After hours on the road, we finally reached Rain Lake, our entry point to Algonquin Park for our big 4 day hike. We had been looking forward to this hike so much and had put a ton of time and some money into preparation, so the feeling of finally being able to get on the trail and just walk was awesome. We packed up our bags, fitted our gaitors on our shoes, greased up our feet, slapped on sunscreen and Deet and hit the trail! Amazing feeling to be maching along the trail towards a destination. Every footstep is progress. What we weren't ready for were horse flies. I'm not talking the odd one or two, I'm talking swarms. Relentless swarms of these buggers that wanted blood, our blood, and they were gonna get fed or die tryin'.
After an hour or so filled with frustration and every effort to outsmart these bastards, our efforts proved futile. We didn't like the prospect of continuing on into the woods, not knowing when or if these guys would disappear. After a little discussion, we decided that it simply wasn't worth it to continue on and risk a horrible 4 day experience. Instead we turned back, reluctantly and with some hesitation, headed back to the car. It was a difficult decision, but was the right one. We turned up at Julia's parents' place 4 days early surprising and confusing her family. The next morning Julia had 4 or 5 swollen bites, as always happens with her, and I had a few of my own. Imagine the shape we'd have been in had we spent 4 full days on that trail!
We will plan another trip for the fall sometime and have another crack. We're committed to this thing and will do what it takes to get our novice camping butts ready for the PCT!
Canadian couple driven to live and eat naturally. We're travelling the world taking on challenges that test us physically, mentally and emotionally. Visit www.naturallydriven.ca for more!
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