EGL's 2019 Winter Season

[traycer]

For anyone interested here is the temp recording from Sat (day - picnic table, evening - hot tent)

Ha! I had my thermometer there too! It looks like we hit a low of -9°C just after 4 am on Sunday morning. Not too bad!

[ggreaves]

so... Just searching back through the thread for details. I think the way it was left last was...

Feb 8-10th... Algonquin Park.... someplace off the Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail? Who's in?

[Chard]

so... Just searching back through the thread for details. I think the way it was left last was...

Feb 8-10th... Algonquin Park.... someplace off the Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail? Who's in?

I'm in.

Friday Feb. 8 to Sunday Feb. 10th is right for the "when" and so far we've tabled the Sunday Lake dogsled Trail for the "where".

Whether I get a Friday morning, Friday evening or Saturday morning start. Hopefully there'll be an unmistakable mark where the EGL leaves the dogsled trail, and I'm trusting that it won't be a beer can on a stick this time .

[Mr.hammockcamper]

I couldn’t make it to the Valens hang but I should be in for the February one! All depends on school.


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[Jayson]

I am in for the weekend. Pretty sure Mark is also coming.

[Chard]

Do the Torrance Barrens have winter camping opportunities? All I know of the area is that it's a dark sky reserve. I don't know if there's parking, camping, fees or hanging options.


Torrance Barrens SKy Reserve winter hike camp snowshoe trip

[Iguana]

Do the Torrance Barrens have winter camping opportunities? All I know of the area is that it's a dark sky reserve. I don't know if there's parking, camping, fees or hanging options.

Parking - Limited, and I doubt it would be plowed in the winter. There are many rock face options for parking along the side of the road.

Camping - Yes. This is where there is a lot of confusion, which might be a good thing to keep the yahoos away . There are no camping signs all over the place. But you really need to read the sign to understand what is meant by no camping.

Fees - Nope, none.

Hanging Options - It is crown land so you can make your own options with a bit of bushwhacking. The proper trail that runs through the Preserve is mostly flat, with the exception of the the part which surrounds half the lake. I would not want to be pulling a toboggan up that Rock face.

With regards to the "Darkness", there is more light pollution at Torrance compared to Most of Algonquin. So those that are used to the darkness at Algonquin may feel a little underwhelmed.

It is a great place to visit and camp.

Iguana

[BigGreenMoose]

Do the Torrance Barrens have winter camping opportunities? All I know of the area is that it's a dark sky reserve. I don't know if there's parking, camping, fees or hanging options.


Torrance Barrens SKy Reserve winter hike camp snowshoe trip

I did some searching last year on Torrance Barrens... inconclusive...

It looks like some back-country camping is/was tolerated, but they've been clamping down on it for the usual reasons (trash, misuse, etc.). Seems like the keep it vague so they can kick people out as/when they see fit.

Some folks posted online that there were signs allowing camping a minimum of 200m from the trails/trailheads, but they were replaced in 2018 with no camping signs.

The MNR statement from 2006 says it is permitted but they will continue monitoring activities in the area.

The page from the Astronomical Society site says limited camping is permitted.

Keep It Clean, Dark and Peaceful
Take in the Reserve's natural wonders both below and above you. There are no official campsites, but limited camping is permitted. If you live or work in this area, keep the Barrens dark for ourselves and for future generations by limiting your use of artificial light at night. Please leave no litter or debris. And remember to help preserve the Torrance Barrens as a place "where people may frequent but do not remain.

They have a a Facebook site, but doesn't look too active. https://www.facebook.com/TorranceBarrens/

[Mr.hammockcamper]

I am good for any destination as long as a can pull a sled in with my gear. I don’t have perfect winter gear so a sled will be needed so I can bring enough to stay warm


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[ConnieB]

so... Just searching back through the thread for details. I think the way it was left last was...

Feb 8-10th... Algonquin Park.... someplace off the Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail? Who's in?

Martin and I will be. Whether Friday pm/evening or Saturday am is TBD.