Frontenac Challenge 8 - Slide Lake Loop (last one)

[@Memorex88]

What are great series! You still have plenty of students like myself. You teach us something new in the woods everytime. Bless you! Please never stop!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much!

[@decentdiversions]

Congrats on completing the Challenge! Shoutout to the Rideau Trail Association! 47:50 The yellow-tipped marker is a Kingston-bound marker (Solid orange is Ottawa-bound). Many of the blue markers have reflective tape which makes them easy to see for anyone hiking at night. Flagpole Hill is one of the nicest places in Ontario. The Perth Road access is typically closed during hunting season.

[@Wordsnwood]

From one vintage 1964 kid to another…. Get yourself and Christine a hot tub. Great way to soak your bones and ease the aches. 👍. Enjoyed the series, thanks!

[@TheHappyCamper]

We'll need a bigger back yard LOL

[@ouramateuradventures]

Enjoyed this series very much and its great to see you out and active doing what you love despite the circumstances. Your college backpacking trip videos were always entertaining and it was nice to see the students that embraced the opportunity that was given. While you not being there is a great loss to the students within the education system, I feel it might be everyone else's gain. In school your only able to reach the students within those programs, in videos and through series like this, you can reach anyone with an interest and appreciation for conservation and the outdoors. Besides being endlessly entertained over the years, we've all learned so much from you, If your looking for a new class of students, here we are. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much for this note. Yes, there are times during the last few weeks when I believed I should have left the college long ago. There are far broader ways to educate. I think it's the At Risk students I miss the most though. They added so much to my day.

[@janeandmikewolf]

Thanks for taking us along on this quest. What gorgeous sites to be seen and experienced. I love that you stop and give us a little lesson on things such as birds, trees, and the land..Look forward to your next adventure.

[@musingwithreba9667]

You have a stalker! 😮😂😉 now you're a real celebrity! I like the Slide Lake loop. I did it the other direction, and in the rain, landed on my butt going down some slippery rocks 😂 but it was still great fun. And I had a couple of barred owls plotting my demise when I camped at site 1. 😂 yes, lots of owls there! I'm surprised they haven't got tent platforms at site 1 yet, but I think that cluster is less used because for hikers, it's the furthest away from all the parking lots. All of the perimeter sites you can hear the outside world, but the interior sites are much more quiet. Except for the owls and squirrels 😊

[@HuplesCat]

Absolutely fabulous end to a fabulous series. Thanks for this work as it will make others' challenges a bit easier in one of the best provincial parks in Ontario

[@wegendegy]

Really enjoyed the series and the education. Thank you

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks!

[@86beeman]

Wow Kevin, I didn't know Milton had a "Floor of fame". Mr Dressup - Ernie Coombs on one side and Hadfield in the other...cool. I remember Milton in those days. It was pretty small town. I used to drive through it on my way to Bronte Creek PP when I worked there in the early 80's. Bronte Creek between the QEW and Hwy 5 was my play ground in the late 60's and early 70's before BCPP was there. Anyway a bit of common history. I didn't realize your recent move took you to the Kingston area - hope your adjusting well.Thanks for taking us along.Well done!

[@TheHappyCamper]

I just realized after editing the video it was called the "Walk of Fame." LOL I used to work as a Nature Interpreter at BCPP in the mid to late 80s. Small world.

[@86beeman]

@@TheHappyCamper I did read that in your book. I worked there in 1981 or 82 in the interpretation centre after graduating SSFC in 1980. I have a great story about Mr. Roy the beekeeper who had bee colonies in the park and a hive behind glass in the Interpretation Centre. Perhaps I'll be able to tell you about it sometime. Because of him I've been a beekeeper for 30 years. Safe travels!

[@suezaple4950]

Hey Kevin so nice to hear from your students Id enjoy it too always sad to leave such beauty , Loved learning about the area & trails along with the different animals and trees from you throughout this series truly interesting area to hike .lol funny about the geese . Flag pole hill , Oh Ya gorgeous . Thanks Kevin for this . God's Country it is . congratulations, Love to hike myself .

