Trip Planning » Blackbass and Madawaska Lakes » 2/28/2025 4:01 pm |
Here's how Blackbass was described by my paddling mate.
It was only when we got to the 1.9km portage from the North River to Black Bass that the reality of this port sunk in. It went up 97m in the first 1km. It is a beast! Only slightly less steep than Heart Attack hill between Little Nadine and Little Osler. While not quite the grade of Heart Attack Hill, Black Bass is twice as long. And it was 34 degrees Celsius. This portage kicked our butts. It took hours and I’m pretty sure I had heat exhaustion by the time we were done. I felt awful. Even an awesome dinner of steak and fresh veg couldn’t help me shake the pukey weak feeling I had all afternoon and evening. I’m getting too old for this stuff.
Black Bass Lake. Unless you are on a mission to do something weird like we were, there is no reason to visit Black Bass Lake. The lake is small, nondescript, tannin stained. The first campsite on the west shore is garbage. One of the worst I have come across in Algonquin. It is also not where it is marked on Jeff’s Map. It is on the point south of the portage. Not that it matters. It’s garbage. Don’t go there. The other campsite on the opposite side of the lake is OK. It was flat had enough tent spots and a new thunderbox. If the stupid bushcraft furniture was dismantled and the site was cleaned up a bit, it might even be pretty good. But, again I can’t see any reason to come to this dead end lake unless you plan on bushwhacking further east.
He's a poet. I'll see if I can find anything he's written about Madawaska.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/13/2021 1:39 pm |
Rats, Peek has it.
This is the Little Nadine end of the portage from Skuce Lake. Looking across to the start of Heart Attack Hill.
I knew I'd seen a Susan before, but didn't know where. And the McElroy Gazetteer didn't find it.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/13/2021 7:40 am |
Not Boggy Lake.
Split the difference between Boggy and Robinson. (Roughly speaking)
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/12/2021 7:23 pm |
That's what I say. Susan? Where the heck is Susan?
Not Hemlock either. Moving in the wrong direction compared to Robinson.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/12/2021 1:32 pm |
Not Robinson.
Heading in the right direction and getting warmer.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/12/2021 11:02 am |
Not Cisco Bay.
On the right side of Hwy 60.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/12/2021 9:20 am |
Nope.
Too far west.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #464 » 4/12/2021 7:48 am |
Starting to forget what I've posted before. Here goes.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #463 » 4/10/2021 8:01 pm |
Come on, I waited a day and a half before answering!
I really liked the Tarn area, great scenery.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA #463 » 4/10/2021 7:29 pm |
I'm thinking I've got this. But I've thought that before.
Tarn Lake, from the cliffs on the southwest side.
So I'm thinking that means both lakes are / are possibly Tom Thomson painting sites.
Don't think it was ever "verified" that Tarn was a painting location? It's a great view.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/28/2021 4:22 pm |
AlgonquinLakes wrote:
Bartlett to Kooy Pond?
I'll give it to you. This shot is of the Kooy Pond to Willow Lake portage.
Did a day trip loop from Tom Thomson - Sunbeam - Vanashing Pond - Blue Jay - Little Doe.
2nd Edit: Sorry, was multitasking and just saw Kooy Pond. You guys fight it out on who won.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/28/2021 1:31 pm |
No to Polly/Canisbay and Canoe/Potters.
Potter/Pathfinder is closest so far.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/28/2021 10:49 am |
Getting closer TripperMike, but you've overshot.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/28/2021 8:27 am |
Not Proulx to Opeongo, too far east.
This portage is adjacent to a very busy area, but I'm not sure this one gets quite as much traffic.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/27/2021 4:27 pm |
Interesting. Not those, but they are both approximately the same distance away from the photo.
Where In Algonquin? » WIA 433 » 1/27/2021 1:59 pm |
Glad people are making them easy.
Here's one to try -