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Hey everyone,
Please see below the first four parts of my 8 day solo trip from Canoe Lake to Burntroot and back. It was an amazing trip full of difficult days and beautiful memories made.
Day 4, 5, and 6 are now live!
The final two days - 7 & 8 are finally live!
A 12 page paper kept me occupied for the past two weeks - enjoy!
Last edited by NigelTheCamper (Yesterday 2:54 pm)
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Hello Nigel,
What I enjoyed most in your report is your unjaded appreciation of getting to realize a dream trip.
You're young and seeing the the landscape with fresh eyes, and that comes through in your narrative. I wonder if you're going to post about the final 2 days or if you've already moved on to other concerns and priorities. You are writing here about lakes and creeks that I just paddled for a week until yesterday at noon. Burntroot is the heart of many of my Algonquin trips, and I have paddled up to Perley Rapids at least a dozen times since the early eighties from various access points. That would be the "nineteen eighties". 
Yeah, I'm an older guy who solos a lot and loves it. I certainly see the park through different eyes than yours, but reading your perceptions are what made me enjoy your account. I'm telling you this in a PM because, generally speaking, I'm not enthusiastic about posting. In spite of feedback, comments, etc. that may be posted here in response to your report, or the complete absence thereof, I want to be sure to encourage you to pursue this activity of backcountry paddling, solo or with friends, family, or partners. Paddling trips have enriched my life, and I hope they continue to enrich yours. Stay safe and humble. Your humility is refreshing.
Martin
Last edited by martin2007 (6/09/2026 4:10 pm)
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So much for this being a PM! Yes, a little annoying that the buttons-in-charge unilaterally opted to plunk my response here rather than where it was intended.
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Hey Nigel, I'm just getting started on your TR and wanted to comment that not bringing a satellite communicator with you is no biggie...I've gone into APP for 10 days without a map! I'm pretty sure the previous member can attest to that factoid.
I'm looking forward to reading the remainder of of your adventure, thanks for sharing.
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martin2007 wrote:
Hello Nigel,
What I enjoyed most in your report is your unjaded appreciation of getting to realize a dream trip.
You're young and seeing the the landscape with fresh eyes, and that comes through in your narrative. I wonder if you're going to post about the final 2 days or if you've already moved on to other concerns and priorities. You are writing here about lakes and creeks that I just paddled for a week until yesterday at noon. Burntroot is the heart of many of my Algonquin trips, and I have paddled up to Perley Rapids at least a dozen times since the early eighties from various access points. That would be the "nineteen eighties".
Martin
Hi Martin,
Thank you for taking the time to write your comment. It honestly means a lot. I appreciate the fact it was meant to be a private message and you didn't delete it! I tried to reply in a private message and it seems I haven't posted enough to do so LOL.
One of the things I love most about trip reports is getting to read the perspectives of paddlers who have spent decades exploring places that are completely new to me. The fact that you've been travelling through Burntroot and up to Perley Rapids since the 1980s is incredible. Meanwhile, this was my first visit to Burntroot and I was like a kid in a candy store the entire time.
You're absolutely right that I was realizing a bit of a dream trip. Burntroot had been on my list for years, and finally getting there with my own canoe made the experience even more meaningful.
And yes, the final two days are finally live! Life, work, and grad school have slowed down the writing process a bit, but I definitely haven't forgotten about them.
I also really appreciate the encouragement. One thing I've already learned is that every trip teaches me something. This one taught me a lot about attitude, problem-solving, and humility. I hope to keep exploring Algonquin for many years to come.
Thanks again for reading and for reaching out.
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Hey Nigel, I'm just getting started on your TR and wanted to comment that not bringing a satellite communicator with you is no biggie...I've gone into APP for 10 days without a map! I'm pretty sure the previous member can attest to that factoid.
I'm looking forward to reading the remainder of of your adventure, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading!Not gonna lie, 10 days in Algonquin without a map makes me feel a lot better about leaving the satellite communicator at home. I don't think I'm ready to attempt that level of confidence just yet.The funny thing is that I never really thought much about not having a communicator until Day 6 when the weather turned, my battery bank died, and I realized I had no way of checking in with anyone. My family had my full route and itinerary, but I was definitely looking forward to getting back out and letting them know everything was going according to plan.Thankfully, everything worked out, and it gave me something to think about for future solo trips.Hope you enjoy the rest of the report. The final two days are actually live now, so the whole adventure is finally posted from start to finish.Nigel
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