Triplogs / Triplog#16-Day 1 / Day 2 / Day 3 / Day 4
Park Border(IN) - Wilkins - Wilkins - Wilkins - Park Border(OUT) - Lookout Trail - Ragged Falls
Day 4 - Wilkins Lake - Departure
I can't remember exactly when I got up or when I left Wilkins lake. It was a calm cloudy morning, with a slight warm feeling to the temperature. The dampness of the last few days, seemed to be dissipating. I crossed the lake, landed, and proceeded to carry my pack up to the cart trail. When I returned to the lake to pick up the canoe, a wind sprang up and waves were starting to roll. I picked an excellent time to leave!
I arrived back at the cart trail, dropped my canoe and threw on my backpack. Almost immediately, I heard a wolf cry out ahead of me and to the left of the road. The cry was answered, by 2 or more wolves across the road. They sounded very close! I have never heard wolves in The Park before. What a thrill! I recorded the time...9:00am exactly. I almost ran with the backpack on...trying to catch a glimpse of the wolves. All was silent, after the answered cry to the right of the road. I heard nothing more. I never did see the wolves. I suspect it might have been a warning about me, or merely just coincidence. Nevertheless...this event made up for all the lousy weather I experienced most of the weekend. What a Treat! The cry sounded mournful, and sent a shiver thru my body. Amazing it was.
There be wolves up ahead somewhere
I continued on with my backpack, heavier than the weight of world, I also had my tripod slung over my shoulder, a studio tripod, I might add! Thinking of ways to reduce my pack weights for next year, it wasn't until it was almost upon me, that I noticed a pickup truck approaching. It was 2 wardens. We greeted each other, I offered them my permit, and they asked my name instead. I told them, and one of the fellows nodded.
The warden indicated, that he had seen my car, with it's permit on the dash. I inquired about the condition of my car, I was relieved to hear it was okay. The wardens asked me if I had seen anyone or heard any gunshots. I was a little taken aback by this question, but told them I hadn't seen a soul, and certainly didn't hear any gunshots.
The only shooting going on was with my camera. I voiced that I was glad to see the men, patrolling looking for poachers. They then indicated that hunting season was starting the next day, I replied, saying 'I know that, that's why I'm getting out of here today'. Getting shot by accident or having to listen to the 'pop' of rifles going off did not appeal to me. I warned the guys, of my canoe sitting by the side of the road, at the trail entrance to Wilkins lake, so as not to run over it. The wardens thanked me, and continued on.
Fiery colours on the lake that borders Algonquin Park
Days later, or so it seemed, I arrived at my car, threw the backpack in the trunk, grabbed a bottle of water, finished it off, and headed back to grab that canoe...4 km's away. I made it back to my canoe, and headed back to the car. I was really having a terrible time with it. Unlike 4 days earlier, high with excitement, and energy. I struggled along, as I longed for my car to come into sight. I took a break at the bridge again...now only 2 km left to go!
About a kilometer to go, I dropped the canoe in the middle of the road, and collapsed as well. I was out of energy. I didn't get to lay there very long, for less than 2 min. later the wardens were coming out. I rushed to drag my canoe off the road, as with a wave, they zoomed by.
Oh well..on with the carry...'bout 30 min. later, I made it to the gate and my car beyond. As I was tying down my canoe, I heard a gunshot ring out. It sounded like it was coming from inside the border of Algonquin. I heard 2 more gunshots go off, a few minutes later. Closer this time and definitely outside the Park border. Could've been locals hunting Pheasant, or wardens shooting bears, who knows. I headed off for brunch in Madawaska.
One last look at Aylen Lake
The restaurant/post office/variety/beer store has great food. I can get the 'All Star Breakfast'..3 eggs, heaping serving of home fries, bacon, sausages, toast & coffee, all for $5.00! Tasty, especially after eating mostly dehydrated food all weekend.
Little Rock Lake as seen from Lookout Trail Summit
Autumn Colours at Lookout Trail
I needed to head over to Hwy#11, going home not the way I came, to drop off my canoe at a friend's place. Driving across Hwy#60, thru Algonquin, the day became bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. The temperature warmed up...and it was turning out to be one of those rare awesome October days that everyone dreams about. It was Thanksgiving Monday, and it certainly showed with the large amount of motor traffic along the Hwy#60 corridor. The colours were just blazing under the sun. I couldn't resist..I stopped off at Lookout Trail, and hiked the whole trail, tripod and camera in hand. The colours were even better here! My spirits soared at the colours and sunshine. It was truly a magnificent day! The trail was crowded with endless streams of people. Finding a parking spot was difficult enough, getting out was another story.
A colourful view from the summit of Lookout Trail
Another view from Lookout Trail
I got the pictures I wanted, and saw the view with my own eyes, and moved on. I stopped by the west gate for a break, and a few more pictures of the colours, and exited the park.
Huge 'Erratic' on Lookout Trail, surrounded by autumn colours
Liquid Gold! - Autumn Splendor - West gate
One last stop...although not part of Algonquin, Ragged Falls, is a must see for visitors leaving the park area. I couldn't resist, and zipped in, paid for my parking, and did the very short hike to the falls. Grabbed alot of shots and headed on my way.
Young couple making their way up to Ragged Falls
Below Ragged Falls
A closer look at Ragged Falls
The overall weather for the weekend wasn't great, but Thanksgiving Monday more than made up for the rest of my weather blues. Nevertheless...any difficulties I experience in the park, are just part of the fun, and am always happy to go back to Algonquin Park.
Lower section of Ragged Falls