View Full Version : EGL Island Lake reconnaissance
theyland
06-07-2022, 20:32
I'm going to Island Lake near Noganosh PP for 4 days, Aug. 5-8 (Fri-Mon) to do some reconnaissance and I'd love some company. I think Island Lake could be a good spot for this group to meet up at but I want to scope it out first. I'd like to see if there are any sites big enough to handle 5-10 hammocks, I'd like to see how the parking works out, and I'd like to explore one of the many loops that can be done from Island Lake.
This area is a conservation reserve so there are no site fees, but also no thunder boxes nor portage signs. I will launch from the municipal boat launch at Bennett’s Landing on Wahwashkesh Lake. Each car will need to purchase a parking permit for $40 from the municipality but I have room in my car and canoe for one (coming from Guelph) and I believe the permit is for the year so you could come back another time too. underserviced and I made it from that approximate location to Island Lake in about 4.5 hours last summer by following Farm creek. Farm Creek twists and turns but there's only 2 very short (~50m) portages. Once on Island Lake there are a handful of campsites. I'll be honest, I've only ever used one of them but I've seen people on 2 others and Kevin Callan's "Top 60 Canoe Routes of Ontario" says there are 8 sites within 1-2km of the outlet from Farm Creek, including 2 on opposite sides of an island in the far south-east corner of the lake, only 2km from the outlet of Farm Creek. I want to see if that would be a good spot for a large group.
Once I've scoped out the camp sites I plan on doing the 2-day Dutton and Wolf Lake loop starting from the north end of Island Lake. Kevin Callan has written about the Dutton and Wolf Lake loop, so while I've never done it, I'm pretty confident that it can be done. However, I don't know if the portages will be well marked, maintained or wide. If you like to explore, use your map and compass, and don't mind a few small challenges, then the Dutton-Wolf Lake loop might be for you. Frankly, anyone that did the 2400m portage to McIntosh Lake in May of this year can handle the Dutton-Wolf Lake loop.
Depending on how quickly I make it around the first half of the loop, I may have time to explore getting to Duck Lake. Kevin's book says the portage into Duck Lake is 1400m but as the crow flies it's only 600m. Maybe it's a typo and it is 400m. I don't think it could twist and turn enough to become 1400m.
If I make really good progress I would also love to see if we can get from Duck Lake to Dutton Lake. www.myccr.com says there is a 300m portage out of Duck Lake to a small lake/pond and my topo shows a creek from there to Dutton Lake. I'll have to see how much time I have and how adventurous I'm feeling.
Either way the plan is to make it back to Island Lake for night 3 and then paddle home on day 4.
If you're interested and can get the time off work/away from the family let me know.
theyland
CruiserQuest
06-11-2022, 20:24
Hi - I think I can be around Guelph then - maybe message me at 678-772-4999 if you are still going ?
Regards, Brian
theyland
06-13-2022, 22:03
Hi - I think I can be around Guelph then - maybe message me at 678-772-4999 if you are still going ?
Regards, Brian
Brian, sorry but I’m terrible with names and there’s no faces here. Have we met? Were you at McIntosh this May? I’m Tim.
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theyland
06-15-2022, 06:28
Brian, sorry but I’m terrible with names and there’s no faces here. Have we met? Were you at McIntosh this May? I’m Tim.
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Are you from the states?
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Hi Theyland,
Sounds interesting. Can't commit just yet though.
Found this on YouTube...I'm enjoying the whole series.
dy3_Xq_EbN8
KeeWayKeno
06-19-2022, 16:35
Jonathan Kelly (aka YouTuber "Lost Lakes" ... previously "Back Country Angler" whose video Chard shared) generously made his map of the area available for free on Avenza. Teaser excerpts below. Well worth getting a hold of for this trip.
Really wish I could join you but it conflicts with another trip committment.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220619/f4b665280d615b137df01880c07422ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220619/79904b5fb80f6685799b1942f6c04a41.jpg
BigGreenMoose
06-27-2022, 19:35
I'm keen to get back up to Noganosh agaopin, but I'll be out east early August. Looking forward to a trip report!
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theyland
06-29-2022, 17:24
I just got my parking pass in the mail. It took 16 days to come from McKellar, ON to Guelph. So if you want to join me and you’ll be coming in a different vehicle, you’ll need to order before July 14 to be safe. That allows 3 weeks for delivery.
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KeeWayKeno
06-30-2022, 09:47
I just got my parking pass in the mail. It took 16 days to come from McKellar, ON to Guelph. So if you want to join me and you’ll be coming in a different vehicle, you’ll need to order before July 14 to be safe. That allows 3 weeks for delivery.
k
Just FYI, the local cottagers association advised parking permits can be purchased at the Marina store at Bennett's Landing if you're arriving during business hours.
theyland
07-11-2022, 07:14
Sorry folks but I’m no longer going. Too many chores to do around the house and lack of interest. I’ll plan much further ahead next time too. Thanks for the maps and videos. Those will keep me busy during next winter’s dreaming season.
BTW, I have a parking pass if anyone wants it.
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KeeWayKeno
07-11-2022, 07:44
NEW DATES ... another chance jump on this trip!
Didn't want to hijack theyland's thread so I delayed suggesting this. Several folks, including myself, were interested but the dates didnt work for us. So I'm proposing basically the same trip but a few weeks later. The itinerary can be travel / exploration of neighbouring lakes for those who want to and base camping for extreme lollygagging.
