Canoeing, Lady Evelyn Lake, Temagami
Details
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/c/d/600_440552205.jpeg
It would be nice to have a week to approach Lady Evelyn Lake from northern Mowat Landing access and do a big loop including Evelyn River. But, we don't.
So, we'll approach Lady Evelyn from the south using Red Squirrel Rd access, the same access we used last long weekend.
If you are looking at Jeff's Map 'Central' as you should by now, our trajectory is Red Squirrel Lake -> Ferguson Bay -> North Arm - Lake Temagami -> Diamond Lake -> bottom of Lady Evelyn Lake -> loop into Willow Island Lake and back to Evelyn -> back to our start.
The point of the exercise, and there will be much of it, is to maximize time spent in narrow channels as opposed to big open waters.
The reason we drive so far north is the same reason we do problematic portages. It is a nuisance. The nuisance factor guarantees a wilderness experience devoid of portage lineups and no available campsites. Not to mention, we are KW-Backcountry. Conquering conquest is in our DNA. Go Team!
Itinerary:
Friday, Sep. 4. At the earliest possible commence the long drive north to Temagami, Ontario, Canada (530 km from Waterloo). End up at Smoothwater Outfitters north of the town and tent for the night. Those who already have boats in tow may elect to continue on to Red Squirrel Road Access to camp instead.
Saturday. Load up rental canoes as required, transport to Red Squirrel Access and launch by 10:00 am. End of day we are through the Sharp Rock portage and camped in the east end of Diamond Lake.
Sunday. Canoe into the bottom of Evelyn, then into Willow Island looping back via Klutz, Cleary and Diamond Lakes putting us in Sharp Rock Inlet for the night.
Monday. Return to Red Squirrel parking lot by 2:00 pm, no sooner, no later.
Difficulty:
We need to cover 20 km plus per day so anticipate a day at the gym from 9:00 am to 5 pm. Anyone in reasonable physical shape can do this, canoeing experience or not. Don't expect a relaxing weekend. There is no base camp for opting out of the middle day.
If portaging (carrying your canoe from Lake A to B) sounds challenging don't bring unnecessary junk. Consider this a no coolers or lawn chairs type of trip. Count on double pass portages, however, getting all your earthly possessions in one bag is highly recommended. (In reality people will do whatever they want to do. Good for them).
If concerned about the length of these hikes, get a map and do your figuring. This is an everybody has a map and compass type of trip.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/2/9/2/600_440573906.jpeg
As for camping experience or lack thereof, bring warm and waterproof clothing, you will survive. Repeat, warm and waterproof. A tent is not a bad idea either.
Cost:
$10 Friday night camping at outfitter
$12 Saturday night camping in provincial park
$60 shared gas. (Remember 1 canoe per car transporter, therefore, only 2 people per car ride sharing).
$34 x 3 days, divided by two paddlers, canoe rental if required. Get an 'ultralight' boat, your shoulders will thank you.
Canoe Rental:
Try and use Smoothwater Outfitters, Temagami, if possible. http://smoothwater.com/ It streamlines Saturday morning loading up. (Cool, they have our tents from last time on their main page). Don't dither reserving your canoe. Get boats before the light ones are gone, worry about canoe sharing details later.
Inspiration:
Civic Holiday long weekend 2015 https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/26313714/
Canada Day long weekend 2015 https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/26239800/
Sign up Process:
There is no upfront cost. You pay your driver for gas, the outfitter for camping and canoe rental. How we get backcountry permits for Saturday night remains to be determined.
Use the comment section below to self-organize. Eventually we might have a shared spreadsheet to facilitate this as well.
Closer to the event anticipate 'Logistics' emails sent to all attendees with minor details.
Note: the lead-in photo is not Lady Evelyn Lake, rather, KoKoKo from last time.