already been fully vaccinated and boosted. I don't think we've lost anyone yet, but we have to keep our guard up until the threat of this scourge has passed.
To get a feel for Algonquin, I'd recommend any number of YouTube videos, in particular those by Tumblehome.
Hope to see you out there.
P.S. LOL, BigGreenMoose beat me to the response but everything he said was spot on. If you have any questions, just fire away.
BoundryWaters
01-24-2022, 06:43
I’m new to Ontario as well and not too familiar with the Ontario parks system yet. Just for my better understanding: You all book separate permits and plan to stay at separate sites?
KeeWayKeno
01-24-2022, 10:29
I’m new to Ontario as well and not too familiar with the Ontario parks system yet. Just for my better understanding: You all book separate permits and plan to stay at separate sites?Greetings BW! In Algonquin up to nine people can join a permit & share a site. When our group hangs exceed that number we try to find a couple of neighbouring sites. With the current situation (& several of us at elevated risk) our intention is to spread out a bit more, thus multiple permits & sites.
It is worth noting that even when sharing a permit/site, each person is charged a camping fee at whatever rate applies (child, adult, senior). Further, only the first vehicle attached to a permit is included. Additional vehicles pay a parking fee.
Can be a bit confusing, hope that helps.
BoundryWaters
01-24-2022, 16:09
Thanks much for the explanation KWK! Yes, a tad bit more complicated than what I’m used to for sure. If there’s somebody interested or feels comfortable enough to share a site I’d be happy to jump on that permit for a few days and pay whatever fees applicable ahead of time, so that nobody has to outlay any cashola on my account. Im fully vaccinated and boostered should that be of any concern and will be able to get myself there. I do a fair amount of solo camping these days, so it would be more of a social thing for me. If that doesn’t work then no worries as I’m sure there will be other hangs in the future…
MacIntosh is an ambitious destination but doable in one day if you set out early enough. I've done it but many years ago. Love your trip reports to Tom Thompson, I've been on that lake many times, again that was a few year back.
Dale
MacIntosh is an ambitious destination but doable in one day if you set out early enough. I've done it but many years ago. Love your trip reports to Tom Thompson, I've been on that lake many times, again that was a few year back.
Dale
Hi Dale, does that mean you're thinking of tagging along? Sounds like you're ready for a return visit to McIntosh. Besides, I consider anyone who's camped on that beautiful lake as a long lost relation and it'd be nice to meet you.
I've done McIntosh more times than I can remember, sometime trips easier than others, but it's just about perfectly positioned for a good day's paddle in my opinion.
When I was younger, considerably stronger and a fair bit more reckless, my buddies and I would think nothing of heading out from Toronto at midday on a Friday afternoon and paddle our three-man canoe for a few solid hours only to pull up on McIntosh with the glow of the sunset hanging over the horizon. Should be a good five hour trip for a typical motivated paddler.
Good times.
Hi Dale, does that mean you're thinking of tagging along? Sounds like you're ready for a return visit to McIntosh. Besides, I consider anyone who's camped on that beautiful lake as a long lost relation and it'd be nice to meet you.
I've done McIntosh more times than I can remember, sometime trips easier than others, but it's just about perfectly positioned for a good day's paddle in my opinion.
When I was younger, considerably stronger and a fair bit more reckless, my buddies and I would think nothing of heading out from Toronto at midday on a Friday afternoon and paddle our three-man canoe for a few solid hours only to pull up on McIntosh with the glow of the sunset hanging over the horizon. Should be a good five hour trip for a typical motivated paddler.
Good times.
I've been known to be persuaded quite easily in the past. Before the whole Virus thing struck, I hung out with a bunch of internet scoundrels that would car camp on the Grand on the May 24 and Whitefish campground in APP on the first weekend of October. We would do day trips but none of them were what I would consider canoe tripping. I have a feeling I could convince my wife to join in on this if she can get the time off of school. She uses an HH Exp Asym.
