Algonquin Park: Camping Trip Logs: 002 - Craig Lake AA Get-Together - Access Point #A2

Map

Map - Craig Lake weekend

Day 1

Heading in, a "non-standard" access point was used to enter the park (Access Point #A2 on JeffM's map, was called F before version 3.0). I zoomed up Hwy. 11 and met up with J-Wolf in Huntsville where we picked up a canoe at Algonquin Outfitters. In record time the canoe was on the truck and I didn't have to lift a finger! Excellent friendly service from AO.

The drive in to Access Point #1 wasn't any problem, once we were past that and on the road to Access Point #A2 things got a little rougher but there weren't any major problems if you paid attention. Along the ditches on the shaded southern side of the road I saw several patches of snow still hanging around.

Along the road to Access Point #A2.

The road leads right to the put in on the South River, a quick paddle brings you to the P200 into an unnamed pond. A second quick paddle gets you to the P345 into Nahma Lake. Neither portage is very long or difficult and we made short work getting through it. Nahma Lake has a beautiful green colour that is quite noticeable. The camp sites were not very spectacular and looked like they don't get much use, the one on the north shore in the middle of the lake had a lot of blow downs.

The P90 into Craig Lake has high and low water options, we used the high water one. Getting into the take out involved winding your way through several floating logs. Again, another short easy portage. The wind had picked up through the afternoon and was at our back as we started across Craig Lake (how often does that happen?!). The waves weren't too bad, but since it was the first time I've paddled from the front of the canoe I was a little more apprehensive than normal. But there was no problem and in fairly quick time we were landing at the southerly site on the island at the east end of Craig Lake where a bunch of AA'ers welcomed us ashore and lugged our packs up the steep bank.

South River launching point.

Island camp site on Craig Lake.

We settled in, got the hammocks setup and had some dinner. Then it was sitting around the camp fire enjoying a fine Algonquin Park evening. Stainless had brought information about an Iridium Flare and at the appointed time we all saw the sun flashing off one of these satellites in space. It was quite spectacular to see.

Day 2

After everyone was up and had eaten whatever breakfast they had prepared people started drifting off in ones and twos to explore. J-Wolf and I explored Craig Lake while he had a line out trolling for trout.

Early spring view of Craig Lake.

Just before reaching the dam a seagull started dive-bombing us, we discovered she was trying to keep us away from her nest on a rock in the lake. We continued on to the dam while protecting our heads from any falling objects.

Seagull on nest.

The camp site at the dam is a fairly good one, if you don't mind listening to the roar of the falling water for your entire stay. There is the river and road leading to the dam that offer some areas to explore on foot. We then paddled east as far as the P865 to Pishnecka Lake, Craig Lake is a nice lake with many bays.

The camp site near the dam on Craig Lake.

Dam on Craig Lake.

A pair of loons on Craig Lake.

Through the afternoon people started returning to camp and relaxing around a fire, rain joined the clouds and wind that had been present all day. More tarps were added to the fire pit area in anticipation of the rain continuing. Strange puffy booties seemed to be the uniform required for enjoying camp, and a cup or two of wine.

Tarp collection around the firepit.

Puffy camp booties.

The early evening arrived and various people started their dinners, everyone seemed to be watching the far western shore for the arrival of the Scarlett brothers. A canoe was seen to arrive and land at the western island site and the consensus was that the Scarlett brothers had set up camp there. A short time later Marcus is saying that someone is waving a flag and the canoe is missing from the island. It looks like the campers on the island have lost their canoe - not a good thing on a cold May evening. A discussion is held and not wanting to take any chances two canoes head across the lake to lend a hand. It was indeed the Scarlett brothers and their canoe had gotten away on them. Fortunately everything worked out and as an added bonus the two brothers were convinced to pack up and relocate to the AA site. Laughter, discussions and talk of things Algonquin lasted late into a cold night, with the Scarlett brothers regaling us with many a story from their 40 plus years of camping in Algonquin Park.

Sunset and clouds on Craig Lake.

Day 3

The third and last day continued gray, overcast and chilly. With most trying to get back early enough to celebrate Mothers Day, breakfast and breaking camp was the task of the day. In short order canoes were loaded and goodbyes said. With everyone leaving one after the other there was a steady stream of canoes crossing lakes and portage traffic. Some of us even got passed by "speedy" Langford canoes and those who managed single carries.
A few more rounds of goodbyes while loading up the truck and I was off to return the canoe and get home for Mothers Day (an hour late and in big trouble - road construction already!).

Nahma to Pond Portage and Nahma camp site.

Photos