Ganaraska trail, Ontario

**Mick** · 08-31-2010, 15:22

I did my first solo overnighter recently on the wilderness section of thea Ganaraska trail in the QEII wildlands Provincial Park http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_E...rovincial_Park

This section of trail starts at a boat launch for cottagers just north of Moore's Falls. I've hiked this section a few times but this is the second time I actually camped. The hike takes you over several beaver dams and around a couple of remote lakes.

The site I picked is located on top of a small bluff overlooking Sheldon lake. A well established fire pit was situated right near the edge and someone was kind enough(?) to leave a grill for cooking and there was already a pile of deadwood for my fire that night. I did get a chance to use my new folding saw from Lee Valley tools. It has a japanese style blade which went through the wood like a hot knife through butter.

After setting up my DIY blackbird clone, DIY UQ made from a JR Wally world bag, MEC scout tarp and summer sleeping bag I was ready to get all my camp chores finished. I went into the bush to get more wood ( there's that old adage that once you think you have enough wood, double it ). Plenty of standing dead birch and cedar trees to choose from. I filtered some water from the lake and put up my hammock chair.

I spent most of the afternoon taking pics, reading and occasionally making some noise ( I had spotted bear tracks on the trail into the site). This site is so quiet that a great blue heron flew by me as I sat in my chair at the edge of the bluff and I heard it's wings first before I saw it....beautiful sight.

The next morning started with rain.Then it rained more.....until the sky turned black and the thunderstorm came in. I packed up after a quick breakfast and tea and proceeded to get drenched on the way out. It was nice that the temps were hot.

Here are some pics from the trip.

**Bubba** · 08-31-2010, 15:28

Thanks for sharing and nice pics. Thanks as well for the info on the park. May have to check it out sometime.

**Poppabear** · 08-31-2010, 15:28

Nice report and pictures thanks for sharing. I especially like the last one. It reminds me very much of a picture that I took a few years ago at a lake in Northern Ontario.

**bcaron** · 08-31-2010, 15:34

Very nice pics. Thanks for sharing. That's a very nice looking lake, pity you couldn't paddle it.

**Mick** · 08-31-2010, 19:49

Thanks for looking guys.

bcaron: You can paddle the lakes in this area. There are a few ATV trails in the area and cottages on nearby lakes. The first time we camped there this summer , a couple of paddlers were camped on a beautiful spot across the inlet from us. It was not accessible from the trail. I'm sorry but I don't know where they actually put in at.

Mick

**Trooper** · 08-31-2010, 19:54

That is a remarkable control of exposure to get the campfire balanced with the moonlight. Very nice photos.

**sturgeon** · 08-31-2010, 21:23

hey i followed the link to your flickr sets. Wow, you've got a good eye.

**Veto 65** · 09-01-2010, 16:18

I'll have to check out the Flicker site later. Thanks for the trip report, and the night pictures are terrific. Thats the kind of camping that I like, get out to the site, make camp, stop, and listen.