I used to hunt moose in "fly-in only" wilderness and I can tell you that even with a map and compass you can still get turned around. Mountain tops (of the Canadian Shield variety), valleys, or trying to "belt" a mountain (i.e. walking around a mountain in order to avoid following a bearing that would take you over the top and then subsequently trying to pick up the original bearing) can be humbling experiences. Surveyor's tape can help but unless in a true emergency should always be taken down on your way back out. Every so often (very often) stop and look from where you came - the forest can look totally different depending on your direction of travel. I once crossed an open, hard wood forest and glanced back at my tape - I could see at least 4 markers and there was a curve to them. I then realized that my compass was being affected by my VHF radio - I did a complete 360 on the spot and the needle never moved. Not a great feeling and without the tape I would have been in a bit of a jam.

Sproule/Sunday? Clydegale?

I can't even win at losing.

I dislike big water - it does not give me the sense of calm and relaxation that I'm looking for when I take these trips. If a route demands it, I plan that leg so that it's done well before noon. Never say never, but unless by taxi, Opeongo remains a "no thanks".

The other viewer was me.

Lily roots (er, ribosomes) are an absolute delicacy to moose. Perhaps you spooked one and it made a hasty getaway without finishing its snack.

I'd rather find squatters on my lake than my specific site - because squatters will squat unless the park does something about it.

I suppose it would be possible to designate sites on lakes adjacent to AP's as individually "reservable." Making all of the reservations site-specific (besides being a huge undertaking) I think might increase the chances of people making some bad decisions about reaching their destination. I already wish there was some "camping under duress" flag one could display when conditions warrant staying on the wrong lake.

rgcmce wrote:

A little off topic, but what's the tent?

It's a Tarptent Scarp II. I wanted a tent with an integrated fly a la Hilleberg, but couldn't stomach their asking price (plus shipping, duties, taxes). This one is made in the US, is under 4 lbs, 4 season-capable, and sets up as tight as a snare drum. Unfortunately, Tarptent confirmed to me that this model is off the market for this year at least, due to production constraints. It's the little brother to the Hogback 4 person model.