My family and I just got back from a week in Algonquin. We had a different way to experience the Park. It all started with staying at the Wolf Den on July 29, Sunday night. Ben and Robin have a great hostel for sure. They were very nice and all their guests from all over the world were also nice. We stayed in the Deer Cabin. My son and I played some volleyball in front of the cabin until dark and we had a short visit at the campfire. It was funny seeing these two ladies from Germany enjoying marshmallows over the fire for the first time. We would have no problem going back to the Wolf Den. Thanks Ben and Robin!

Monday morning, before we pulled our rented pop-up camping rig to Lake of Two Rivers, we stopped at Ragged Falls for our first time. Very nice falls/ rapids for all to see. The day was warm and the sun shinning away.

We then headed off to our campground around 1:00pm. We pulled over to see a cow moose feeding beside #60 with many others. It was my daughter’s first moose experience. It was funny. As soon as a large bus stopped to let 40 plus people out to see the moose, the cow decided that was enough and wandered off into the bush. We also saw a doe and a few fawns thinking about crossing #60.

COW ALONG HIGHWAY 60

At the campground, the people before us had not left, so we went to the Visitor Center for an hour. We also had some lunch there. On our return back to the campground, the people were gone and we set up our camper. It did not take long to set camp and we headed off to the beach to cool down in the Water of Lake of Two Rivers.

VISITOR CENTER DECK VIEW

Many people were also cooling off and lying out along the grass covered beach area. I must say the water was cold and only warmish near the surface. A few boats and canoes were moving about. I enjoyed watching the dogs play in the water at the “Dogs Only Area”, off to the side where boats only are also docked.

LAURIE AND I ENJOY A LATE PADDLE .. NOTICE NO KIDS! AHHHHHH, QUIET.

We enjoyed a fire that night and slept well in the camper. The kids did fight over who was going to sleep in the center table (bed) area! Take turns was the result. Oh ya, not being used to the mass crowds, I parked our camper to close to 3 families behind us and when I went to bed all I could hear was the woman chatting a storm.

Tuesday morning I was up first and headed to the beach to watch the sun come up over the Lake and enjoyed the quiet among the few hundred campers that were still sleeping.

MORNING ON LAKE OF TWO RIVERS

MANY CANOES WAIT FOR SOMEBODY TO TAKE THEM OUT.

This was my first time “car camping” and I had to change my mind-set on camping. I prefer the interior lakes for solitude. I headed back to camp and watched the family get up one by one and complain about the long walk to the washroom! We should have brought bikes as everyone else did for this reason. Plus, it would have been nice to bike the bike trails from Mew Campground. After breakfast I decided to show Laurie and our daughter Canoe Lake first hand. I stopped first at the permit office to get my interior permit for Kenneth Lake. I had wanted to stay on Head Lake, but it was full.

ON CANOE LAKE

We all climbed in my Kipawa for a 3 hour paddle. It was a tight fit in the canoe with 4 of us. The canoe felt very stable in the water. With a light wind only, we paddled around Cook and Wapomeo Islands and head over to Oxtongue River for a shore lunch. We found a small grass area along the river for our rest. The wind was picking up and some white caps developed.

Laurie was concerned to be able to get back. I said not to worry, but she wanted to paddle back. She was great at the bow. As we rounded the corner to the bay, we had to turn about, because of the wakes of many power boats zooming by. We counted about 22 canoes going by! There was a crazy number of people in the water. It was nice to get back to the campground and relax in my hammock. We had our site near the Madaswaska River and some peace was found looking out into the marsh area. We were going to go to the Outdoor Theatre, but the family decided to relax by the fire instead. But, not before we walked to the Lake of Two Rivers store for ice cream. That was a nice treat. The freeze dried ice cream in the interior does not compare to the real thing.

Wednesday morning, I was packed and ready to do what I love ... get into the interior! I was a happy camper! We were all at Cache Lake by 8:30am. What a perfect day! My son and I said our goodbyes to Laurie and Ashley.

ON CACHE LAKE

As we paddled across the bay, I looked back to see them leave in the van and return back to the Lake of Two Rivers campground. Laurie and Ashley were going to "veg" while we were gone. No power boats are moving about this morning, but as we paddled across, a front end loader tractor can be heard scrapping gravel parking lots back at the landing. By 45 minutes, Ryan and I were on the 1640 portage to Head Lake. This portage has many boardwalks and marsh areas where some deer flies and skeeters waited to attack! I was carrying a small backpack and Ryan had a barrel to carry. 30 minutes later with a short break on the portage, we were on Head Lake. We did pass four others on the portage going the other way. A short paddle across Head Lake and we unloaded again for the short P290 to Kenneth Lake.

It was the first time for me taking this route entirely and once we were on Kenneth Lake, I was very happy. We passed a couple that were leaving the lake. They said a large bull moose had come out at their site that morning. That was the site I was hoping for!

