Algonquin Park: Camping Trip Logs: 011 - Meanest Link Part One

Prev | i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Day 15

July 24, 2011 - Lake Opeongo

We did manage to get up at a proper time, but breakfast was a drawn out affair. Yet again we had more food than we needed. The Six on Six crew were paddling to the dock while the other three were waiting for their shuttle. We were in the canoes, packed and paddling about 8 AM. There was only a light breeze and a slightly overcast sky, perfect weather for crossing big Lake Opeongo.

The gang.

Calm morning. Lake Opeongo was being kind to us.

Our three canoes made short work of the crossing, pausing once at the narrows for a short break. There were a handful of other paddle craft and some motor boats out enjoying the day. I showed Jim where I had camped the previous winter when we passed by, a totally different experience to today’s visit – it had been about -15 Celsius.

Lake Opeongo vista.

Winter 2011 camp site shoreline.

We paddled into Opeongo dock as a group, beaching our canoes with little fanfare. Just our satisfaction at having completed what we had set out to do. Two sections of the Meanest Link complete.

Landing at the access point.

We took care of the canoe returns and did the usual shopping for items and getting a cold drink. It was at this time that I gave the guys their Meanest Link water bottles. The postal strike had messed up getting them in time for the start of the trip, but Gord at Algonquin Outfitters had very kindly helped me out with making sure they were waiting when we got to the Opeongo store.

There was still the business of getting to Kearney to get Markus’s car and a long drive home, but we lingered a bit reminiscing about the trip. In two short weeks the routine of paddling, portage and camping for the night had become normal life for us, it seemed unfamiliar to have to worry about car keys and traffic and schedules again.

Eventually the vehicles were packed and we said our good-byes. Until next year seemed to be the thought, planning for Part Two was already under way!

We did it!

Prev | i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15