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Philip Edward Island. I'm mesmerized!

Watch the following YouTube's and you will be as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8OCuYoZAPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPYbRSI16IY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdkG_CEcuN8&feature=related

This island is contiguous to southern Killarney Park, bordering Georgian Bay. If you were on this year's Killarney backpacking trip you viewed it unbeknownst looking south from the panoramic view on top of 'The Crack'.

If you were on the Minks and McCoys sea kayaking trip you'll have an immediate emotional connection to the landscape. Visualize a combination of the ancient weathered Minks (where we spent our nights) and the Canadian Shield exposed Franklin Island (where we hit the beach the last day).

To quote "Top 50 Canoe Routes in Ontario" p. 170, "Its a fantastic route that has been rated by a number of leading canoe and kayak magazines and web sties as one of the top 10 paddle destinations in North America."

Circumnavigating the entire island is 70 km, more than we could accomplish in a weekend. The focus will be on the southern shore which is the most scenic. Due to wave heights on open Georgian Bay, this is a sea kayak trip. No canoes please.

This trip demands a long weekend.

The Plan:

Friday: Leave Kitchener-Waterloo after work, 5:30 PM, Sep. 2. Leave from a Tim Hortons to be determined. Count on a 6 hour drive.

Camp Friday night at Killarney Provincial Park, George Lake campground.

Saturday, Sep. 3, Get up early, have breakfast in Killarney, proceed to Killarney Outfitters for those renting sea kayaks. Motor to Chikanishiing River access point and launch.

We now have three days to explore the southern shore of Philip Edward and neighboring Islands.

Monday, Sep. 5, return mid afternoon to same access point. Head for home.

Kayak Rentals:

Killarney Outfitters, 1-800-461-1117. Please try these guys first. Support the local economy and simplify logistics Saturday morning.

http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/canoe-kayak-rentals.php

Cost:

sample 1, tandem kayak:

$66 (kayak, $22 per day x 3) + $12 (Friday camp site) + $40 (shared gas) = $118 before tax

sample 2, solo kayak:

$96 (3 day kayak) + $12 (Friday campsite) + $40 (shared gas) = $148 before tax

sample 3, your own kayak, driving up very early Saturday.

$0 (besides your gas).

Saturday and Sunday nights we camp on crown land, therefore, no camping fees.

  • wildcard, parking fee at access point (to be determined).

Difficulty:

Everyone has to start sometime. No kayaking experience required. We are on 'crown land' so don't expect any amenities, its just us and the rocks.

When signing up:

Please specify whether you need a ride or can provide a ride. For simplicity the organizer normally arranges the carpooling. How about we rotate ride partners at rest stops? (I hate doing matchups!)

Mention how you plan on getting a kayak and transporting it. If renting from an outfitter, please reserve ASAP.

Post a comment if interested in sharing a rental tandem sea kayak.

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