[@HikingWithKathleen]

Thanks for taking us along on this Frontenac Challenge series. I agree with your sentiments at the end...take a walk. That's what I did starting 4 years ago when I retired. I hiked almost daily in the woods and continue to this day. It has been a great experience to reconnect with nature, something I used to teach about in my first career. You might be interested in the book The Nature Fix. It's good to see you on this trajectory Kevin. We look forward to your upcoming adventures with Christine.

[@canoeingnav7618]

Great video series Kevin. Thanks for taking us along and sharing your nature know how. Laughed out loud when your glasses fogged up while you were talking about sexy duck parts. I agree, a walk in the woods does much to restore balance, sanity and perspective. Enjoy the bottle of whiskey. You earned it. Cheers.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I giggled at that one while editing it. LOL

[@srpogue]

Awesome series Kevin. I enjoyed a solo 3 day hike in Frontenac last August. Beautiful park. Thanks.

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

you are a cool guy. love your adventures. cheers Kev and Crissy

[@deesoutsidelife9743]

Awesome, way to go! Slide is a beautiful loop!

[@WaterWalker16]

That was great. Sure enjoyed the series. Thanks Kevin.

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

Such a nice site! Great stuff! This year had so many windy days, I was so happy to get a few those perfect fall mornings, like yours here. Loved those owls, who cooks for you! Glad you made changes and more time for you and yours

[@donmcconnery5080]

Thanks for a great series. Really appreciate everything that you do and looking forward to seeing the next adventure

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I head out in the woods again in a few days. Yay!

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

Excellent series Kevin! Thankyou for showing us what a great place Frontenac PP is. Your humour, teachings along the way are most welcome. Now go soak in an Epsom salt bath and don't forget to say "hi" to Christine and the pups from us here in Marmora!

[@TheHappyCamper]

I have been soaking every night ever since LOL

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

@@TheHappyCamper good!

[@dominiqueroy1495]

Starting to get some Adventure Archives vibes from your channel! ;) Loved the series, loved the teaching moments. (Not gonna lie, I would totally fan girl if I met you in the wild!) Thanks for sharing!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I like Adventure Archives channel

[@dominiqueroy1495]

@TheHappyCamper They're great! Between them, your channel, Lost Lakes and Camping with the Coles, I get to go camping while at work! It soothes me.

[@ALORDW]

Glad you got a pole. Hope it helped..I love those stakes with the springs! Very unique. I so enjoyed this series. The twenty year olds make hiking look so effortless. It is nice to have role models my age and conditioning that inspire me to hike and camp!

[@TheHappyCamper]

The pole really helped with this aging outdoors guy LOL

[@kevinharding2099]

I’m 75 and can no longer back pack, but I wish I could have gone with you. Just keep moving as long as you can and enjoy!

[@ddorsett1829]

Congrats Kevin! As the note said and so glad you found it, you truly bring a smile to people and inspire. Gratitude dd bl :)

[@TheHappyCamper]

So glad you saw that at the end. It truly made my trip's end. Thank you.

[@wendyoutdoors2230]

Such a great series Kevin. Totally enjoyed them all

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I enjoyed the journey

[@michelled4634]

We are very fortunate that we got to come along on your adventure,,you are a treasure

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much!

[@mecheng2001ca]

Fantastic series Kevin, and very inspiring. Not enough time to get the challenge done this year but thinking I'll have to give it a go next year...cheers!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. If you have time before the leaves fall hike the Arkon Trail. It's a nice one.

[@johnredburn3760]

Great series !!! My Mother's ancestors homesteaded near Yarker. My son & i canoed the in the park at end of his first yr at RMC before he went off for summer training. I hope to get back there someday but for now your videos will have to suffice. John Class of 74

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. Great history you have of the area.

[@prayfornathannatureshow]

That was nice. I enjoyed my only trip to frontenac would love to go again. Just so hard to get past Toronto. And the slide lake loop is the loop I really want to do next.

[@JMANCANADIAN]

Great series Kevin! Looks like your also getting in shape and having a blast, not a bad trade in my books.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I am actually getting in shape. Love it. I just needed a push from the "norm."

[@juliesmith8146]

Incredibly inspiring! Thank you for taking us all with you. Maybe someday the park will build a set of stairs in the dangerously steep section(s).

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. Ya, there are some steep sections out there. Yikes.

