Killarney Day 1

Introduction

Since we had never been to Killarney, we decided to explore the northern region of the park via a loop from the Lake Panache access point. Our loop took us to Silver Peak, the highest point in the park at 539m which we hiked on the second day.

June 30, 2012 - Drive to Sudbury

Katharina and I drove to Sudbury in preparation for a six day canoe trip in Killarney Provincial Park. Stopped at Algonquin North to pick up a canoe from the friendly outfitter, and in North Bay for lunch. Checked into a cheap motel in Sudbury and then went for a short hike and scramble on a local rocky hill. Had supper downtown in an overpriced restaurant, walked a bit in a nice park by the lake, and then retired to the motel for the night.

July 1, 2012 - Lake Panache to Harry Lake - 15 km paddle, 2 portages

Had breakfast in the motel (they had a shared kitchen room) and then drove out to Lake Panache. There was no signs on the road for the park office so we inquired at the marina. I first asked a couple in a pickup truck, but they claimed there was no way to get to the park from here. I thanked them and then inquired in the office. After much confusion, a few phone calls, and searching through drawers, we had our permit. The marina is actually the access point even though they barely know it. It is obviously not used by paddlers very often. Finally we paddled out onto Lake Panache, and spent the next 2-1/2 hours navigating amongst the numerous bays and islands. There were lots of cottages through here, quite a few motorboats, and even a float plane passed us. After the first hour, the bright sunny day clouded over and we got hit by a brief rain shower. Just enough to cause us to get out the rain coats and pull tarps over the packs. Ten or fifteen minutes later it cleared up again, the sun coming out to dry everything off. Finally we got to the first portage, but not before scouting a false landing first where someone was building a shack on. The trail was another 100m away. A quick carry brought us to Frank Lake, a brief paddle to another portage to Harry Lake. We paddled out to the island campsite which was available and set up here. The place being deserted for a while we decided to go for a swim. After stripping bare and getting in the water, we realized that a canoe had appeared around the corner. A father and son team paddled by. The father was chatty, the son seemed a little embarrased. Spent the rest of the afternoon lazing, paddling around the lake, and watching the beavers, geese, and turtles of the area.

Smiling because I am off work for a week doing something I love.

Completed first portage, paddling out onto Frank Lake.

Lazing around the campsite.

This plaque was on the mainland across from our island.

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