August 19th to 29th is a big chunk of time to pick from and includes two weekends for those who can only get away then. I'll likely go up Sunday Aug 21 for 5 nights ... but can be flexible.
Hoping a few of you axe-murdering internet friends can join me.
188900
BigGreenMoose
07-11-2022, 08:34
@theyland and @KeeWayKeno These dates should work out better for me. I'll watch the thread and see what lines up with my calendar.
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theyland
07-11-2022, 11:01
Thanks KeeWay. Wish I could go then but glad to see that someone will go and check it out.
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Axe murder? Sounds tempting.
Was thinking about a trip out or arkay around that time but this might work.
Sunday the 21st sounds good for the start of a couple of days of lollygagging.
Axe murder? More like being burned at the stake above a couple dozen little twig stoves!:shades:
theyland
07-14-2022, 06:27
Nice turtle dog stand KeeWayKeeno! Here’s a pic of mine. It’s a bit of a different design. My bar sits on top of the tripods. The bar flexes when I get into the hammock. Not sure if it would flex less if it hung like yours. Thoughts?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/bd14ec43f1a3fa0e0461a328e93e574b.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/c6034c3806fe8d43c9da1720230d5686.jpg
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KeeWayKeno
07-14-2022, 06:59
Not sure if it would flex less if it hung like
Well I'm certainly no engineer but from what I can see of your setup I doubt it would make a difference. Looks like it's more a matter of the rigidity / flexibility of your top rail. Wouldn't worry about it unless you think it could actually fold and fail.
Brantwing
07-14-2022, 15:18
Will check out my availability, very interested in attending.
76 highboy
07-18-2022, 20:26
"burned at the stake above a dozen twig stoves "
Never done that before , sounds like fun.
I will bring a twigstove to add some btu's to the burning.
KeeWayKeno
08-07-2022, 13:01
ISLAND LAKE - TWO WEEK COUNTDOWN: Re-cap of trip details
189031
DATE: Sunday, July 21st - 5 nights (+/-)
ETA AT LAUNCH: From my place it looks like about a 3 hour drive. I expect to be on the water by 10 a.m.
ACCESS POINT: Bennett's Landing, Wahwashkesh Lake - private marina, $40 annual parking fee payable at the marina office during business hours
ROAD DIRECTIONS: Google - suggest "Wah-Wash-Kesh Lodge", takes you right beside the marina on Bennett's Bay, Wahwashkesh Lake (Whitestone, ON)
BACKCOUNTRY MAP: Suggest Avenza map "Magnetawan-Noganosh Backcountry Canoeing Map" by Jonathan Kelly (free)
ROUTE: From the access point, northwest to 'Cramadog Creek', halfway up make a hard left onto 'Farm Creek' to Island Lake. The map shows four short portages and several beaver dam liftovers. Travel time from launch to Island Lake should be roughly 5 hours, but low water levels on the creeks might lengthen that estimate.
CAMPSITES: There should be five campsites on the islands in the south - central bay of Island Lake. Makes sense to start there. After that, the nearest sites appear to be quite a distance in the lake's extreme north-west corner.
Was looking forward to this one unfortunately I will not be able to make it , business has really picked up.
76 highboy
08-08-2022, 08:29
Bummer.
Temagami ?
Can't make this one:( Hope to see some of you in the fall.
Is this still in the works? Time to start getting organized.
(and I won't spend the entire trip sleeping - maybe)
KeeWayKeno
08-15-2022, 06:48
See post #20 above ... all systems GO for launch.
Headcount to date:
76Highboy, Chard, Brantwing, Keg & KeeWayKeno.
The map attached shows the sites we're looking for. No intel on them so it will be interesting.
Anybody besides Chard & I have an Inreach? If so we can exchange #'s by email or PM.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220815/c94ceae20a170ee5010742126772691a.jpg
theyland
08-27-2022, 06:07
ISLAND LAKE - TWO WEEK COUNTDOWN: Re-cap of trip details
189031
DATE: Sunday, July 21st - 5 nights (+/-)
ETA AT LAUNCH: From my place it looks like about a 3 hour drive. I expect to be on the water by 10 a.m.
ACCESS POINT: Bennett's Landing, Wahwashkesh Lake - private marina, $40 annual parking fee payable at the marina office during business hours
ROAD DIRECTIONS: Google - suggest "Wah-Wash-Kesh Lodge", takes you right beside the marina on Bennett's Bay, Wahwashkesh Lake (Whitestone, ON)
BACKCOUNTRY MAP: Suggest Avenza map "Magnetawan-Noganosh Backcountry Canoeing Map" by Jonathan Kelly (free)
ROUTE: From the access point, northwest to 'Cramadog Creek', halfway up make a hard left onto 'Farm Creek' to Island Lake. The map shows four short portages and several beaver dam liftovers. Travel time from launch to Island Lake should be roughly 5 hours, but low water levels on the creeks might lengthen that estimate.
CAMPSITES: There should be five campsites on the islands in the south - central bay of Island Lake. Makes sense to start there. After that, the nearest sites appear to be quite a distance in the lake's extreme north-west corner.
I just noticed, you wrote the launch as JULY instead of AUG.
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