The Spirit of a Voyageur - Three Mile Loop, Algonquin Park
It was a day like no other. The scorching heat and deep cerulean sky beckoned for explorers like us to venture forth into the North Tea system and conquer one of Algonquin’s most notorious challenges, the Three Mile Loop. Four days, three nights, and sixty-five kilometres of pure pain and punishment with a three-kilometre portage to boot! It seemed like a daunting task, but the nine of us were ready to take it on!
We spent Day 1 soaring down North Tea Lake, catching the waves like birds in the wind. With only 4 hours to travel 20 kilometres east to Biggar Lake, we put up a fight! As we landed at our campsite, we made a fire like no other, its embers a harsh reminder of our vitality and endurance, and sauteed brined chicken over the fire to make souvlaki wraps. Although the roots and stones beneath our backs forced us into jagged positions, we slept like kittens in a crib of linen goodness
Day 2 we pushed even harder. A 500 metre portage, a 300 metre portage and Two 1.5 kilometre portages blocked our path to Three Mile Lake, but with breakfast burritos and warm cowboy coffee in our stomachs, we put our whole being into it and got the job done. Up and down through hills of summer’s blessing, the shimmering forests, accentuated by the sparse light between flocks of maple made for trails that both coerced us to take it all in while pushing us forward. Chilli burritos were eaten with vigour that night as we prepped for the crux ahead, the 3 kilometre portage.
Day 3 was like no other… for nearly two hours we lugged canoes and packs on our backs testing our discipline and determination. Fighting for each step, we finally made it to Manitou Lake. After an hour paddle and a lunch of sausage and cheddar sandwiches, we stopped to swim at a waterfall between Manitou and North Tea. After a refreshing dip and a couple of photos for the gram, we made our way to our final campsite, sleeping under the stars among hemlocks of divinity.
Day 4, we trekked back down North Tea, through the winding rivers of the Amable du Fond, and finally back to access point 1. Our journey was over, but the memories will never leave. In the words of Julius Caesar… Veni, Vidi, Vici; we came, we saw, we conquered. Thank you to all who partook in such an unforgettable adventure!
