Algonquin Dream Expedition.

Photo by P199.

My Algonquin dream expedition might go something like this. From the boat launch at the Opeongo Lake store, I would paddle approximately 13.5 k’s north, and once in the north arm of the lake, steer a course of 355 degrees for the first portage to Proulx Lake. This is marked variously at three portages of 175; 310, and 965 metres or on another map at 1250 metres.

From the portage at Proulx lake steer 37.5 degrees for about 1.3 kilometres then turn to port and teer a course of 300 degrees. At the end of Proulx Lake, enter the Crow River after a paddle of approx 12.6 to 14.4 k. depending on wind and waves. At the end of Proulx Lake there is a waterfall on the Crow River, and the trail to the big white pines.

This trail is about 1.5 k. in length or 3 k. overall. At 35 metres, these are the tallest trees in the park, that’s about 113.4 feet tall.

On the Crow River there is a series of portages, of 240; 155 and 1220 metres; then a 3 k. paddle on the Crow River, (downstream) then 385; 170; 205 and 110 metre portages. Entering Lake Laveille, there is a 16 kilometre paddle, settling on a course of SE; go around the headland; now paddle due south, and then from Hardy Bay a 90 metre portage into Dickson Lake. A four kilometer paddle on Dickson Lake will bring the end of the trip at the 340 yr. old red spruce.

The return trip retraces the path in; mostly up current on the river, and mostly into the wind on the lakes.

Very tiring. Overall, the portages amount to about 4.025 k (X2!) and the trip is over 50 kilometres, (30 miles.) I reckon at least a week to do it. Portages are the killer. Gas to get there might be $300.00. That’s a long, hard trip for a guy without the very best in equipment, a bit out of shape now, all on his own. I’m 36 years old. I may not get many more summers to attempt that trip. Just a dream. My boys are a bit young to go and such a trip is not exactly a summer vacation where the focus would be on having fun and seeing the sights.

Range of fred spruce, Picaea Rubens in N. America.

As for going alone, that’s a whole different ball game. The risk of injury, bad weather, broken boat. I don’t know, buddy.

Still, we can dream, and hope to get out there in some limited fashion from time to time.