I've planned a little adventure on the backpacking trail on Western Uplands from Hwy 60.  I'm hoping to rediscover my trail legs for another adventure this summer.  I took a break from Algonquin last year. New breath new life into my love of the trail(s). My plan is not too strenuous: Maple Leaf, Maggie, Eu, Thunder, Romano and Guekewau. Nothing my feet haven't hit before. I'm curious about what other hikers have planned.

Well, I did venture out the last weekend of September on the Highlands backpacking trail.  Forecast was not promising and was quite accurate for the duration of my trip.  I do live a number of kms from Algonquin so my intention was to drag this out over 4 nights, but it became 3 nights instead.  I spent the first night at #2 on Provoking - fun site with so much acreage multiple people could stay there and not see each other.  Glorious day walking the trail - sunny, cool and breezy.  Once I was set up, I stretched out on a rock to soak up the afternoon sun.  A pleasant evening listening to loons on the lake.  I was in the tent early because I was dreadfully tired from a late night before.  Starting to doze I heard an animal's footsteps and something running by my tent at an incredible speed.  This was followed by barking.  Then a light bobbing in the darkness.  I said "Hello?".  A voice asked in a rushed manner "where's the trail? I need to get to the trailhead!"  I tried to communicate with this individual however the dog barking was overcoming our voices.  I asked if this person had a map - they responded, "it quit working".  Oh boy.  It is pitch dark, I am a solo woman backpacker and I'm going to leave my tent to respond to someone who I'd identify as in "bush panic" mode.  I lumbered out, set him on the course of the trail, and eventually got back to sleep.  Luckly, all the other days held no excitement.  Saturday was another great weather day on the trail.  I stayed at Harness #1.  I've stayed there before - brilliant rock overlooking the lake.  Chipmunk welcoming committee that quickly dissipated when they learned I wouldn't feed them.  I awoke Sunday morning to a slight drizzle.  Broke down camp before things were too wet.  Sunday I walked to Head #2.  Short hike and lots to consider for the next day.  Rain/drizzle all day.  I was fully prepared for rain but I wasn't interested in sitting under a tarp for two days looking at rain. 

I have not seen anyone post a trip so I am terribly curious.  I fear I will not be backpacking in Algonquin in 2022 and that disappoints me.  Each time I wanted to book something, it was full.  I started trip planning early so that's not the issue. September even looks like a wash for me.  Post your trips so I can be green with envy!

I'm a backpacker and I have found on toes moleskin works.  But my go to in my first aid kit is white hockey stick tape.  I don't know what magic lies within that tape but it will stay on my heels or toes for days covering hot spots or blisters.  Wool socks and white hockey stick tape and I am on the trails for days!

Marko_Mrko: because I had positioned this post under backpacking I wasn't expecting a response about portaging.  I hear what you are saying as I have done that.  I made it through my car camping experience while cringing.  My best times were on the hiking trails on Hwy 60 before 10am.  Less people, less noise and more solitude.  I'm excited to report I did the Whiskey Rapids trail again.  Last time I did that was in a thunderstorm that really rushed the enjoyment, and it was closed for so long in recent years.  I really enjoy being able to give feedback in the online Ontario Parks survey once you return from your trip.

I am sad. The backcountry should be a place where souls are to be free.  It is not a place to be commercialized.  I understand our need to be connected at this time.  At the expense of the individual a cost to be had upon the soloist who has a yearning and burning for their very soul.

Last week I was backpacking on the WUT (Rain Lake access).  On my first night I was on the last site on Islet, and around 10pm I heard wolves howling.  Beautiful start to my trip.  One day I was making my way from Gervais to Brown.  I was at the top of a hill and trying to determine where the trail went down so I looked across the way to see if I could see where the trail started.  Below there was a bit of water and what I think used to be a beaver dam.  On the far bank was a pack of wolves.  My brain could hardly keep up with what my eyes were seeing.  I counted between 5 to 7 wolves.  I could see that one walked down the bank to where I was headed, and the others scooted up the trail on the other side.  I gave them some time to get moving along and I gave a few toots on my whistle.  I continued to do this as I resumed the trail and walked through the bush.  When I got to Brown Creek (lovely foot bridge across) I continued to make noise.  When I got to the other side and up the embankment I paused to catch my breath and the wolves began howling from where I just came from.  I was gobsmacked!!! I assumed that they watched me the entire time while I walked through their area.  A bit unsettling however I was more excited about this experience than scared.  This is the second time I have seen wolves in this area - last time was about two years ago.  I have always thought that they are glorious creatures, and I feel truly blessed that this has happened to me.  I do backpack solo and try to be prepared for whatever Algonquin throws at me: wildlife, weather etc.  I did share this information with the Park staff when I completed my trip, and now with you.

Trip number three completed on the Highlands in August.  Nothing to notable to report except for campers garbage on East Provoking.  A complete 6 person tent.  Sorry, couldn't lug that out on my own. Interesting twist going in from the Airfield.  Nice to shake things up a bit.  I did see a Pine Martin on this trail again, and that was delightful.