Dale
I've been known to be persuaded quite easily in the past. Before the whole Virus thing struck, I hung out with a bunch of internet scoundrels that would car camp on the Grand on the May 24 and Whitefish campground in APP on the first weekend of October. We would do day trips but none of them were what I would consider canoe tripping. I have a feeling I could convince my wife to join in on this if she can get the time off of school. She uses an HH Exp Asym.
Dale
Excellent!
It's a given that a "scattering" will be different from out normal 9 person per site group trips, but I'm sure that there'll be plenty of time for visiting.
LuvmyBonnet
02-08-2022, 23:50
I'm in! not a LTV. ;) (Lake Trout Virgin)
Permit acquired
Is the plan to stay on MacIntosh the entire trip?
Is the plan to stay on MacIntosh the entire trip?
Hi Quiet!
For the most part I was thinking of base-camping out of McIntosh and doing day trips to the surrounding lakes as the mood takes us. Granted six nights on one lake might get weary, but as you know, we're always open to options. There's been talk of perhaps starting the trip with a loop through Burnt Island (or even Big Trout) to cover some new ground.
Personally, I'd just like to sit on the front porch of Chicamoula and enjoy a glorious sunset with some friends again.
Well, the wife has green-lit this trip for me if I want to go, she won't be able to go so I will probably look at renting a Swift solo canoe. Just wondering what sites people are shooting for? I'm thinking I would shoot for May 16th to 19th as that would suit my job best. Do I register myself for 3 nights interior on MacIntosh? It's been a few years since I have done an interior trip to APP, so some guidance would be appreciated.
Dale
Well, the wife has green-lit this trip for me if I want to go, she won't be able to go so I will probably look at renting a Swift solo canoe. Just wondering what sites people are shooting for? I'm thinking I would shoot for May 16th to 19th as that would suit my job best. Do I register myself for 3 nights interior on MacIntosh? It's been a few years since I have done an interior trip to APP, so some guidance would be appreciated.
Dale
Hi Dale, great news.
Just register on MacIntosh and we can work out the "whos & wheres" when we get up there. We did a similar trip on Rosebary and there were groups of three or four dotted around the lake with people moving around a bit.
---
Just as an aside, I think I'll be giving myself a Covid-19 rapid antigen test (the "scratch the brain with a q-tip up the nose" one) the night before I head up. Not necessary, but probably appreciated. We're not out of the woods just yet imho.
Hi Dale, great news.
Just register on MacIntosh and we can work out the "whos & wheres" when we get up there. We did a similar trip on Rosebary and there were groups of three or four dotted around the lake with people moving around a bit.
---
Just as an aside, I think I'll be giving myself a Covid-19 rapid antigen test (the "scratch the brain with a q-tip up the nose" one) the night before I head up. Not necessary, but probably appreciated. We're not out of the woods just yet imho.
I hear you on the Covid Test, sounds like a good idea. I think I might just make that May 15th to 19th.
Edited to add, I have my reservation booked May 15th for 4 nights. Can't wait to hang out with you all!!!
Dale
theyland
02-24-2022, 22:58
I’m interested. I might only be able to do 2 or 3 nights, probably starting on the Friday night. Need to check the calendar.
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Just made my reservation.
McIntosh: 13, 14, 15
Big Trout: 16, 17
Burnt Island: 18, 19
Looking forward to seeing peeps again. Stay safe.
theyland
02-27-2022, 20:11
Hey KeeWay, what sort of cold water precautions do you take at that time of year? I've never paddled that early in the season.
McIntosh: 13, 14, 15
Big Trout: 16, 17
Burnt Island: 18, 19
Looks interesting. Paddling up Otterslide Creek might be challenging but nothing you haven't seen before.
theyland
03-01-2022, 10:25
To anyone, What sort of cold water precautions do you recommend? I’ve never paddled right after ice out.
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To anyone, What sort of cold water precautions do you recommend? I’ve never paddled right after ice out.
Tip#1 Keep the open side of the canoe up.
Tip#2 Don't daydream. Keep your eyes on the water (see tip#1).