[@jamesyarduk4102]

Great series Kevin ! Keep those adventure videos coming ...Nice route and enjoyed the interviews you did with the folks along the trail. You are so right. Expeditions like this good for the soul !

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I met such a mix of people hiking for different reasons. That was cool.

[@michellelemoine8361]

What a beautiful park. Thank you for taking us with you!

[@Brian-ye3kn]

Great series. Even the wife kept asking when is the next one was coming up. Nice to hear that speedo man was going with you again soon.

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's awesome, Brian.

[@hikergrrl]

Looking forward to doing this next year. I will look out for the Klymit mat. I've never been able to get my current one back into it's stuff sac so it gets strapped outside now. I have a nice little blanket from Klymit for warmer weather.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I had the same issue

[@CanadianSledDog]

Canister stoves on MSR gas will run in the winter if you keep the canister warm in your sleeping bag. I've used them in as low as -15C. I wouldn't depend on them for my safety in extreme cold though! Toaks titanium long handle spoons are epic, only utensil I need!

[@sharonmccue5969]

Well done and thanks for bringing us along. Welcome to the neighbourhood.

[@TheHappyCamper]

It's a really nice area. I'm looking forward to exploring more.

[@nancymills5993]

Thank you for taking us along on this challenge. I have really enjoyed it and learned more about plants, trees, and birds!! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. More to come soon.

[@robertdendooven7258]

You introduced me to Dave Hadfield's music by playing part of Gyprock Box on one of you Winter trip videos. I liked it so much I bought the album it was on.

[@TheHappyCamper]

His music and lyrics are awesome.

[@Martin_G]

The dedication trail is dedicated to Erhard Frenzl. One of the original park volunteers and one of the people involved in the creation of Frontenac park. Erhard died on a canoe trip on Lake Superior in 2013. It's very disappointing that the Friends of Frontenac Park allowed the name of that trail to be watered down to the "Dedication Trail". Still, thanks for another great video Kevin and congratulations on completing the challenge.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I wish I knew this before saying something on camera about it. My Explore blog is due in the morning and I will make sure to mention it there. Thanks for the heads up. I respected Erhard and his passion for the outdoors.

[@jasonmcclennan6443]

Kev thumbs up on the entire series, I have recently taken up backpacking/hiking and have been enjoying the bruce trail. (In sections obviously) you have officially put frantenac on my radar , biggest problem I've found with the Bruce is overnight is either stealth or limited . An Ontario Hiking guide book may be a great next adventure.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I've always thought that a Ontario Hiking Guide would make for a good book. There is an older version done a few years back but not a lot of detail.

[@jasonmcclennan6443]

@TheHappyCamper well if you did it l think it would more than likely find a home on my bookshelf, and would be a great outlet for your wealth of knowledge. Thoroughly enjoyed the educational elements of the series.

[@katanaguttman4063]

I enjoyed watching your Frontenac challenge series. You saved the hardest and longest for last. I was in the park this past mid Septrmber for a few days "out and back" backpacking trip. Rated at cluster 4. One of my site neighbors canoed in to stay the same 3 nights I was to do Slide and Big Salmon to kick of thier Frontenac challenge. Also saw a few groups come in and park thier canoes at the portage next to the cluster...so canoeing in to start slide lake definitely seerms to be a popular option. I also saw a highschool class pass by me on my way back my day hike to the Mink Lake lookout. They were "taking a walk around the lake" (Big Salmon) on thier "day off" during thier backpacking trip there. I was impressed the school took the students out backpacking.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks for the info. I think I will do that next time. So glad students are still going there. I saw a group as well and I got a big smile on my face as they passed.

[@katanaguttman4063]

@@TheHappyCamper yes, it's amazing to see some schools still taking out students for camping!

[@Annwiskow]

Great series Kevin! I'm sorry to see it end.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I got some more "series" ideas floating around in my head. No worries.

[@rongoris3022]

I can't wait to do the Slide Lake Loop! I have done the Small Slide Lake Look (with access from Perth Road) a number of times already with my brother) and absolutely loved it! Don't get me wrong, there were sections where I thought I was going to die from all the rock climbing, but the views and the areas that you go through are absolutely stunning. Frontenac Provincial Park is my #2 park at this time, only exceeded by Killarney Provincial Park due to its trails along Georgian Bay. I have not ventured further north than Timmins yet but retirement could see a change in this. Anyhow, love the videos you have done for the Frontenac Challenge! I can't wait to do this myself. Looking forward to your next set of adventures!! Take care! Be safe!!

