I mostly camp in winter now and use more hardware than knots (dutchware) so I can setup / take down with gloves on.

However I do have a good arsenal of knots

The ones I use the most

Siberian hitch (tarp ridge line)
Truckers hitch (tarp ridge line )
Double fisherman knot ( for loops to attach tarp to ridge line )
Prusick knot ( to adjust tarp loops )
Taut line hitch ( tie outs )
Bowline ( to attach food bag to hang rope )
Sheet bend ( general use )
Figure 8 stopper ( there's usually one on the end of the rope to prevent fray )

Definitely need snowshoes

We did the first loop the end of December. ( Counterclockwise )

From The trail head to Ramona was broken trail - but right after and around to Maggie ( where we stayed ) was about 30 cm of snow that we had to break trail. 
From maggie to maple leaf more trail breaking but from maple leaf out snowshoes were optional. 

Even with just a little snow it makes it so much easier to travel with snowshoes. 

Have a great trip !

just to add - In winter it's much better away from existing sites. 
You need LOTS of dead standing wood for a fire.
I find most established sites are near a shore line, In winter I like to be deep in the trees protected from the wind ( as much as possible ) 
Have fun ! 
My camping season is just starting - I prefer to camp October --> May - no bugs, no people, more wildlife and more peaceful .  I've already done 2 november camps and looking forward to more! 
 

Thanks !
Ordered a pair this morning
I like that's it's a Canadian company!

Looking  forward to winter !
For some of us - winter is camping season!

TBH - bears don't worry me - every time I've seen a black bear it's their rear end running away. 
Including a hike to high falls ( the one at the south tip of Algonquin) where we came between a mom and her cubs - just yelled hey and all 3 took off

Now I am scared of moose ( especially the Bulls ) because when I've encountered a moose - they seem to challenge - I had several stand their ground , stare me down and huff and puff

And of course chipmunks  - they like to try to get into my food bag when making dinner :-)

I don't carry bangers or spray

hi there 

I've done the Highland and sections of the Western Uplands and I will admit they are fairly easy compared to Killarney :-) 


I have a few tips for Killarney ( as well as algonquin )  - I've done the La Cloche trail solo 2X ( both I did in 3 days! ) 

to save on weight - cut back on the water you carry - 3L of water is about 6.5 lbs - 
if you use Jeffs Map - both algonquin / Killarney have lots of rivers and lakes you can water up as you go. 
I found in Killarney - there was water every hour or less - I would just hike - when I came to a stream / lake I would drink about 1/2-1 litre and pack about 500ML - then drink the 500ML about 30 minutes later - knowing in 20-30 minutes there is another water stop. 
Believe me 6 LBS of water is alot of weight -  I notice when I have 1L in my pack :-) 


a few other tips - that are weather dependant - but clothes are a lot of weight - some planning can shed a few pounds - it theres no chance of rain - I'll skip the rain gear - even with a small chance - in summer I'll hike and get wet - but have a pair of dry camp clothes ( for clothing I have my hiking clothes - that can get wet, be vented if hot ... and my camp clothes that are dry and warm for what the expected temps are ) 

how long are you planning for La Cloche Silhouette Trail ? 


 

Looks like my plans are changing .. Again
Was thinking of western uplands ( 1st loop - still may venture it )
However lots of sites are already booked

But Killarney is first come first serve - so I have a good chance of getting sites I like and hitting the la cloche trail and hiking it in 3 days ( again )

I'm going to be in the backcountry somewhere within the next few days - just a matter of actually deciding on where ;-)

kellycamps wrote:

Just booked Lk Loiusa for Apr 30- May 2. Keeping my fingers crossed for ice out and sunshine. Getting the gear and canoe out tomorrow. Keeping a positive outlook. Who hoo! Algonquin here I come 😄

I'll be on Louisa May 2  - If you see someone paddling in a brown kayak That's Me! 

still checking here and the algonquin page several times a day for updates on ice conditions. 
 

kayamedic wrote:

We did the Rock-Louisa portage right after ice out in2012. Be prepared as you may be the first over. We did have a saw.. We were glad we did.

thanks - I always have a saw - and more than likely an axe too

now just need  to get news about ice out from algonquin!