Algonquin Adventures / A tip toe through through the forest in June

**Posted by solosal** 3/31/2024 6:33 pm

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.

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 4/01/2024 5:45 pm

I have 10 days planned in Pukasawa this year. Algonquin hiking is too competitive for my booking style.

**Posted by hiker72** 4/01/2024 7:50 pm

I really wanted to do a short solo hike this year on the upper part of the Western Uplands but decided that 2024 is just too jam-packed with extreme levels of work and play, so barring a last minute fall hike, I guess next year it is for me... Sal, that sounds like a great trek - Eu seems to be especially hard to book now, so great that you can snag it! Christine, all the best in Pukaskwa - such beautiful country. Not sure if you are working with Doug from North Shore Adventures, but he's a really super guy. And if you hit Marathon, the Chinese food restaurant there is amazing!

Last edited by hiker72 (4/01/2024 7:56 pm)

**Posted by solosal** 4/06/2024 4:51 pm

I do appreciate each of your responses! I do have a Killarney trip booked for July - my first successful time in getting a booking to fit my solo style. I hope that Algonquin can help me find my trail legs for that 80km hike. I've always loved the Western Uplands from Hwy 60...it was where I got my start in backpacking. All the best to the backpackers for this season!

**Posted by hiker72** 4/12/2024 10:36 am

solosal wrote:
I do have a Killarney trip booked for July - my first successful time in getting a booking to fit my solo style.

Great to hear! Yeah, since Covid it's been next to impossible to book a reasonable route on the Lacloche-Silhouette. I would love to do this loop again - and solo for the first time - and was so close last year but had to cancel (for a positive reason). All the best as you lead up to this amazing trek (I'm just a tinge envious)!

**Posted by ShawnD** 4/25/2024 6:19 pm

Somehow managed to get this booking in Killarney this year with some of the best sites on the trail but the reservation gymnastics I had to perform were quite something. You want to hike this beautiful trail now you either have to be on top of it really early or incredibly lucky.

Last edited by ShawnD (4/25/2024 6:22 pm)

**Posted by hiker72** 4/25/2024 6:42 pm

Nicely done, you scored some great sites there!

**Posted by solosal** 4/26/2024 2:38 pm

Hey ShawnD I will perhaps see you. We are out there the same time. I'll be the old lady seeing the sights! I have a moderate plan each day as I want to really drink in all the glory. It's been many years since I have been able to reserve sites that fits a solo trek and actually enjoy the journey. All the best to you on the trail!

**Posted by ShawnD** 4/26/2024 3:04 pm

Fingers crossed for good weather Solosal.

I’ll be the old guy hiking with his teenage daughter if you see me.

**Posted by solosal** 5/11/2024 1:53 pm

To be honest I have avoided the backcountry of Algonquin since my last outing. Some of that is due to inexperienced folks out on the trails. I do hope that this year things will be different. I am known to lend a hand as long as it does not put me at risk.

**Posted by GordK** 6/20/2024 11:38 am

Itinerary looks good Shawn! I hope you don't get hit with too many boaters from the bay when you overnight at Topaz but having that one to yourself in the early morning should be amazing!

**Posted by solosal** 6/23/2024 1:46 pm

Despite the record breaking heat wave I was able to safely complete my trek. If only I could harness the energy of the 100 mosquitos around me! I was treated to some absolutely spectacular sights of a pre-full moon. For a few nights my tent was lit up long after the sun had gone to bed. Eu was as delightful as I remembered it from previous trips. The lakes closest to the trailhead - Maple Leaf, Maggie and Guskewau unfortunately had garbage, gear and clothing littering the sites I inhabited. I felt sad and disappointed by others negligence.

**Posted by Roman_K2** 8/09/2024 6:25 pm

solosal wrote:
To be honest I have avoided the backcountry of Algonquin since my last outing. Some of that is due to inexperienced folks out on the trails.

My thoughts exactly as I started to read the thread! In particular I worry that the influx of people - compared to, say, 40-50 years back - may be modifying animal behaviour... the most minor example would be critters developing a liking for a particular campsite.

Last edited by Roman_K2 (8/09/2024 6:26 pm)