Seriously, I think the most important precautions we take are simply travelling in groups and knowing our limits. To be honest we'll often strike out to cross large lakes right down the middle to save time, but that all comes down to weather/water conditions and who's paddling. Years ago I wore a shorty wetsuit when paddling in the spring but gave that up.
On our first few EGL trips we'd try to pair up novice paddlers with someone more experienced for safety's sake. How would you realistically rate your own experience flatwater canoeing? How many canoe trips have you gone on? How many of those were solo? Have you had to contend with wind and wave conditions that were really bad?
Cruiser51
03-01-2022, 11:56
Think the best safety tip for cold water, is stay close to shore .... that trumps most every thing else. Getting out of the cold water is the main concern, following shore can add a bit of time, but it also means you can usually get out of the water in a few minutes and regroup safely there.
Brian
theyland
03-03-2022, 08:45
Tip#1 Keep the open side of the canoe up.
Tip#2 Don't daydream. Keep your eyes on the water (see tip#1).
Seriously, I think the most important precautions we take are simply travelling in groups and knowing our limits. To be honest we'll often strike out to cross large lakes right down the middle to save time, but that all comes down to weather/water conditions and who's paddling. Years ago I wore a shorty wetsuit when paddling in the spring but gave that up.
On our first few EGL trips we'd try to pair up novice paddlers with someone more experienced for safety's sake. How would you realistically rate your own experience flatwater canoeing? How many canoe trips have you gone on? How many of those were solo? Have you had to contend with wind and wave conditions that were really bad?
Thanks Chard. I'd say I'm pretty experienced with flat water canoeing. I've paddled close to 100 nights and over 1,000 kms since I was about 10 years old.
(I only know this b/c I recently had to tally it up from my trip journal for a certification course). I took a 17 year hiatus until about 3 years ago and have done 3 or 4 trips of 4 days each since then. A good deal of that paddling was on Georgian Bay where the rollers can get pretty big and I'm perfectly comfortable in those conditions, just not right after ice out and far from shore.
I've done quite a lot of solo paddling over the years but only with a loaded canoe for about 1 day in total and the wind was < 10 knots. My canoe is 18' long so I would definitely feel more comfortable right after ice out with another strong paddler in the canoe in case the wind or waves kick up but I'm not sure if my regular paddling partner will be able to make this trip.
Having said that, I looked at the route from the portage store to McIntosh Lake and the largest body of water is Canoe lake. Although it's ~3km long it's only ~1 km wide so sticking to the shore looks like a good strategy. Someone once said to me, if you're concerned about tipping, don't be any further away from shore than the length of the rope on your canoe. That way you can grab the rope, swim to shore and PULL the canoe to shore instead of swimming it to shore.
If I wear my wool base layer, loosely tether my pack into the canoe, pack an entire change of warm clothes, stay close to shore and either have a paddling partner or a 'shadow' boat, then I'm comfortable.
If I can't find a tandem partner, would some offer to 'shadow' me, at least through Canoe Lake?
Is anyone here going to the Ontario Backcountry Canoe Symposium on April 9th?
Dale
Hey Theyland,
Sounds like you're more than ready for an ice-out foray.
Having a change of warm clothes and a way to start a quick fire in drybags is very sensible. For the most part, paddling close to shore is a good plan, but watch for those times when incoming waves mix with waves reflecting off of shore to create quite a chop close in.
As far as a tandem partner goes, we'll see about that. IMHO, 18' is pretty long for a solo canoe, but properly trimmed it should be fine. Alternatively you could rent a smaller canoe from one of the several outfitters on HWY 60.
We almost always meet up in the morning and launch as a group, so if you want some company, I'd recommend that. This one jerk seems to be consistently tardy :blush:, but he means well and those EGL guys are very forgiving. On the water, we're pretty sensible; if conditions along the way become too difficult, we'd have no problem pulling over and waiting them out. While them young folks think of being "wind-bound" as an embarrassment to be avoided, old-timers properly think of it as an opportunity for a pipe and maybe even a scotch.