ON KENNETH LAKE AT THE PORTAGE END. OUR SITE IS AT FAR END OF THE LAKE ON THE ROCK AREA AT RIGHT OF PIC.

It was the most southern site on the west shore. A large rock protruding onto the waters and a small beach welcomed our landing. We did paddle to the north site to check it out and were not too thrilled with it. Actually the site right beside the portage is nicer and I would have no problem taking this site. We were supposed to be sharing the lake with another group, but as the day went on, they never showed up.

We had the lake all to ourselves that night….yippee! By 11:00am we had our tent up and hammocks tied on some large pines near the Lake. We slept for an hour and had some lunch. Funny thing happened to me. As I awakened I noticed my hammock was a foot lower to the ground and only an inch from the rocks below me. Just then the hammock split open and spit me out! Good thing I was only an inch from the rocks. My son laughed his butt off.

We enjoyed a few swims during the day, as the wind picked up. This site is primitive, having no bench seats by the fire, only a few logs. Not much for cooking on either. I moved some large rocks around to make a seat by the fire. My son was amazed I spent so much time to make room to relax. I also spent some time picking up garbage around the site. There was also a bunch of sliced tomatoes sitting on the rock shore. Why dump them there? Ticked me off. No wood was left around, so our next job was getting wood for the night’s fire. I spotted a bunch of cedars along the shore near camp and decided to go there to find wood. I love cedars for burning.

As we got in our canoe, I had my son paddle at the stern for the first time! It was also the first time I had paddled the bow in my two year old canoe. I understand now when Markus said it’s cramped up front. It was windy now, but no white caps. I spent some time explaining the "J-stroke" and others, but until you actually do it, you don’t understand the motions.

RYAN SITTING IN THE STERN FOR THE FIRST TIME

It was funny as we made complete circles in the middle of the lake and zig-zigged our way to the north end of the lake. I just told him that I'd let him figure it out .. that he'd learn fast. He was excellent in the bow. In creeks he helped me navigate turns. As we entered the narrows on the north end, many rocks were around and I made sure we went clear thru this area. I wanted to go as far as possible at this end of the lake as it looks like only a few hundred meters of land on the map to cross to Head Lake. I wanted to do some bush-whacking to check it out. The marsh here had only four inches of water and endless "goo" on the bottom, which the paddles stirred-up as we pushed through. The sun was belting down on us and with the shallow water, made it hot there. We got as far as we could and found a spot along the west side to get out without sinking in the muck. It did not look good, as numerous trees were down all over. It looked like a huge wind storm had caused this. As we stumbled along the creek, I could hear water flowing over rapids and was determine to find the source of this wonderful sound. We had to pretend to be monkeys, climbing trees knocked down over small valleys. My son kept warning me to be careful! Funny, I used to tell him that a few years ago! I think he was concerned about how he would carry me out, if I should hurt myself. He's so nice!

We finally found the waterfall. It’s water from Kenneth Lake, dropping about 11 meters down to Head Lake. What a beauty. I’m glad we made the trek to find it. The water was supper warm from the shallow bay. We sat under it and let the water drop on us. We sat on some rock ledges looking on Head Lake. Right across from the falls on Head Lake is a campsite. I would love to camp on that site, being so close to the falls. We watched as a loaded canoe approached this site and unloaded. I had tried to book on Head for that night, but was booked up. After a half hour or so, we went back to our canoe. I let Ryan paddle the stern again to experience head winds for the first time. He was getting better, but I still had to help getting though the rock narrows.

Once on open waters, I let him do his zig-zag thing, as we sort of made way to get firewood. There were a few quiet loons on the lake. There were also many seagulls squawking about. We got to the area I wanted to get firewood. I climbed the steep shore to find dead cedar for the night fire. I always get enough for the next camper. With a loaded canoe of firewood and pumped some fresh water, we head back to camp to rest once again after a quick swim. After our rest, Ryan was using our loon-caller, trying to get our loons to call back. After about 5 minutes the loons came closer and they did call back. It was very nice to hear them call. We could hear the bull moose walking through the woods behind us. I never did see it, but the noise it was making, it could have been nothing else.

Around 7:30, I started to make spaghetti for supper. On every trip, I spend time to widdle a stair-stick that I mark dates and lakes used on. Ryan was also spending his spare time carving up sticks. After supper was done and cleaned-up, we took the canoe for a quick paddle into the marsh near our campsite .. hoping to see some moose at sunset. It was past 9:00 pm and it was starting to become hard to see. No moose to be seen that night. The night was still and warm with some skeeterS coming out for dinner. As the forest darkened, I went and layed on the rocks and watched the stars. I few satellites were also spotted. The loons were quiet and not a sound was heard in the forest. I could not believe how silent it was. As we retuned back to the fire, I told my son a few ghost stories that I had stored for such a night. Bo Knows told me a few that I think were real. Not to worry, my son slept well that night and wasn't afraid of such stories. At 11:30pm we turned in for the night. I did listen for anything out of the ordinary that night!

