Ski Camping, Minnesing Wilderness Trail, Algonquin
Details
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/c/3/8/event_86539512.jpegGet those cross country skis out! According to Ken, the park ranger, there is plenty of snow in Algonquin. Love skiing but not keen on winter camping? Consider the KW Backcountry-lite version, ski during the day but return to the Wolf's Den bunkhouse or a yurt at Mew Lake for the night.
Minnesing Wilderness Trail isn't groomed so ski pulks, toboggans, for hauling winter gear are welcome. The weather forecast for the weekend is balmy.
Itinerary:
Option 1: Friday, 5:30 pm, leave from Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Carpool to the Wolf's Den Bunkhouse, Oxetongue Lake, for the night. The Wolf's Den is a youth hostel with a choice of bunkhouse or cabin.
Option 2: Saturday, 5:30 - 6:00 am, leave KW.
Both options: Saturday, 9 am, congregate at the West gate, Algonquin Park office, Hwy 60, to purchase permits. Drive east another 23 km to the Minnesing Wilderness Trail parking lot. Ski some distance and setup camp. Relax. Continue skiing for the rest of the day. Attempt to build an igloo with an 'Ice-Box' igloo building tool. Contemplate the universe. Choice is yours.
KW Backcountry-lite option: Saturday end of day, return to the Wolf's Den or Mew Lake for the night. Rejoin the camping group Sunday or elect to ski Algonquin's two groomed trails.
Cost:
$11.75/person/night (park permit) + $25 (Wolf's Den) + $30 (shared gas) = $66.75
Mew Lake Yurts are $91/night (accommodates 6 people)
Gear:
Cross country ski rentals (http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com/rental/5.html) (Algonquin Outfitters, Oxetongue Lake)
Links:
Minnesing Wilderness Trail map (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/map_minnesingskitrail.pdf)
All Algonquin ski trails and conditions (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/current-ski-trail-conditions.php) (includes groomed trails)
Wolf's Den (http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/) (866) 271-9336
Mew Lake Campground (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/mew-lake-campground.php) (Algonquin Park)
Inspiration:
Canadian Ski Marathon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4C6UFWhwUo&feature=related) (try skiing 160 km with an overnight pack!)