Finally, while Canoe L. is the largest, don't overlook MacIntosh. She can whip up fiercely under a strong wind.
I hope you can make it out.
Is anyone here going to the Ontario Backcountry Canoe Symposium on April 9th?
Dale
I think there's a couple of fellas going (some of us are still a little wary of the global pandemic that is Covid), but more will be gathering at Valens Conservation Area that evening to enjoy good company around a fire. You're more than welcome, just bring a mask and something delicious to share (Just kidding. It's well known that half of an EGL hang could show up with zero food and still come away well fed. We're funny that way).
theyland
03-06-2022, 20:05
What do you folks wear on your hands while paddling just after ice out? I have a pair of rubber dipped cotton gloves (see pic) but I find they are too sticky.187961
theyland
03-06-2022, 20:24
Test of insert pic. Wasn’t able to do this without setting up a Tapatalk account, which I didn’t bc I don’t need to pay more monthly fees. But somehow I’m able to post pics now.
Is the hammockforums account different from the Tapatalk account?
I know this isn’t really on topic but google was no help.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220307/ca164c73dbbefcd5036210f231b034e6.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What do you folks wear on your hands while paddling just after ice out? I have a pair of rubber dipped cotton gloves (see pic) but I find they are too sticky.187961
I highly recommend bringing along something to wear on your hands. You may not need them for years, but when you do, you'll have appreciated lugging them around. We've paddled in rainy, cold weather so miserable that a coat of ice was forming on our paddles. I had forgotten my gloves so my paddling partner kindly shared one of his gloves so we could wear one glove while gripping the handle while dunking our lower hands in the "warm" lake to keep them from freezing.
I have two types, either a faux-leather (might be real) leather palmed/neoprene backed full glove (bought on the way out of the park immediately after the aforementioned glove sharing incident)...
Link to Something Similar (https://www.amazon.ca/Neoprene-Stretchy-Non-Slip-Wear-Resistant-Snorkeling/dp/B09F3FMKQ4/ref=sr_1_165?crid=22AG14NUM9G24&keywords=water+gloves+kayaking&qid=1646619764&sprefix=water+gloves+kayaking%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-165)
https://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/4/5/2/6/gloves_thumb.jpg
or a standard wool fingerless glove (I find the full fingered gloves too slippery)...
https://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/4/5/2/6/gloves2.jpg
theyland
03-06-2022, 21:56
I'm in. Just booked McIntosh for May 13-15. Looking forward to it.
Is the hammockforums account different from the Tapatalk account?
My understanding is that Tapatalk is simply an app that allows users to consolidate all of their forums of interest into one place/newsfeed. I'm pretty sure that you'd still need to subscribe to each of the underlying forums.
My understanding is that Tapatalk is simply an app that allows users to consolidate all of their forums of interest into one place/newsfeed. I'm pretty sure that you'd still need to subscribe to each of the underlying forums. That is correct. I use it for being able to see several forums that I subscribe to in the same app.
I do NOT pay for their pay version.
LuvmyBonnet
03-25-2022, 13:15
I've been walking the dog about 5 or 6 miles a day. Just added a 30 lb pack to the routine. I'm going to be ready for this trip!!!
I've been walking the dog about 5 or 6 miles a day. Just added a 30 lb pack to the routine. I'm going to be ready for this trip!!!
Or too exhausted!
BigGreenMoose
03-25-2022, 22:17
Thanks for the reminder on gloves! That's something I'd have forgotten. Forgot my hat for Ralph Bice, and sunglasses for a car camp at Pog Lake. Might have to run some yarn through my jacket so I don't lose the gloves!
