Intro to backpacking - A first trip
Details
Come join us and learn the sport of backpacking. Backpacking is the basis for almost all overnight travel activities be it cycle touring, canoe camping, or ski touring. September is the perfect time of year to backpack in Algonquin. The bugs mostly have died off for the season, the temperatures are cooler, and if we are lucky the trees will be sporting their fall colours.
This trip follows on with what you have learned in the "Intro to backpacking - Learn what to pack". The focus will be on helping you learn and improve your backpacking. It will be well suited for beginners and those looking to improve their backpacking. Instruction will be provided as we hike as well as demonstrations on how to perform many common backpacking skills.
Even with all that, no amount of instruction can make up for poor preparation. In the interest of safety and to ensure a quality experience for everyone there are a few rules:
All participants must attend a "Intro to Backpacking" clinic to learn how to prepare
-or-
have prior backpacking experience and have prior approval of the event host, Tim.
You will be dropped from the trip if you don't meet these requirements. The next clinic is on September 22nd.
Additionally you are required to pack according to the packing list here (http://goo.gl/Ool21) (http://goo.gl/Ool21) or you may not be permitted to hike.
Now that we have gotten that unpleasantness behind us. I would also like to mention that although clothes are not available for loaning I do have a wealth of gear to help everyone pack. Please let me know if you lack anything on the packing list and I may be able to help out. I recommending borrowing before you buy so you know what to look for in what you purchase.
Trip rating:
Beginner trip
Itinerary:
Friday: We will depart KW in carpools as people become available. The destination is TBD but will be near the park. Likely we will be camping.
Saturday: We will make a quick breakfast in camp and aim to be at the nearby permit station by 9AM. After we get our permits we will set off on the Western Uplands Trail to where we will spend the night , Maggie Lake. The hike will travel 11KM over mixed, mostly easy, trail. We will make our way through wooded rolling hills, under a dramatic beaver dam, and past numerous small lakes and ponds.
Sunday: We will hike back to the cars the way we hiked in and drive home. I anticipate we will return to the KW area late evening, 9PM or later.
Carpools:
Carpooling is encouraged. Car pool groups will be arranged the weekend before the trip, after registration is closed. We will suggest carpools based on the proximity of drivers to passengers. Participants are welcome to discuss arrangements and modify them.
Expenses:
As Friday night arrangements have yet to be made the costs will change. There are estimated of costs. Passengers are expected to share the costs of gasoline with their driver evenly.
$11.75- Permit for one night
$25 - Friday night accommodations
$20-30 - Dinner and snacks on the way to and from Algonquin.
$25 - Gasoline(highly variable based on what car you go in)
Any fees collected will be applied to your permit expenses and accommodations minus the PayPal fee.