We chose to go in the opposite direction as the arrows on the map suggest because of campsite availability issues. We were also advised that this direction was a little easier with the hills.

Total Distance: 35km

.: Click to enlarge :.

Current Algonquin weather

September 10th - Day 1
Start: Western Uplands Parking Lot | End: Ramona Lake
Distance Covered: 8.5km

Comments: We packed up our campsite at the Cannisbay campground in the early morning darkness and were our way down hwy 60 just as the sun was starting to come up over the horizon. We took our time driving to the trail head as the rolling mist was heavier than usual this morning. Covering the lakes and road, the mist made for a spectacular start to our day. Pulling into the parking lot we noticed half a dozen parked cars but not a soul in sight. We threw on the packs and hiking boots and we were off with topo trail map in hand. We walked roughly an hour in the cool misty morning before we saw the first hikers of the day. We let them pass us and they disappeared quickly carrying small light packs and trekking poles. Minutes later they were out of sight and we were alone again in the forest. The terrain today proved to be relatively easy with only a few longer hills to slow us down. Six hours and several rest stops later, we pulled into the Ramona Lake campsites where we would spend our first night. Since there were 4 campsites we made our first priority to find the best one. Approaching the first site we heard several voices and, to the embarrassment of a poor individual, walked passed a privy box several feet away and caught a hiker with his pants around his ankles. We picked up the pace for the next site and had a chuckle to ourselves. After inspecting the sites we found ourselves torn between two sites. Turns out while we were checking the other sites out, the hikers had managed to pack up and vacate their site. I figured since the other sites were empty they must have picked this one for a reason. I made my way down the hill to find out for myself. Score! The site was cut into the side of the hill in two places to allow for two tents, fire area, and a short but steep log staircase that lead to the lake. Happy with our find, we were eager to get our feet out of the boots and into comfortable footwear. Although we had water front access to Ramona Lake to pump water, we couldn't find anywhere to walk into the water for swimming.

Day 2
Start: Ramona Lake | End: Maggie Lake
Distance Covered: 13.1km

Comments: Reluctant to leave one of our favorite sites, we forced ourselves to pack up and get on the trail because we both knew we had a long day ahead of us. Having left later than usual, 9ish, we tried to speculate on our arrival time later that day. Early into the hike, we were aware today's hiking experience was going to be very different than that of yesterday. Today greeted us with long steep rolling hills that relentlessly appeared one after the other. We found little relief cresting each hill because we were immediately on our way back down again with legs burning from each careful step down. Today's weather proved to be hotter than yesterday causing us to stop at lakes and streams to pump water to refill our one liter nalgene bottles we each carried. We crossed paths with only a handful of other hikers heading in the opposite direction, it seemed like they were as happy to stop to chat and rest as we were. As the day wore on, the relentless hills started to take its toll and the fatigue began to set in. We were both aware there were very few places to setup camp on this section of the trail and we already had another long day tomorrow to get out to the car. We were now watching the map closely, always seeing how much further we had to endure to get to our destination. Almost beaten by the distance and today's hills, we caught sight of Maggie Lake and set off to investigate campsites. Unlike the previous night, this site was much bigger and had a huge clean white sand beach area to swim. Boiling and tired we just sat in the lake chatting about the day we just had. We had a fantastic view of the sunset this evening and we sat watching the sky change color long after the sun had disappeared. A quick camp cleanup and we were in our sleeping bags wondering what was in store for us tomorrow.

Day 3
Start: Maggie Lake | End: Western Uplands Parking Lot
Distance Covered: 11.1km

Comments: Another late departure this morning - more so from aching bodies than waking up late. By 9ish, we were on the trail hearing the occasional voice and catching a brief hint of sizzling bacon. Today was another warm day and although the hills were fewer and easier, the previous day left us tired and sore so we decided to take it easy today. The part of the woods we were walking through today contained more interesting features so far in the trip. Small lakes started appearing through the bushes as we continued on the trail, perfect for a quick drink for the dog. We crossed a short log bridge spanning a 10 feet wide creek, from the looks of it someone had made it with a chainsaw at some point. Hardy Creek was an interesting place, it was wide bare rock creek covered in green moss with a tiny body of water that ran down a long hill. We saw our first hikers shortly after walking out of Hardy Creek, a group of six men out for the weekend doing the same loop as us in the opposite direction. Almost a kilometer from Maple Leaf Lake, we decided to take a break and shift some of the weight in the backpacks to lighten Holly up. In higher spirits and new found energy we pushed our way to Maple Leaf Lake for a well needed lunch break. We hunted around and found a site with an excellent section of beach so we could swim. We immediately stripped and jumped in the crystal clear water with Sully at our heals. After a well needed cooling off we ate the last of our food and packed up for the last section before we reached the car. It was only another hour or so before we started hearing the sounds of highway 60 and the bridge to the parking lot was in sight. We were glad to see the car but a little part of us was also sad that the trip was over.