Algonquin Fall Colours - Yurt style (10/3/2014)

We booked two side-by-side yurts, which are like huge heated tents that we don't have to carry or put up! Each yurt has two bunk beds, so we'll have four people per yurt. This does mean that a yurt could be co-ed, but you will have your own bed. The yurts are very close (2 min walk) to the comfort stations, which have heated bathrooms, and private shower areas.

We had to book really early (about 3 months ago) to get yurts at this prime-time of the year. The focus will be the FALL COLOURS. On average, Algonquin's fall colours peak on Sept 27, however, I'm betting we win the jackpot this year, with the cooler summer and warmer trending fall, I think we'll hit it on the nail and see Ontario's sugar maples "on fire".

In order to get the best views, the plan is to hike the best lookout trail in the park on Saturday. This is a challenging 10 km loop that goes up and down many peaks and valleys, offering multiple views of the park's finest fall foliage. Sunday there will be the option to either rent a bike and take a bike ride with David, or take in another (shorter than Saturday’s) day-hike with Stacy, before heading out and back to the city.

There's a mandatory pre-meeting at Chalkers on Tues Sept 23 @ 7:30 PM.

The itinerary for the weekend will be:

Friday:

• Car pool to the yurts
• BYOBBQ – bring your own BBQ dinner. The yurts come with propane BBQs, and we'll have one up and running. Settle in to your bunk and then throw your "shrimps on the barbie".
• Weather permitting, we'll get a fire going.

• Communal breakfast
• Drive to trail head and hike the Centennial Ridges Trail.
• Have individual (bring-your-own) lunch on the trail
• Return to yurts
• Dinner
• Optional star-gazing on the beach.
• Weather permitting, we'll have a fire.

• Communal breakfast
• Either:
  Rent a bike and take the bike trails close-by (pending good weather and enough interest); or
  Go on one or two short look-out hikes
• Back to the city

• The yurts may be co-ed, depending on who signs up. Be prepared.
• This is a group effort: Everyone is expected to help out with food, dishes, and clean-up.
• * The hike on Saturday is part of the trip. It's a long 10-km hike that will take 6 hours of up and down. It's described as "difficult", "demanding" and "strenuous". Please don't sign up if you're not physically up for it.
• Cost per person is based on 6 people signing up. If 7 or more sign up, cash refunds at the event will be issued.
• The lower bunks are doubles. If a couple signs up, they can opt to use a double, and therefore we can get more people on the trip. Please mention in the Notes when you sign up if you want to share a double.
• This trip is the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving.

Cost does not include, and will be collected evenly from all participants at the event:
car pool cost per passenger;
communal food (to be discussed at pre-meeting);
any additional parking fees;
firewood