Portaging...

In light of our upcoming Portaging getaway weekend, i thought it would only suit the situation right if I did a post on our last trip two years ago. First of all, the title of this post should not be portaging, but more like 'Mission Impossible'. I will give you a brief overview of what such an excursion is all about, and most importantly what you should avoid. Overall, thanks to our friend Ziggy and his coordinating skills this trip is by far one of the best things to do in the summer. What's better than missioning out to the middle of no where with about 20 people, of which you probably dont know half and camp out on some real crown land.

Above is a general map of what the mission entails (click on map for Google Map Link).
Directions:
Take 400 North of Barrie
Exit 156 - After Passing Port Severn Bridge
Right Onto Muskoka Road (which turns into Port Severn Rd.) - This is your Canoe Rental!
Get Back onto the 400 N
Exit 168
Right onto Crooked Bay Road
Right onto Georgian Bay Road (as if you were heading back on the 400 S)
Just before the ramp to the highway, there is a down hill left turn
Park where ever you can!
Bring all your things by the shore, and start your Portage!

It looks pretty simple from far. Drive up north, rent your canoe, drive it over to the parking lot an exit away, pack your stuff, and you're off!

Alright, so now, what to avoid.

Where do we start? First of all before you set out make sure you understand what 'portaging' means. Definition: Portage refers to the practice of carrying a canoe or other boat over land to avoid an obstacle on the water route such as rapids or waterfall in a river. Aka you will have to carry everything you bring.
Here's some other tips, based on our last experience.

Lesson 1: Don't bring anything useless. Just remember, you will have to carry it.
Lesson 2: Don't steal "Ontario Parks" canoes from Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, you can probably only get away with it once.
Lesson 3: Bring good ropes, you will be left holding that thing up with you hands out the window, as you are driving down the highway.
Lesson 4: Don't throw an axe in you shin, the hospital is a minimum 45 min canoe ride away plus a drive.
Lesson 5: You car will probably get towed (get there early)
Lesson 6: Bring garbage bags!

Overall, the whole trip has its own rewards. Its a beautiful area and I can't wait to do it again!

Pictures:
MiddleRight: Dina and Me taking out the Canoe, 5 am, after all nighter
BottomLeft: Fishing at Sunrise. The water still as ever.