Introduction to backpacking - A first trip with Tim

Join me for an introduction to backpacking. This trip aims to help those who are new and/or uncomfortable with self supported backcountry travel.

If you already are a capable backpacker please be considerate and make room for people who are new to backpacking as this trip has limited space.

We will focus on gaining the skills for backcountry living and travel. The focus will be on instruction rather than KM's of travelled a day. Although this is a backpacking trip these skills are transferable to any other trip that requires one to carry one’s needs for multiple days in a backcountry setting.

This trip will take place in Algonquin Provincial Park hiking on the Western Uplands Trail. This section of trail takes place in the forest skirting by several lakes as meanders. There are a few moderate climbs but over all the difficulty of the trail is moderate. The may be some muddy patches and the spring weather can a bit unpredictably warm or cool. The given the distance it is important that you ensure your pack is not too heavy and that your footwear is well fitted.

It is highly recommended you attend the "Introduction to backpacking - Learn what to pack" (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/events/222121697/) workshop on May 14th.

Participants need to be in good physical fitness. Backpacking is a strenuous sport involving carrying weight on ones back over uneven and unpredictable terrain. Participants are required to respond to the email address they have registered with Meetup.com in a timely manner.

The packing list for this trip can be found on the MeetUp site or at this link.

http://files.meetup.com/1606190/Backpackers%20Bootcamp%20Packing%20listv2.pdf

Participants who are not packed properly may be asked to remain at the cars for their own safety.

You are responsible for providing or arranging for all gear you will need. I (Tim) personally have a fairly wide range of equipment to loan, please consider borrowing some of mine before buying. Additionally I encouraged you to share tents and stoves to lessen the amount you will have to carry.

In the spreadsheet below you can indicate items you need to borrow and or that you have available to loan. Also indicate your car pool details.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wozdC8YYaG6fDjYZYUjXnjIcpW8yLKRYBry-bxgdYB4/edit?usp=sharing

To RSVP I am collection $27.37.

$12.74 goes to the Friday night campsite. This assumes 2 sites and 4 cars ($114.70), divided between 9 people total.
$1.11 is 1/9th of the fee charged Ontario parks for making a reservation.
$12.43 covers the cost of the campsite Saturday night.
The final $1.09 goes to PayPal for transaction fees.
Additionally participants are expected to evenly share, with their fellow passengers, the expense of the fuel for whichever vehicle they come in.

Friday May 26th 30th @ 6PM. Carpools will head out Canisbay Campground near Mile Marker 23.1 on Highway 60. I have reserved campsite 129 which can hold up to 6. If need I will try to get another nearby.

Saturday morning there will be a review of everyone's gear and introduction into some of the basic skills needed for backpacking.
After the review is done we will set out, typically around noon, for the Maple Lake Campsite. Along the way and in camp there will more instruction.

Sunday we will return the same way we came in a little wiser. We will aim to be home before 11PM.