For this weekend (a three day one) we returned to one of our favorite backcountry camping locations. North Frontenac parklands, this will be our seventh time (third on this lake) and we have another two trips planned for later this summer. We had planned on spending three days camping, however poor Marcus got into some bone meal fertilizer and became so ill we had to have him spend a few days at the vet. This will be the first time in seven years that we have gone camping with out him, it was very strange not having him around all weekend.

Although it bears a rather unfortunate name, Crotch Lake is one of the largest and easiest accessible lakes in North Frontenac Park Lands. There are presently 77 campsites available on this lake, almost all of them water access only. North Frontenac is quite simply Eastern Ontario’s best recreational backcountry experience.

Discover breathtaking beauty, witness undisturbed nature, explore timeless terrain and enjoy quiet solitude and tranquility. (Shared with the hordes of mosquitoes)  Many might argue that Algonquin is better, while in some ways I would agree (definitely more likely to see Moose) the backcountry campsite booking system in Algonquin prevents me from recommending it – I like to know exactly where I am going to be spending the night. Frontenac Park Lands is a collection of 184 backcountry campsites nestled along the shores of 12 lakes atop the Madawaska highlands and Mississippi Valley watershed. Carved from the Precambrian granite of the Canadian Shield North Frontenac Park Lands were 2 ½ billion years in the making—residing entirely on crown land it remains one of the most pristine natural environments in the province. Another bonus is that it is also still one of the cheapest camping experiences in Ontario, the only thing cheaper is free. Camping in North Frontenac Park Lands is a true backcountry experience. Most sites are accessible only by water. Pitch your tent for a night, or for a week, and after the day’s activities lay back and marvel at the night skies unpolluted by city lights. The best way to check out this region is through their webpage http://www.northfrontenacparklands.com/index.php

Hikers and backpackers will enjoy the challenge of its terrain from the rugged highlands landscape to the relative serenity of its wetland areas. With 58km of Crown roads and many more miles of forest trails this is a mountain biker’s paradise! Naturalists and ecologists can explore the uncontaminated biodiversity and protected ecosystems found throughout the area. Crotch Lake has two access points, both reachable by car, although the Northern access can be a little rough, and should probably be reached by 4X4. For this trip we used the easier southern access point, which put us a mere 4 Km paddle from our island site 42.

Site 42 was well worth the early booking, and we were both very glad the Vet persuaded us to leave Marcus with her for the weekend, and to go camping. The weather was perfect all weekend, sunny and warm all day and cool nights perfect sleeping weather.

We were recently introduced to Radler, (Thanks Bernie) and I believe it will now be my beverage of choice for 2018.

The mosquitoes were not as bad this weekend, so was not eaten alive during morning constitutionals, the location of the throne did however put you in plain view of anyone who happened to be passing by. (much to Karens surprise)

After we had Set up the Campsite, had an obligatory Radler or two, surveyed our kingdom for the weekend, we decided to spend the afternoon exploring this side of the lake. We paddled about six Km, and stopped for lunch on a smaller island.

We got back just in time for getting supper on, as is usual for us we had Spaghetti bolognese (freeze the sauce in “Boil in Bags” and heat them up in same water you cook the pasta in, very efficient.

Picked up a pair of Yeti Rambler 10 oz mugs a few weeks ago, bloody expensive, but had heard great things so took the plunge. These are now our go to mugs, use them for morning coffee and afternoon radlers on the rocks. Fantastic insulation qualities, the only two cons I could come up with are 1) The price and 2) I noticed this morning as I was having my coffee on the rocks looking out over Crotch lake, it was chilly (around 10 deg C) as I wrapped my hands around my cup of steaming hot coffee hoping to warm them…..Nada the damm things are so well insulated they give off no warmth to the hand..

In summary….Crotch lake site 42 camping trip, was another great weekend, next time we return it will be with Marcus, as Im sure he would have really loved this location. Next week we travel south into the Adirondacks, three day canoe camping on Forked Lake.