Hiking, Bruce Peninsula National Park
Details
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Celebrate nasty weather. Nothing worse than camping with mixed rain and snow while temperatures hover around freezing. Everything gets wet then freezes.
Celebrate having an entire national park to yourself, nobody else crazy enough to be out there. The wet snow sticks to the cedars. Frozen puddles crack when stepped on. All is well with the world.
Itinerary:
Friday: Nov. 7 leave for Bruce National, Cyprus Lake campground, after work for the three hour drive north from KW to Tobermory. Set up camp in the dark.
It is full moon so anticipate a moonlight hike to Georgian Bay. Imagine a photo from under the overhang, silhouetted by the moon!
Saturday, Nov. 8, 8:30 am. For the benefit of newcomers to the park leave camp via the Marr Lake trail, then at Georgian Bay head east on the Bruce Trail via the Grotto. Continue the 13 km, whatever it is, to High Dump backcountry campground.
Sunday, in keeping with the 8:30 am concept run the tape backwards, possibly cutting out a few kms using undocumented shortcuts. Get back to the vehicles mid afternoon for the drive home.
Cost:
Shared gas + shared campground Friday + individual camping permit Saturday
estimate based on three per car
$25 (gas) + $5 Friday camping + $9.80 Saturday camping = $40
Difficulty:
Backpacking resembles walking, how hard can it be? Wrong, this is a challenging trail, don't let the short distance fool you. The intention is to cover it at a reasonable rate of speed, no lingering for Facebook selfies. Don't pack a gram of unnecessary gear. Hollow out your toothbrush (just kidding).
Gear:
Hiking poles are highly recommended. Your 'event host' wouldn't hike this without them.
Tenting is only allowed on tent pads at High Dump campground. If your tent isn't self standing (it needs pegs to stay upright) bring rope.
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Campfires are not allowed at this location. A candle lantern makes a good substitute.
There are already bear hangs in place, save grams by leaving yours home.
While on the theme of saving grams, did I mention sub zero temperatures this weekend? What a great excuse to buy that down sweater you've been eyeing.
Minor details:
The park office is closed this time of year. Not to worry, permits are available from a self-serve kiosk upon arrival.
Cyprus Lake car camping area (Friday night) becomes walk in only this approximate time of year. Anticipate hauling your gear 200 meters from the parking lot.
High Dump (Saturday night) has a semi-civilized washroom.
Cell coverage may not be available at all locations, but isn't that why you go 'backcountry' ?
In past Bruce hikes, some used Emmet Lake or Crane Lake access points to cut down hiking distance to High Dump. Some drove up early Saturday morning instead of camping Friday. If needs be consider either an option.
Inspiration:
There are tons of photos from Bruce National hikes in KW-backcountry's photo section. We do at least four a year, one a season. Here are a few from two weekends ago. Also, check out photos from last weekend (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/25601642/#429213002).
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High Dump beach (no one else there)
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High Dump, end of day.
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Anonymous lookout, of which there are many on trail.
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Just another anonymous lookout. Time for lunch?