[@TheHappyCamper]

I am the same. Killarney first, but Frontenac for hiking is a close second. Have you been to Lake Superior? If not, it is a must.

[@rongoris3022]

@@TheHappyCamper Not yet but definitely on my bucket list once I retire.

[@mikesmith1076]

Enjoy that scotch kevin great series cant beat a walk in the woods

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. I had half a dram and went to sleep LOL

[@garyzeiger172]

Wowzers Kev, i give you props doing this trail, best time to do it though , my Knees would be singing after that hike . Cheers and onto the next one

[@TheHappyCamper]

My knees sang melodies beyond belief LOL

[@newfsareus]

Great series. Enjoyed them all and learned some.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much

[@paddlingadventuresradio]

Great job Kevin!!!! 👍👍👍

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks Sean...and Derick or is it Derrick or is it John or is it....

[@conniewaite1371]

For arthritis take MSG. It really helps,also safe for dogs, it extended my labs life 2 more years before i had to put her down.het hips were bad,she couldnt get up to relieve herself,then she took some and was up and around again

[@alexs3447]

Thanks for having us tag along . Take a rest now

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks Alex. Next trip is in a few days - and it is by canoe.

[@k.n.v.b1113]

thank you for sharing

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks.

[@airworks07]

Could you do the Dedication trail (there and back) if you wanted a shorter hike? 6-7 km is about my upper max, so I couldn't do this whole trail, but I would love to try some different trails in Frontenac Park. I absolutely loved this series of yours! Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheHappyCamper]

It would make a good shorter hike. So would the half of Arkon using Bufflehead side split trail.

[@airworks07]

@@TheHappyCamper We did this trail today and I would not have done it without seeing your video! Thanks so much. My husband and I can't do hikes longer than about 6-7 km and love Frontenac Park so we keep looking for new trails other than Arkon and Bufflehead and Doe Lake. Glad we did this trail. Lots of ups and downs but some beautiful views near the water.

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@airworks07 So glad you tried it. It's a nice variation of landscape. Love the ponds along the way as well.

[@jacdaw1]

Thank you for the Frontenac videos. I REALLY like all the interesting information about the habitat. Where do you buy the OTG meals? I'm looking can't find them and their website is closed 'under construction' 🤷‍♀️

[@davesalvisburg9569]

Kevin…. Just a simple thank you.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thank you so much for that.

[@Mary-bo7lj]

OYE! Pls follow the measurement for VOLTAREN !!! LOL. Look for WEBBER Blue and Green tubes for same effect. I’m so proud of you! regards to Christine and angel of course 😉😉

[@TheHappyCamper]

I do use that stuff sparingly. And thanks, I was wondering about Webber Blue.

[@TomandMaryWhittaker-e8q]

This was a great series Kevin. Learned a lot. Now that you are in the Kingston area, have you reached out to local post secondary institutions about teaching opportunities? You clearly love it and you are good at. The funding formula has shifted since 2018 with the Ford gov't but this stuff is important.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I've had some job offers from other post secondary and I may take them up on those offers on a later date - but for now I feel more comfortable doing my own thing. It's an odd worlds out there now with post secondary and environmental programs and I think I can do more on my own right now.

[@TomandMaryWhittaker-e8q]

@@TheHappyCamper good call.

[@duncanbrown7160]

Wonderful, not all educators work in schools and colleges, some post on KZbin. Guess the pay is not as good. You should really consider options for people to give thanks or contribute to helping you continue to give us such great content.

[@jayburne6825]

Awesome

[@lindadong2901]

Good choice to enjoy oneself by camping and not hiking Slide Lake Loop in one day. I did hike it in one day and it was not pleasant and not enjoyable for me. Well done completing the Challenge. Time to celebrate. L

[@TheHappyCamper]

Glad I made the right choice. The amount of owls I heard from my campsite that night was well worth the night in the woods.

[@jayburne6825]

75 litre kevin callan bag would be great for that trip lol

[@TheHappyCamper]

Good idea.