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Quick update... I'm going to be paddling out on the 19th. My elder daughter's birthday is on the 19th and she's going to be in-country. I mentioned that I'd be canoeing and she went all puppy-dog eyed on me, so ya. That still leaves a good six days to reduce the local trout population to endangered species status (or worse), and get PETA up my a$$ while still snapping a few epic pics worthy of Nat.Geo. (seriously, call me :shades:! That "orange" thing will never happen again, I promise)
LuvmyBonnet
04-06-2022, 12:49
188173 Iggly Wiggly Troutses!!!
Cruiser51
04-06-2022, 19:05
BrantWing and I will be heading into Casa de Thompson on the 15th and weather permitting I plan on coming over to visit on the first nice day, we will be heading back out on the 19th ....
Brian
KeeWayKeno
04-22-2022, 11:06
Quick update... I'm going to be paddling out on the 19th.
Chard ... aren't we all departing the 19th or did I miss something (again)?
KeeWayKeno
04-22-2022, 15:02
[/I]071522]Just made my reservation.
McIntosh: 13, 14, 15
Big Trout: 16, 17
Burnt Island: 18, 19
Looking forward to seeing peeps again. Stay safe.Ahhh, just saw that Quiet! Might have to join you on that little jaunt if my barrel-'o-plenty isn't too ... um, plentiful.
Quick update... I'm going to be paddling out on the 19th.
Chard ... aren't we all departing the 19th or did I miss something (again)?
Err. Yeah. Brain fart...:unsure::unsure::unsure:
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I resign myself to lurker status: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
BTW, the Big Trout loop is a very nice trip and as always, plans are flexible. I haven't been that way since my northern leg of the Brent Run back in 2007.
KeeWayKeno
04-22-2022, 18:28
Probable official ice-out by Monday. Lake of Two Rivers already clear!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220422/d0d701e915be8811f6333dacc94bcbfb.jpg
KeeWayKeno
04-25-2022, 20:40
Can I get an "Amen"?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220426/8120e2fca2b9995abe0f01dd1fbc6baa.jpg
Any thoughts on a group meal on the 13/14th?
Cruiser51
04-27-2022, 09:31
In light of this development, I think i am going to try and see if I can book to go in next week. Suspect that the flies are already stirring .......
Brian
KeeWayKeno
05-02-2022, 10:07
I can't go a whole week early but looking ahead at the weather, Friday (13th) looks really crappy. Granted that may change, but if the forecast holds I'm going in Wed or Thurs (11-12th) for six nights. Perhaps a better chance of scoring Chicamoula too!
Not concerned with the bugs that early, even early ice-out years they haven't been bad until after May 24th.
Group meal ... Traditional (& awesome) pea soup is always a crowd pleaser! Hopefully supplemented with some fresh trout.
Cruiser51
05-02-2022, 15:38
Going in tomorrow... weather reports are such a crap shoot these days, but it does look like we might get a few nice days this week
Brian
Any thoughts on a group meal on the 13/14th?
Group meal ... Traditional (& awesome) pea soup is always a crowd pleaser! Hopefully supplemented with some fresh trout.
I'm probably going to have a full load. Do we have any volunteers to carry in the pot and ingredients (the pot and ham hock are the real culprits)?
KeeWayKeno
05-02-2022, 19:15
I'm probably going to have a full load. Do we have any volunteers to carry in the pot and ingredients (the pot and ham hock are the real culprits)?If you're going Wednesday, I'm your guy ... otherwise I'm not much use to you.
I don't have a ginormous cauldron to contribute but would be happy to seek out a smoked ham hock or two to bring in. My only concern is it still being good by Saturday ... ? [emoji1785] Perhaps wiser that I stick to less perishable items (split peas, onions, potatoes).
Sorry, I'm not coming in until the 15th so I guess the potluck is out for me.
Dale
Who is going in Saturday?
Perhaps we can meet up at canoe lake and paddle in together.
I'm planning to get to canoe lake about 10am-11am but able to adjust to meet up with you guys.
Lofty
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BigGreenMoose
05-07-2022, 11:30
Jordan and I are planning to start out Friday morning, heading home on Tuesday.
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BigGreenMoose
05-07-2022, 13:50
What's the average travel time from the put-in at Canoe Lake to McIntosh? Jeff's map seems to say around 5.5 hours.
