Kayaking, Philip Edward Island, Killarney
Details
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/0/d/c/event_146989372.jpeg
There are so many awesome photos of this landscape in KW-Backcountry's image bank it is hard to select one for purposes here. This is hands down my favorite terrain in Ontario, 30,000 islands, like on another planet. Ditto, sea kayaking is hands down my favorite way to experience a hot summer day. Always near the water, open vista sunsets.
It is crown land, pick an island for the night, any island, no one else around. I could spend the summer out here.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/b/5/c/event_142159292.jpeg
If that weren't enough the area is serviced by an amazing outfitter. Just pick up your boat at the creek and paddle off into the cathedral of clouds above the jewels of ancient rocks. I digress.
Somebody, bump planet earth along its orbit. Lets get this show on the road.
Itinerary:
Friday, June 26, after work whatever, carpool to Killarney Outfitters' for the night, a six hour drive from KW.
Saturday, breakfast in Killarney, pick up rental gear at Killarney Outfitters, congregate at Chikanishing Creek access point where rental kayaks are waiting, 10:30 am. Paddle to Northeast Hawk Island and climb aboard. Continue on to base camp.
Suggested route for remainder of weekend.
Sunday, paddle to Deer Island via Crume Island, the same middle day trip as previous years.
Monday, June 29, additional sightseeing on the circuitous return to Killarney.
Cost:
3 day kayak rental + kayak delivery + gas + parking.
Sample costs,
$111 (single kayak, $37 per day) + $10 (delivery) + $40 (shared gas) + $5 (parking) = $166 before tax.
$73.5 (shared tandem kayak, $49 x 3 days / 2) + 10 + $40 + 5 = $128.5 before tax.
None of these costs are payed up front to KW-Backcountry. Pay the outfitter at the time if renting, your driver for gas if ridesharing, and a volunteer with a clipboard for shared parking the weekend of.
Saturday to Monday we are on crown land where no camping fees apply. Most vehicles can park at the outfitters for free but a couple of shuttle cars need parking at Chikanishing Creek access, $14/day/vehicle, hence the $5 parking per person.
Kayak Rentals:
Killarney Outfitters, 1-888-222-3410 . Please use this outfitter if possible and add the $10 delivery-pickup to Chikanishing Creek, it is well worth it. Why haul your rental around when not necessary. http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/kayak-rental.php The 'poly single' sea kayak at $37/day would be a great boat.
Difficulty:
First time kayakers and/or backcountry campers welcome. As with all open water situations, wind and wave conditions dictate route selection. Too much opposing wind, we won't attempt that long crossing to the horizon.
Gear:
Please find an old (really old from our first ever, 2011, kayak trip) commentary at https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/messages/boards/thread/13285141#49863861 (ignore the voluntary campfire ban info, ignore map details)
Inspiration:
Photos from trips going back four summers. How could you miss the fifth annual Philip Edward Island, Canada Day weekend?
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/b/c/8/600_255528072.jpeg
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/22940452/
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/15865272/
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/10094522/
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/9863322/
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/9742732/
https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/3221222/
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/3/e/e/event_139846062.jpeg
Shared Document for tracking ride sharing (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtI1mHVqaf-jdHRUcGdRUTM3QjFZb2tZMUduMlNXS3c&usp=drive_web#gid=0)