You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

Trip Planning » Old portage from Big Crow to Hogan » 4/13/2022 6:38 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 2

Go to post

Never looked for it but I would expect it would be quite like a bushwhack through native forest - extremely difficult to find and follow the remnants of the 'trail'.  You could do it with maps and a compass with a light pack and water...but to do it as a portage would likely prove futile or at least a massive undertaking.

Good luck.

Catch-all Discussions » new park now open north east of bancroft 10k membership fee » 4/08/2022 7:18 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 20

Go to post

@scoutergriz - agreements expire, things change; it is nearly completely the prerogative of the landowner to choose how to use their land (assuming approvals and permits from governing bodies are obtained if development or resource utilization is desired).  

"Users" is an apt term to identify people who was using land or resources but not actually contributing to their preservation, regeneration or the cost of ownership and maintenance.  It's unfortunate that the generosity of Domtar has apparently come to an end, but it is fortunate that a small group of people had the opportunity to enjoy private lands at no cost or personal burden to them whatsoever.  

Trip Planning » Opeongo-BurntRoot-Hogan-Proulx » 4/07/2022 6:31 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 17

Go to post

Don't know if you are fishing, but a trip down the Crow River to fish would likely be productive.  

Equipment » Experience with hood tie down loops? » 4/05/2022 6:55 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 13

Go to post

I absolutely love the loops.  I've used two types - ones with a heavy-duty hose that slides in between the hood and the fender when it closes and I've also attached a loop to the bolts or holes under the hood.

I first attach the top straps very tight to the roof rack or through the vehicle if no roof rack.  Then tighten down the front and rear with two straps on each.  The result I look for is that the back straps should be pulling the canoe down and forward and the front straps should be pulling the canoe down and backwards (so the strap connection on the hood should be towards the back of the hood on the side towards the windshield.  This sets up opposing forces that pull against one another and maintain security.

Trip Planning » Opeongo-BurntRoot-Hogan-Proulx » 4/05/2022 6:34 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 17

Go to post

I second the destination of Burntroot or at least Red Pine Bay then coming back through either Hogan or the option of Deer Yard/Hemlock which are pretty lakes.  Although a stop at Big Crow would be a nice ending.  Burntroot is a good option if the weather is favorable, Red Pine would offer some easier access if the weather is crappy.

We did an early water taxi and made it to Burntroot in one day - it's a long day but none of the portages are that difficult and with the three-man setup you have they should go fast.

Trip Planning » Best campsites on Big Trout Lake? » 3/28/2022 7:08 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 4

Go to post

Welcome!  I'd recommend balancing the use of the map (where you can see the topography and relative point of view with the PCI type resources on this site that you've consulted) to consider a few options and then doing the real decision-making on-site.

We often would have a few sites in mind and visit them in sequence - we get out, look around and talk about the positives and negatives.  Maybe the thunderbox is uncomfortably close to the firepit, maybe the fishing looks lousy out front or perhaps the views are obscured or limited...but it's a fun way to develop an appreciation for the variability from one site to the next.  

Sometimes your first site is a gem and checks all of your boxes...that must be the result of good, clean living because that doesn't happen to us so often!  ;-) Trippythings is spot on with the 'personal preference' part - one man's trash is another man's treasure!  I've been on the tiny island site in the easternmost arm as you are heading towards the Merchant portage and also on the peninsula site just southwest of that island.  I would say the peninsula site offered more of what you are looking for.  All four of those easternmost sites should have some degree of sunset view though but the tiny island won't check many of your boxes.  

Enjoy the trip!

Where In Algonquin? » WIA 558 » 3/04/2022 6:59 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 32

Go to post

The song was actually written by an Aussie with Australian towns a few years before Hank Snow hit the charts with it.  Never knew the history of that one...but always loved Johnny Cash's version!
=13pxhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27ve_Been_Everywhere 

Equipment » Non-Traditional Portage Pack » 2/22/2022 6:36 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 13

Go to post

Looks a lot like the Seal Line drybag backpacks I've been using for 10 or 15 years.  I like the way they work for canoe trips.  Seems quite a bit more expensive than mine but I haven't priced any of those in at least five years (which shows how well they work).