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What's the average travel time from the put-in at Canoe Lake to McIntosh? Jeff's map seems to say around 5.5 hours.
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Depending on how the winter effected your portaging fitness, I'd put it closer to 5. Not a huge amount of elevation change but 2.5 K can burn early in the season.
theyland
05-07-2022, 16:56
Jordan and I are planning to start out Friday morning, heading home on Tuesday.
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I’m starting Friday morning too. Aiming to be on the water by 12. What about you?
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Cruiser51
05-07-2022, 19:04
Just got back from Tom Thompson and timed our runs, 3 hours got us close to the portage (our site was 15 minutes from portage) and then 3 hours to get back out today. We walked the 2.3k portage and unloaded it is 40 minutes one way, if you double carry that is 120 minutes minimum unloaded ..... given I would need breaks I am allow 3 hours, for me, to cover the portage (2 hours just to walk, the extra hour for being slowed by packs etc and the need to take a few breaks)
We also had either no wind or a following wind, which likely helped out times, otherwise wind can be a pita on that stretch of water .... so for me at least, 5 - 5.5 hours wouldn't likely see me to the end of the 2.3 k portage, luckily the fabled Chicamoula is only another hour or so (4 km) from the portage. Personally, I would try and hit the portage as early as possible, it is not something to try and rush through ..... I am contemplating coming in Sunday and I will be stripping my pack of anything that isn't absolutely necessary. The mud pits aren't that easy to just walk around, so plan on mucky/wet feet or have some sort of water proof boots.
The trail maintenance crew was in yesterday, so all the blow downs are clear, we counted 4 .... the mud pits are intact, we counted 7 ..... of the 4 foot bridges, the last bridge through the swamp is still wet in the last 30 meters or so and the mud pit directly in front of that bridge is also intact.
In our 5 days we were inundated with mosquitos, managing to kill a whopping 2, which means you can thank Bob and I for clearing the menace from the region. As you paddle along the river above the dam portage, there are still a few significant patches of ice on the side cliff faces.
Still thinking about trying to come in on Sunday, but haven't got all the logistics worked out yet.
Brian
BigGreenMoose
05-07-2022, 21:17
I’m starting Friday morning too. Aiming to be on the water by 12. What about you?
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe're going to shoot to get on the water first thing Friday morning. If that changes I'll let you know. I'll PM you my cell number in case it comes in handy for texting.
Ps. Thanks for the travel timing info, all! Nice details Brian!
LuvmyBonnet
05-09-2022, 14:45
I'm planning on hitting the water on Friday by about 9am. I'm going to take some extra time on that portage.
Friday at 9am sounds good but could be pushed out to 10am if necessary. For what it's worth, it'd be nice if everyone heading in had a buddy boat for safety's sake.
Thanks for the recon Cruiser. Very helpful info.
theyland
05-10-2022, 06:13
Friday at 9am sounds good but could be pushed out to 10am if necessary. For what it's worth, it'd be nice if everyone heading in had a buddy boat for safety's sake.
Thanks for the recon Cruiser. Very helpful info.
Friday 10 am on the water sounds good. See you then.
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I will be there Friday morning at 9.
I'll join the Friday 9-10 flotilla.
KeeWayKeno
05-10-2022, 20:05
I'm on the road at 0400 tomorrow ... fingers crossed for Chicamoula. See you all in a few days!
BigGreenMoose
05-11-2022, 21:49
Got a message from KeewayKeno around 6pm saying he scooped the island spot on McIntosh.
Jordan and I are heading up tomorrow after work to avoid the early morning drive. We're staying at Mew Lake for the night, then heading to Canoe Lake access point in the morning.
If anyone wants to crash with us, I can send the site info. We're packing solo tents as we don't know how hammock friendly the Mew site is.
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Trip Report can be found here (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/164386-Canada-gt-Central-gt-EGL-2022-Spring-Death-March-to-Chicamoula?p=2075656#post2075656)