Two nights on Grand Lake in Algonquin Park
2018 June 15-17
We were hoping for something a little more ambitious for our first overnight trip of the season, but Diana's old rotator-cuff injury has recently flared up. So we needed something that was a relatively short paddle away. We wouldn't normally consider camping on Grand Lake, but it's virtually deserted during the bug season, especially during the week. We were originally planning on starting two days earlier, but we postponed on the basis of the weather forecast. In retrospect, that turned out to be a good decision.
It was a good little trip. We had good weather, the bugs were manageable, and although we saw other people out on the lake, no one camped close to us.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Our campsite on Grand Lake -- the most westerly site on the north shore of the lake, east of the old railway bridge. It's on a point and the breeze filters through. The next site to the east is arguably a nicer site, but probably not in the bug season.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-17 - map - explore)
The campsite was graced by lots of rocks.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
The front porch of the campsite. The notch in the hills across the way is where the old winter road to the Spectacle Lakes used to run.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Looking down Grand Lake towards Stratton Lake.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
It was a nice clear day but the pine trees were doing their thing.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Stringing the tarp; we forgot to bring the step ladder.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Tarp is up but needs adjustment.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
All set up: tarp with bug net in front and our CCS lean in the background.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Looking up Grand lake, i.e. to the west towards the old railway bridge, from in behind our campsite.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
A pink lady's-slipper in behind our campsite.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Diana enjoying her afternoon coffee inside the bug net.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Evening light on Grand Lake looking east.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Evening light on Grand Lake looking across the lake.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Sunset on Grand Lake. From this location, the sun is setting north of the long axis of the lake.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
A little later, Diana enjoying her Bushmills inside the bug net.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-15 - map - explore)
Evening visitors.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
We went for a short paddle the next day but we didn't go far. It was basically a solo paddle by Bob due to Diana's shoulder problems. (It's best to rest it now and not lose the rest of the season.)
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
The mouth of Rowan Creek.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Rowan Creek.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Rowan Creek.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Rowan Creek.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
This was as far as we got -- and not very far at that.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
This campsite is on the south shore of the lake near the start of the old winter road to the Spectacle Lakes. It's serviceable but without much to recommend it. Note the pine pollen.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Time to exchange the trail shoes for imitation Chuck Taylors around the campsite.
(photo by Bob: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Out front of our campsite.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-16 - map - explore)
Bob returning from a successful trip to get water that wasn't completely saturated with pine pollen.
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-17 - map - explore)
What's she doing with that camera?
(photo by Diana: 2018-06-17 - map - explore)
Waiting for the coffee water to boil. That's a mosquito coil on the rock in front of the pot. They seem to make a difference.