Finally got my fix, Four days on a backcountry lake

I am enjoying seeing the days grow longer although it is a harbinger that winter must shortly come to an end. I have, then, been taking advantage of the colder weather and snow that we have had since January to get outside. As much as I love summer — the warm weather, and its opportunities to canoe, camp, and fish — I think that I enjoy winter even more. Apart from canoeing, I can engage in all of those same activities as well as cross country skiing and, as an added bonus, there are fewer people and no bugs!

After learning that both Algonquin Park and Haliburton Highlands were closed for overnight use, I made several phone calls to inquire if we could backcountry camp on Crown land. Of course, I received conflicting information, so I finally just looked at the Ontario government COVID webpage. The stay-at-home order deems exercise as essential and exempts cross country skiing and ice fishing. I reasoned that if activities such as skating at Toronto rinks and travelling outside of our Public Health area to go skiing or fishing were acceptable then there should be no reason why my wife and I couldn’t go camping for four days. So, over the Family Day weekend, we took the opportunity to camp on Crown land in an area that I had been to many times before.

We had the area to ourselves; it was lovely to be outdoors and — no masks for the entire time! The weather was ideal; we had some snow every night and on our last morning so snowshoeing was a good workout especially when pulling a sled up a gentle incline!

We packed two komatik-style sleds with all of our gear and snowshoed in a short distance from our access. Along the way, some trail work was needed: filling in hollows with snow or levelling out slight rises along the bush road access but, unlike other winter trips, no brush clearing — a decided advantage.

Our backcountry lake, easily accessible through the end of a marsh, was small and very picturesque. I scouted out a suitable area for a campsite — a small clearing behind a windbreak of trees just up from the shore of the lake — and we then proceeded to unload the sleds, pitch the tent and unpack, cut firewood, and get some water. Several hours later, we were comfortably set up.

One of the advantages of camping on snow is that a level tent site is not required as snow can be used as a floor leveller. With a plastic groundsheet, inflatable sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, we had a very comfortable bedroom. A small wood stove provided heat as well as a means of cooking.

During the trip, I couldn’t help but think of my Irish pioneer ancestors who must have spent much of their time doing many of the same tasks as we were: cutting wood, tending to the wood stove, cooking, hauling water in pails, or breaking trail to facilitate travel over the snowy landscape. Certainly not genealogical research but an interesting insight into their lives.

I felt very fortunate in being able to get out even for such a short period of time. As dear to me as skiing and ice fishing are, a winter camping trip always proves to be the highlight of my winter. Next time, however, I might just pack a rod and reel!

One of two 8' sleds used to haul in gear.

What a awesome report and thank you for sharing..
Definitely next time pack a rod if there's room..

Camp set up -- now to cut more firewood!

Cooking bacon and eggs and making toast.

Exploring the lake.

More exploring.

Trackless snow.

Getting water.

Packing out the trail.

Very cool! I enjoyed your report...what an adventure and great pics. Of course, I have to ask...Are there brookies in there? and if so...why on earth did you not take fishing gear!?

Nor sure about brookies. For what it's worth, Fish ON-Line doesn't report any species for that lake. Doesn't mean that I won't try sometime!

Looks like a fun time, even without fish.

Very nice!

Awesome to see.