Snowshoe camping, Maggie Lake, Algonquin

Due to demand for winter camping with snowshoes, give a round of applause for Maggie Lake, the star of Algonquin Park's Western Uplands Hiking Trail.

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Itinerary:

Option 1:

Friday, Jan. 11, 5:30 pm, leave from Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Carpool to the Econolodge, Huntsville.

Saturday, early breakfast at the motel, purchase backcountry permits at Algonquin Park's west gate on Hwy 60, 9:00 am. Proceed to hiking trail parking lot, 9:30 am, and set out clockwise on the blue blazed loop.

Option 2:

Saturday, Jan. 12, 9:30, join the rest of the group at the Western Uplands Hiking Trail Parking lot, 6 km east of the west gate on Hwy 60.

Both Options:

Hike with snowshoes for 9 km to Maggie Lake and setup camp for the night. Return to parking lot Sunday mid afternoon. Head for home, a 3 1/2 hour drive.

Please specify which option you prefer, and whether you can drive or require a ride when signing up. The comment box in the RSVP signup process is a convenient place to do so.

Cost:

$25 (shared Friday accommodation) + $11.75 (backcountry permit/person/night) + $30 (shared gas) = $66.75

Less $25 for option 2.

Gear:

Recommended: -20 C sleeping bag. Well insulated sleeping pad. Liquid gas stove to melt snow. Thermos/flask to keep melted snow melted. Tent. Snowshoes (when you need them you need them bad). Hiking poles a plus. If renting please reserve ahead of time, as early as possible.

Ride Sharing:

By default the 'event host' will match remaining drivers with passengers three days before the meetup, however, feel free to arrange ride sharing on your own in the comment section below if so inclinded.

Links:

Snowshoe and sleeping bag rentals (http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com/rental/5.html) (Algonquin Outfitters, Oxetongue Lake) 1-800-469-4948

Snowshoe rentals (MEC, Barrie) 705-792-4675

Difficulty:

Not your average walk in the park but reasonably fit, well prepared, first time winter campers welcome.

Inspiration:

Photos from 2012 (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/6411852/) and 2011 (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/1248200/) winter trips to Maggie Lake (2012 photos are predominantly from Maple Lake, the first en route).

Links to other winter hikes on the same 'blue loop' of the Western Uplands Hiking Trail, in random order.... 1__ (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/1277178/) 2--- (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/1264135/) 3___ (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/6474772/) 4----- (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/1226891/)

Notes:

• MEC Barrie rents MSR snowshoes such as the EVO model. These are far superior to most rental snowshoes. Hours of operation, picking up and returning, may be an issue.

• Algonquin Outfitters rents deluxe Marmot -40 C sleeping bags. Their store is close to the park so picking up and returning isn't an issue.

• On some previous trips we've tented Friday night near the parking lot which saves on motel costs. It is an option if you prefer.

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