Hey all!

Wow I have to say, I've been impressed with the pleasant discussion and awesome attitudes on this. 

Hope you're all maintaining your health and keeping up the positive vibes! 

JB

Heya Sep,
Well, it's cabin-fever time, and definitely can appreciate the early planning!
I have a suggestion for you, but it all depends on the cost level you're looking for. 
I'd almost suggest taking the A.O shuttle for drop off and pick up to sally your way into Happy Isle. 
That way, you can do one portage and a brief paddle and you're at your weekend island site with opportunities to do a day trip or two.  The site on the south facing side of the island has a either a great Westerly rock "Couch" view of the sunset or the alternative southerly site has a great jumping off point for some swimming. (If you're looking at May I'm not sure how much swimming you'll actually be doing though bbrrr)
Plenty of opportunity and a variety of fishing in Happy Isle, or try your hand at either Merchant or Red Rock (love that lake... totally underrated).
If you'd like more movement and to see more of the park.  A good 4 day loop would see you go,
1st day - Drop off to Happy isle Portage and stay on Merchant. 
2nd day- Merchant up through Blowdown/Hemlock lakes and stay on either La Muir or the awesome island site on Hogan.  Then head south again, stay at either Crow L (Get there early... the best sites fill up fast) or stay your last night on Proulx L for a pick up the next day at the end of the portage onto Opeongo there
3rd or 4th day - Crow/Proulx - Out

Good luck!  If you were heading to the North End it opens you up to more opportunity IMHO, but it's about a 6 hours drive for you from the big smoke.
JB

Anyone know if Brent/Cedar Lake is open?? I couldn't get through on the Algonquin outfitters line and am hoping to head out for 3 days of fishing tomorrow morning.

Heya!
I've definitely gone through an evolution and am even considering a slight de-evolution now as time has gone on.
Gone are the days of me saving a few sheckles on buying cheaper equipment that weighs a ton.  But, I've also been gradually replacing these items over time.
But down to the 'guilty pleasures' list I have of Luxury Items:
- Fishing Equipment.  While not necessary to enjoy the out of doors, I still manage to bring at least 3 lbs worth of tackle (depending on the trip I've dropped to almost nil).  Even though it adds weight and the rod can add an annoyance to either carry or run along the gunwale of the canoe.  It still comes with me.
- one litre of Scotch/burbon.  This still adds weight, but it's great to have a few drinks around the campfire. 
- DSLR.  Even packing this around and the effort of it swinging from it's carrying case on my neck is a pain in the butt, but when I get some great pictures or video. It can make it all worth while.  Mind you, I'm really considering just bringing a simple point and shoot as they've come a long way.

Purged:
- kitchen knick-knacks.  I'm talking about a separate and in my view unnecessary items in general e.g. kettle (yes I did this and attached it to a friends pack), spoons (if you have a fork or a mouth... use that), flipper/spatula - we have a fork for this or I use two sticks like chop-sticks.
- Plates.  I also go rid of these because they take up room and a bowl can serve you just as well.
- Extra clothes.  We've all done this and sometimes I'm sure we still do.  I've paired down my trip wear and just wash-up more than usual.
- Hatchet/saw - I have only ever really needed this once on the trail, and with that I ended up just moving the whole broken down tree to clear it away.  The simple stomp method can produce for you plenty of average sized pieces of wood for fire making as well.  Also, the deeper you go into the back country and a short walk in other cases, you can EASILY find enough wood

Claire - Just as Pa said.   The worst thing to do is have everything in the same coloured bags.  If you're in a pinch, I actually use a sharpie marker and mark my bags as to - What Day, meal and it's contents. At least I used to, before I started packing things down to the day and meal
My coffee bag, utensils and just like PA all the odds and sods are typically found in the same bag, so as not to sully or perhaps slip between the organized meals below in my food barrel.  I think you could do the same with a bag no problem.
I love seeing that I'm also not the only one that loves organization and prefers order to life even when camping!  After all, Food is what keeps the group going and most importantly HAPPY.
JB

ATV - I was just through Otterslide Creek, going with the current.  But, you should have ZERO problem going against. About 4 Beaver Dam's you may have to sally up to, but the depth is deeper then the 3 previous times I've been through there.

You two are making me HELLISHLY jealous!  I might get out for a day or two in September, but nothing long enough/big enough to satisfy my soul before the "Long White" returns.

Reading this, I just opened my next years planner.  Not sure on doing a Southern Algonquin Trip or try Killarney next year!  Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread!
HAVE A GREAT TIME!

I've always had terrible ankles and I still roll them (I wear a pair of Vasques I just don't recall the brand) and have rolled them less.  Typically when I do roll my ankles, they don't sprain anymore.  The tendons are so stretched I end up hobbling from the damage there.
Although it still happens occasionally to me, I've also made a better point at Stretch my ankles and warming them up before the day.  There are numerous stretches and exercises to do and I have noticed I recover faster. 
To expedite your healing process, although sprains are often times FAR worse than breaks (in healing time) RICE them up and DO NOT wear unsupportive footwear like filp flops while you're back at home. 

Good luck with the heal and definitely try the warm ups before you hit the trail, it just might help you as well!

I got back last Tuesday from Brent, went from Cauchon's down to Nadine and out through the Nip.
I was surprised to see ANY black flies, but there were a few along Heart attack hill.
But, the mosquito's... well... they were the worst I've had yet.  They usually don't bother me even in June in past years, but man.  
Nevertheless, we had an awesome trip!
Pack plenty of deet and loose fitted clothing.

I'm heading back up to do the Trout Lake circuit out of Canoe lake on the August long weekend with some new to Canada folks.  I'll just bring an extra bug net.  I'm hoping for some good burn off by then.

JB

Nothing has increased my groups pleasure more than the purchase of my 3 man Siltarp 5 years ago.
It packs small, easy to maintain, lightweight and certainly beats hanging out in the tent during a long period of rain.
Go with 100 feet of rope.  Cut it at 20 foot lengths, I have two extra at 30 feet just in case the site is sparse of trees.
Learn and know the Siberian hitch and the rolling hitch (taught line hitch)
If you youtube Maddy the Goose, Troy's put on some excellent instructional videos.

It may take a bit of getting used to when setting up your tarp and the knots, but once you get a hang of it, you'll be laughing (under the tarp) while it's pouring rain.
Have a great time!
JB