TOURduPARK
I couldn’t help but notice the scars on rocks along the portage left behind by snowmobiles accessing this lake in the winter. I have witnessed these scars on rock in other areas of Algonquin too. We took a break at the portage intersection and we didn’t stay long – the bugs were really bad here. I ate a few meat sticks and Angela had a granola bar, then we moved quickly. While headed up the trail I recanted my trip across this same portage back in 2012 where is was completely devastated with blow-downs. As we walked the trail she took note of all the cut stumps that would have otherwise blocked our path. After crossing the hydro field the trail begins a very steep incline and it does not stop for about 1km. The trail is along a hydro maintenance road (very rough road) so it’s easy to follow, but it is just insanely steep. The overall height gain from Greenleaf to the top is near 450 ft! We had to take breaks every 300 meters or less, it was just too much. As we were getting closer to the top of the ridge the winds picked up and allowed us to rest with a bit more ease due to the lack of bugs. Eventually, we reached the peak of the portage and when it flattened out we were able to cover much more distance. According to the GPS we did three sets of 1 km runs for the rest of the trail. When the trail began its decline we found it was not as bad as we had anticipated it. This was my 3rd time crossing this portage and she thought I was crazy for doing it more than once. I told her this portage is likely the reason we were able to catch trout in Greenleaf Lake, so I’ll take it any day. Two hours and ten minutes after we started on Greenleaf Lake, we arrived on Grand Lake. Just as I had suspected and one of the reasons I planned the loop in the direction, the winds on Grand Lake were blowing hard – in the direction we were headed! I told Angela this was awesome because we wouldn’t have to work as hard and we could probably make the 11km paddle back to the car in about 90 minutes.We launched onto Grand Lake around 12:20pm and started our long journey. The skies were overcast but it did not appear as though it would rain. The paddle was uneventful but I enjoyed it like I would any other lake. There was no one around – no campsites we passed were occupied nor did we see any boats on the lake. By 1:30pm we were at the railway bridge that divides the lake, not bad! We took a short break after going under the bridge – the railway path across the lake provided a wind block and a chance to have a snack.
Out-Side-Inn - Achray / Grand Lake
As we continued down the lake the wind became even stronger. Angela was a bit nervous but I told her not to worry, I had control in the stern and if it became too much I would pull over. We flew down the lake and landed at Achray just before 2:00pm. Not bad! 11km in 1h40m. I told Angela if the wind was blowing the other direction we would have been in for a real shit show! Luck was on our side, and in this case it paid off to go up Carcajou Creek and down Grand Lake. We unloaded the canoe, topped it on the car and made a quick stop at the Out-Side-In as well as the Barron Canyon Trail. Overall I was really happy with this trip. The days weren’t too demanding and I think Angela really did amazing for her first loop style trip. She’s an amazing bow partner and I can’t wait for our next trip together.
Sad to be leaving this beautiful place today
No trip to the east side of Algonquin Park is complete without a trip to see the canyon
The railway land bridge provided a break from the wind
Headed down Grand Lake
A choppy and overcast Grand Lake
Headed down Greenleaf Lake
Greenleaf cliffs on west shore
One final look up Greenleaf Lake
I love my boat! :)
Greenleaf Lake to Grand Lake
tr 58: Little Carcajou - Carcajou - greenleaf
Day 5: Greenleaf Lake - Grand Lake
I woke up a little earlier than usual because it was very windy. I was out of the tent by 6:30am and couldn’t help but notice the wind, though earlier than usual, was headed in our direction. It was sunny with only a few clouds so after putting the water on for coffee, I began to dismantle to tarp and get all the minor things in order and ready for packing. I sat in the bug shelter enjoying a coffee while looking at the map and thinking about the trip. I was sad to be leaving today, but I was thankful for the cooperative and favorable weather we were given. About an hour after me, Angela woke up and headed straight for the bug shelter – they were bad today, even with the wind. For that reason I was ready to leave. We made a quick breakfast of oatmeal and coffee then began the process of packing up. While I took down the bug shelter, Angela took care of the interior of the tent. It wasn’t long before we had everything packed up and ready to go. By 9:30am we hit the water and by this time the winds really picked up. We had a fairly easy paddle for 2km down Greenleaf Lake. As we approached the log jammed take out to the portage, I realized we have a small problem on our hands. We were now at the end of the lake where the wind was blowing hardest, and the waves were at a point where you really needed to stay in control. There were sunken logs jamming up the little dock at the portage landing and the waves were slamming directly into them - so for us to come in parallel to the dock, we would be smashed by waves continuously. Unfortunately due to the topography and plants in the immediate area, there was no other way to take out. So I waited for a lull in the wind and waves and made a break for it. We were still hammered sideways from the waves and got a little wet but I jumped out onto one of the logs to guide the boat next to the dock. Angela quickly jumped out and we rushed to get the packs out before everything was soaked. I was a little disappointed at having to get my feet wet before a 5.5 km portage, as the trail is pretty long and it’s less than ideal to have wet feet for it. We were happy the wind was still blowing as it kept the bugs at bay and we figured it would also help us as we paddled down Grand Lake. We loaded up and began down the trail.
Greenleaf cliffs on north shore
A little over two hours later and we were on the other side
Ready for the big one - 5600m from Greenleaf to Grand!
Elevated view of the campsite on Greenleaf Lake