Where In Algonquin? » WiA No.: 551 » 2/13/2022 7:13 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 26

Go to post

By the looks of it, I would say Captain Canada Sid is about 8" taller than Peek!  Pretty funny that you were standing in virtually the exact same spot and moved to photograph it!

Trip Planning » Ice out reso's are stacking up » 2/10/2022 7:48 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 7

Go to post

I haven't looked them up in a couple years but the old fishing summaries based upon the surveys reveal far greater success in the rivers - if you look at the 'fish caught per rod hour' many of the rivers delivered about 1 fish per hour vs. the lakes that ranged from two to ten hours needed per fish on average.  Many of the larger trout come from the lakes but good-sized rivers have been productive even with larger trout for me (17-23").

The smaller rivers are great for the pan-sized eaters...which we normally would release all fish over 14" and keep a couple smaller than those for a meal.  You'll hit some...and as soon as you have one on the frustration will be forgotten!

Trip Planning » Ice out reso's are stacking up » 2/08/2022 7:18 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 7

Go to post

Big Trout, Burntroot, Lavieille and Hogan are all productive lakes with lots of sites that we start early to get to in one day but if you have three or four days that shouldn't be a problem at all.  I personally prefer river fishing if seeking productivity and there are many of those scattered about.

If you are planning to travel during the busy times it is recommended to reserve well in advance...especially for areas that are easily accessed.  I haven't bothered to look at availability but I assume the large interior lakes have open sites even for the high demand dates you have chosen.

Wildlife » influx of cormorants » 10/01/2021 7:28 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 6

Go to post

That's fine...just don't let it drag you down!  I still get that same gut feeling about Cormorants; it's likely the same reaction many had to raptors in centuries past - that they upset the balance and prey upon the species we love so we tend to dislike them.

The story I had heard as a young student is that Starlings were introduced to North America via an Edgar Allen Poe fan who wanted to have all of the birds mentioned in Poe works in a museum/aviary but some escaped...and now we literally have millions upon millions of those.

Wildlife » influx of cormorants » 9/29/2021 8:44 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 6

Go to post

Here's a link to an article from researchers at the University of Minnesota to offer a bit of perspective.  I believe the most substantial impact on reducing Cormorant numbers was human-driven and intentional and their recovery to the levels of today (substantially lower than historic levels) is related primarily to protection measures and a small amount due to reduction of the use of DDT (their most substantial reductions occurred in the late 19th century before DDT existed).

Today's opinions expressed above with a disdain for the bird (of which I previously shared...until reading more and understanding that they should hold a natural position of far greater numbers) is referred to in the article as:
"...perception of overabundance rests on socio-political rather than biological or ecological factors."
=13pxhttps://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-29/issue-1/1524-4695_2006_29_9_HPOTDC_2.0.CO_2/Historic-Populations-of-the-Double-crested-Cormorant-Phalacrocorax-auritus/10.1675/1524-4695(2006)29[9:HPOTDC]2.0.CO;2.full 
 

Equipment » New paddle » 9/23/2021 8:47 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 6

Go to post

The images don't appear for me (probably corporate firewall) but I got a "Ray Special" in cherry a couple years ago and share your appeal for the quality and feel.  I didn't get the leather wrap as I rarely make contact with the gunwale while paddling but the overall feel and balance is excellent.  I still prefer a wider and shorter blade but do enjoy the Ray Special when deepwater paddling.  Enjoy!

Trip Reports » Smoke Lake to Park Lake - Day Trip » 9/09/2021 9:56 am

PaPaddler
Replies: 1

Go to post

"I hope that tea was worth it."  

That's just the sort of 'theme' that we would revisit for days to get as much mileage from the event!

Catch-all Discussions » Links to website's PCI and Trip-logs » 8/11/2021 1:23 pm

PaPaddler
Replies: 3

Go to post

Good location for those to make them more likely to be found by newer users.  Perhaps you could consider a more descriptive name for the PCI project like "Campsite Inventory/Photos"?

Board footera