Ski Camping 2.0, Minnesing Wilderness Trail, Algonquin
Details
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During the Algonquin gold rush, 'Prospector Pete' staked his claim and built himself a cabin in the wilderness. Despite the euphoria of the times, despite much hard work, he never did find gold. But serendipitously, he did find the contentment that gold could never provide. The welcoming scent of wood smoke after a day on skis, the reassurance of clothes drying on the rafters above, the aroma of rabbit stew on the stove, the warmth of the cabin on a star filled night, the quiet of the winter woods mind messaging a perfect night's sleep.
You too can experience Prospector Pete's home and hearth and share in his contentment. Bring your cross country skis, its the only way to get there. Join us on the Minnesing Wilderness Trail.
Itinerary:
Friday, Feb. 24, 6:00 pm, carpool from Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Stop briefly at Moutain Equipment Co-op (MEC) in Barrie. Continue to the Econolodge, Hunstville, for the night (see note below).
Saturday, 7:00 am, continental breakfast courtesy of the motel. 8:00 am, leave Hunstville for Minnesing Trail, 8:30 start skiing. 10:30 am, offload main backpacks at the cabin. Hang out or continue skiing with day packs for the remainder of the day. Sleep the night either in the cabin or in a tent depending on the number of participants, ours or another group's.
Sunday, return. Anticipate being in KW by 8:30 pm.
Cost:
$11.75/person/night (park permit) + $25 (Friday motel) + $25 (shared gas) = $61.75
Gear:
Cross country ski and winter sleeping bag rentals (Algonquin Outfitters, Oxetongue Lake) 1-800-469-4948
Cross country ski rentals (MEC, Barrie) 705-792-4675
MEC Barrie has the best ski package but doesn't rent sleeping bags. Algonquin Outfitters rents excellent winter sleeping bags but they only open at 9:00 am delaying our Saturday start somewhat.
Links:
Minnesing Wilderness Trail map (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/map_minnesingskitrail.pdf)
Algonquin ski trails and conditions (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/current-ski-trail-conditions.php)
Inspiration:
A previous trip (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/5562182/) on the Minnesing Trail this winter.
Notes:
From experience it pays to leave Friday, the weekend is so short. It isn't too difficult finding compatible campers to share motel rooms, a couple in one, gals in another, friends in a third. Use camping mats when sharing beds is awkward. The Econolodge is preferable to the Wolf's Den (a youth hostel) because the Den is always full by the time people sign up. At the Econolodge rooms with two double beds go for $65. They sleep four including breakfast.
The cabin cannot be reserved for Saturday night. There is no guarantee we can sleep in it so come prepared for tenting that night. It all depends on whether another group shows up and the resulting group dynamics. The cabin is a warming hut for the trail so we can use it during the day regardless.
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