Would it be correct to say we are all pretty much ensconced in our job/work/career/studies etc etc. Let's face it, once the daylight shortens and precipitation increases with the corresponding drop in temperature, its easy to get into the routine; I did. However, occassionally we fight back. That little stubborness and resistance to relent sometimes get the best of you. I know it happens to all of us. Now you know I wouldn't be bloggling you all if there wasn't some fight in me. Yes!,...I relented. Back to the CANOE! I just couldn't let the season die away. So off we went!
Every year we try to go to Killarney at least once. Usually during the off season. Well, it certainly was "off"! First, the looks we got. (Okay, it is a little late in the season, but...) Even the park ranger and the group of people at the park we passed - their heads turned when we pulled in. Secondly, we were expecting cold temperatures and some snow, but not as much as we expected! About 2 hrs north on Hwy 69 we started seeing some snow, no big deal. As we drove further north, it became evident to us that the amount of snow was increasing in a corresponding way. (Marylou, did you bring the shovel?!!!!)
- On Hwy 647 on the way to Killarney
Lastly, when we got there, it was obvious that no one in their normal state of mind was canoeing in the interior, let alonecamping in the park! (actually there was a girl that was just leaving the George Lake campground when we arrived) Okay, well, there is always a first time! (Even the OPP officer was stunned when we told what we were doing) So, how did it go?
Surprisingly, fabulous! We had a great time. When we started, we were a little apprehensive, but once we got going, we never looked back. We started the 3 day trip at the Carlyle Lake Access point, but since we got to a very late start (had only about an hour of sunlight), we decided to camp on the same lake (beside Terry lake).
The next day we headed to Ruth-Roy and then back the last day. The scenery was out of this world. It was like a magical place, a fairy tale land which was just surreal.
- Paddling through a magical lake
There must have been a heavy wet snowfall as all the tree branches were heavily ladden with snow and ice. The discomforting part was at night when there was the constant falling of clumps of snow/ice, or branches, or both! Obviously we are alive to tell the tale, but our tent did get hit several times by snow. Being outside isn't safer as yours truly got nailed once in the face! We didn't see too much wildlife - squirrels, otters, ducks, owl, (its hunting season so I gather 'they' are all hiding out!)- but interestingly we saw wolf prints that followed along our footprints on the portage we doubled back on when we left. It snowed on us once, but then it was just part of the experience. Other than that, we left the park just in time as it started to rain once we were in the vehicle.
- On the summit looking down on Ruth-Roy
I have to say that with this trip, I was willing to put the paddle away for good. I figured the 'cold and wet' would finally put out the flame, but unfortunately it hasn't! It only seems to have stoked it! (Hmmmmm. Maybe a weekend in December. Will let you know!) Enjoy the pics. Hope everyone is happy and healthy! Let me know how you are all doing! Cheers!
The view from our tent
Every year we try to go to Killarney at least once. Usually during the off season. Well, it certainly was "off"! First, the looks we got. (Okay, it is a little late in the season, but...) Even the park ranger and the group of people at the park we passed - their heads turned when we pulled in. Secondly, we were expecting cold temperatures and some snow, but not as much as we expected! About 2 hrs north on Hwy 69 we started seeing some snow, no big deal. As we drove further north, it became evident to us that the amount of snow was increasing in a corresponding way. (Marylou, did you bring the shovel?!!!!)
- On Hwy 647 on the way to Killarney
Lastly, when we got there, it was obvious that no one in their normal state of mind was canoeing in the interior, let alonecamping in the park! (actually there was a girl that was just leaving the George Lake campground when we arrived) Okay, well, there is always a first time! (Even the OPP officer was stunned when we told what we were doing) So, how did it go?
Surprisingly, fabulous! We had a great time. When we started, we were a little apprehensive, but once we got going, we never looked back. We started the 3 day trip at the Carlyle Lake Access point, but since we got to a very late start (had only about an hour of sunlight), we decided to camp on the same lake (beside Terry lake).
The next day we headed to Ruth-Roy and then back the last day. The scenery was out of this world. It was like a magical place, a fairy tale land which was just surreal.
- Paddling through a magical lake
There must have been a heavy wet snowfall as all the tree branches were heavily ladden with snow and ice. The discomforting part was at night when there was the constant falling of clumps of snow/ice, or branches, or both! Obviously we are alive to tell the tale, but our tent did get hit several times by snow. Being outside isn't safer as yours truly got nailed once in the face! We didn't see too much wildlife - squirrels, otters, ducks, owl, (its hunting season so I gather 'they' are all hiding out!)- but interestingly we saw wolf prints that followed along our footprints on the portage we doubled back on when we left. It snowed on us once, but then it was just part of the experience. Other than that, we left the park just in time as it started to rain once we were in the vehicle.
- On the summit looking down on Ruth-Roy
I have to say that with this trip, I was willing to put the paddle away for good. I figured the 'cold and wet' would finally put out the flame, but unfortunately it hasn't! It only seems to have stoked it! (Hmmmmm. Maybe a weekend in December. Will let you know!) Enjoy the pics. Hope everyone is happy and healthy! Let me know how you are all doing! Cheers!
The view from our tent
