Winter camping in the mud 2021

GPS Coordinates are N45 34.679 W78 30.844. Link on Google Maps

It was supposed to be winter but we experienced strong wind gusts that were caused by a massive drop in the temperature. Trees came down and we had a power outage in the park. I was not dependent on heating, but my phone needed charging. The new car battery could handle my phone and I left it plugged in all night.
The bigger problem was the mud. The wind blew anything away that was not properly secured or not heavy enough. My chair fell victim to the wind and tumbled across the camp site in the mud. It was not the only gear that needed cleaning.

The wind did not die down the next day and the heavy clouds did not dissipate. Once again, the forecast was wrong. As planned, I had breakfast in Whitney and attempted the trail along the Madawaska River. It is the Nipissing Road first and changes to McCauley Lake Road. Trees blocked the road and I could not continue. However, I found a network of service roads that need our attention next summer. The Madawaska River shows several rapids as well as lakes along the path. The river will cross Hwy 60 again in Madawaska. Most of the land north of Hwy 60 shows as Crown Land, but we need to do more research in the Crown Land Atlas.

Watch a short video from my trip along the Madawaska River.

I reviewed my options around lunch time. Exploring the area further would likely stop at another fallen tree or a sheet of ice covering the road. The wind was still very strong and the dark clouds were unpleasant. Tomorrows forecast for the drive home had snow all the way down to Mississauga. Up to now, we had no precipitation and at 1 PM, I decided to abort and head home.
I don't consider this exploration a failure. The roads I found were accessible and will be in drivable condition in summer. It will not be a guessing game when we plan the next trip.

On the way home, I stopped at Henrietta's Bakery in Dwight. I absolutely love their mixed berry cobbler. The sweets and meat or veggy tarts are amazing. The sandwiches were sold out already, but I was looking forward to a dinner at home anyway.