Thursday morning I was again up early to watch the sun come up. Surprisingly my son joined me.

SUNRISE ON KENNETH LAKE

I made some coffee for me and hot chocolate for my son. After a belly filled with pancakes, we cleaned up and packed up our gear.

LEAVING OUR SITE ON KENNETH LAKE

By 9:00am we were back on the 290 meter portage to Head Lake. Once on Head Lake, we paddled northeast towards Head Creek. The lake narrows down to a pleasant creek. The deer flies were somewhat annoying to anyone without a hat. I'd told him to bring a hat! Ha, live and learn I say and the next time we trip together, my son will bring a hat. At the first portage, we caught-up with and passed a younger couple and a older man and young woman that were in a birch bark made canoe! I was impressed and I had to ask a few questions about his boat. It was long at 17 feet and weighed around 75lbs. I was shocked to see the wise dude pick it up and carry the portage. This portage takes the same path as the Highlands Backpacking Trail around some beautiful rapids. Making single carries of the portages, we were able to get back in the water first. We paddled another kilometer to the next 100 meter portage. This one was not marked on the map. Another short paddle to a 120 meter portage. All the portages on the river are easy and follow close to the river.

RYAN ON A PORTAGE

Picture opportunities along each portage were taken. As you go farther, the creek is joined with the water from the Madaswaska River. This area widens up to marsh on both sides. The river snakes through the valley. We had one beaver damm lift-over to make, that we had to get out of the canoe to slide over it and down, way down to the lower level. We came across another that had fast water following over and fast water after the dam. We were able to skim the dam and have some fun in the short fast water.

We came up to the 190 meter portage near the old railway bridge. By 11:30 we were at the wooden bridge, a portage of 50 meters. Many people and a few dogs were in the water enjoying the rapids. The bridge is also part of the Backpacking Route that comes from Mew Lake campground. Funny thing is, after we passed the bridge my son reminded me that we were here during the winter with Markus and Joan. This would be a nice place to bring the family if we come back next year.

A COOL PLACE TO RELAX.

We passed many canoe couples and families, all asking how far to the rapids. With the current and wind going our way, we finished that last couple of kilometers and landed at the beach of Lake of Two Rivers at noon. It had taken approximatelty three hours to get back to camp. No sight of Laurie to get my van, we decided to make that last 300 meter portage through the campground. Many people were looking funny at us being loaded with gear. I suppose many there don't go camping interior. We got to camp to find no family around. We plopped down our gear and opened the cooler for a few cold drinks. Laurie and Ashley were coming back from the showers. Mid-day is the best time for getting a shower stall. Bathrooms are crazy in the morning and night.

AT THE LOGGING MUSEUM

After an afternoon rest and swim, we decided to go to the first 2007 Wolf Howl at the Outdoor Theatre at 8:00pm. We left at 7:30pm to beat some of the crowds. At 8:00pm, the show started with a man that has being doing 97 Wolf Howls since 1970. I do not remember his name. He was a great speaker and said as much as 2,000 people and 500 cars are the usual. Tonight was less with about 1500 people.

AT THE WOLF HOWL

After an hour, I was so darn tired and there was another 3 hours to get everyone lined up on the road. I asked the family if they really want to drive around and hope to hear a wolf. They all agreed to leave before everyone else lined up to the wolf location that is kept secret. The rangers called for the wolf packs two nights in a row. When a confirmation was made at the same location, the wolf howl was called on. They are usually about 90% successful at making contact. We found out the next morning from some camp neighbours that they drove to the East Gate and they split the cars in half and lined them up both sides of Highway 60. Its closed down from traffic for 10 minutes. The dude that did the talking was the one calling the wolves. After his first attempt, the pack called back for about a few minutes. They waited some time and called again with no response. Our neighbours got back at midnight!

Our last night in the park was enjoyed with a quiet campground, most people being at the Wolf Howl. We roasted some marshmallow and cooked some pop-corn. With us leaving the next morning, we turned in around 11:00pm. We had a few fans moving air inside the camper .. one advantage of camping on a serviced campsite. It was warm for our last night and a brief thunder storm blew through with little rain. Most of the storm was lightening and bangers. Laurie was running around outside putting gear under tarps and such to keep dry. Sorry, no way was I getting up. I was dog tired!

Friday departure

I slept in until 7:00 am and was in no hurry to leave. We cooked a large breakfast for our last day and then cleaned up our numerous bits of gear. We didn't leave our campsite until 11:00am. We stopped in at Langford Canoes and into Huntsville on the way home.

Would I camp again at a busy campground? As long as I can leave to go interior! We will be back next year. Any time in the Park is enjoyed.

NOTICE THE REFLEXION, NICE SHIRT EH?

Mike, Laurie, Ryan and Ashley Burns.