The Algonquin Forestry Authority has just released its 2014-2015 Schedule of Operations Map. This map differs from the earlier version released on March 13th, in that this one breaks the operations down into colour-coded seasonal indications, along with the associated truck haulage routes. It can be downloaded in zoomable PDF format.

By consulting with this map, one will be better able to plan upcoming backcountry trips away from sources of noise related to logging activities. The AFA provides this map as part of its compliance with the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forestry Designation.

Back in the late '60's, Jim Kinnear canoe tripped with his family group from Canoe Lake to Misty Lake. At the time, he wrote a photo-illustrated article about the experience. That article has finally been published here on Algonquin Adventures. You're invited to take a retrospect step back 45 years to get a taste of what it was like .. A Walk In The Park. Thanks to his family and friends for making this available.

"In addition to our two 16 foot canoes, we had a portable wooden kitchen box of 65 lbs., a bread box of 12 lbs., three packs weighing 30, 48 and 75 lbs. .. and our motor of about 17 lbs. The two canoes weighed about 80 lbs each and we found that we could carry for about ¼ mile before having to stop for a few minutes rest."

Over time, Troy of Maddy The Goose fame, has compiled a substantial YouTube Channel of well over forty (40) videos dedicated to sharing his knowledge of canoe tripping and hiking .. check out the Maddy The Goose YouTube Channel.

Troy's website and videos are ".. all about canoe tripping and sharing my experiences, discoveries, lessons learned, and knowledge I've picked up along the way. From the food I bring to the knots I find useful, my goal is to write solely about the things I actively do, use, eat, etc. ... Maddy is my dog and Goose is her nickname."

The MNR has released the Algonquin Forestry Authority's Annual Work Schedule (2014-2015) for Forest Management Unit 451. It describes forestry activities to be carried out in the park over the coming year .. harvest, renewal, road construction, prescribed burns, etc.

As part of the AFA's compliance with CSA Sustainable Forestry Designation, there will be a more detailed work schedule map released in early April .. showing the operational areas with seasonal color-coding, along with corresponding haulage routes. This more detailed map is intended to help recreationalists better plan their trips so as to avoid sources of logging noises.

Kevin P. has created a trip-log in online book format Barron Canyon 2013, documenting his family group's seven-day trip out of the Sand Lake Gate. Their plans were changed by extreme weather that had brought trees down, blocking portages on the way to Opalescent Lake. They had to spend two nights on Wet Lake, while portages elsewhere were cleared and they could eventually get to their planned destinations.

"On day 6 we had a great day planned. We were heading through Ooze Lake, High Falls Lake, St. Andrews Lake and Stratton Lake to get to a natural waterslide and to view the High Falls Waterfall. On the way to the waterslide we found a water fall that we had not known about."

Rob Howes has added a trip-log to his blog Words of a Wandering Soul of his 2011 nine-day Solo Happy Isle-Merchant-Big Trout-LaMuir-Big Crow-Proulx. Rob's account shares his reactions to a prolonged absence from human interaction, along with 55 detailed photos (clickable to full 1200x1600 pixel size).

"I also started to notice little changes in my habits and routines, already I was getting up at sunrise and as the sun started to set I found myself getting tired, but I also noticed that I was no longer talking out loud and my thought process was more focused, thinking about what needed to be done, and prioritizing, focusing on the next day and not really giving thought to everything left behind."

Brandon Peek has added another trip-log to his TOURduPARK.com website. TR 13 "Tom Thomson Lake" describes his early spring-time 3-day solo canoe trip out of Canoe Lake .. to Tom Thomson Lake. As before, Brandon's writing style is extremely effective in sharing all aspects of his trip.

".. I finally arrived at the beaver dam in the narrows between Little Doe and Tom Thomson Lakes. Once I made the simple life-over I spotted a Cow Moose along the northern shore munching on some underwater plants. She didn’t look too good. She was missing a lot of fur in large patches. I figured she endured enough stress over the winter, so I kept more of a distance than I normally would. I snapped only a couple pictures and continued on my way, leaving her to enjoy her lunch."

The Friends of Algonquin Park and EarthCam have got together to share high definition webcam imagery of the park online on the official park website.

The website interface provides a high definition live view overlooking the Visitors Centre viewdeck, a scrolling panorama and archived full-screen views to the south toward Fork Lake, taken every 2 hours all the way back to August of last year .. great for watching the change in the seasons!

For more details, check out the official press-release.

Adam Ruzzo is an outstanding guitarist and a real friend of Algonquin Park. Many Algonquin Adventures regulars will remember Adam as one of the speakers at the 2012 TEDxAlgonquinPark event, where he performed selections of his music. Through his music, he endeavors to raise awareness about wilderness conservation and to inspire others to explore Ontario Parks.

Adam has just released a music CD, entiled Algonquin Park Sketches. You can view a trailer video ... go to Adam's website and order a copy by mail ... or go to the iTunes Store and purchase a download.

The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists have issued an update of their recent activities. Since the summer of 2013, the ABR has been involved with the following backcountry issues ...

■   Algonquins Of Ontario Land Claims - Negotiations Toward an Agreement In Principle   ■   Roads of Concern (Algonquin Forestry Authority) OPU 136-1 Rowan Lake Road   ■   Cottage Lease Renewal Submission   ■   Creek-choking Alders .. A Change   ■   Promotion of Leave No Trace Principles   ■   CAMIS Reservations and the Canoe Route Map

For details, check out 2014 New Year's Update Of ABR Activities