Kayaking, Limestone Islands

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I have no idea why anyone would want to paddle their arms off on a two day weekend to reach these two remote islands, North and South Limestone. Even the migratory sea birds are gone this time of year from these otherwise protected shores.

Looking at the photo above you are on North Limestone viewing its twin to the south. Barely visible to the left is an island chain called the Minks. From the Minks, barely visible to the left is Franklin Island. From Franklin Island... you get the drift.

I have every idea why you would want to paddle your arms off. These two islands are the last rocks available on an endless waterworld horizon. You wanted to get away from it all on the weekend? You can't get any further away. Yes!

Itinerary:

So much for third rock from the mainland bravado. Each hop is a gift from the prevailing winds, more precisely, the lack thereof. At a minimum this could turn out an east side of Franklin Island slumber party. Nothing wrong with that. Wind and waves permitting we venture to one of the Mink Islands for Saturday night. I have a favorite in mind. Wind and waves asleep Sunday, we actually make it to a Limestone Island before returning to the mainland. Its been done before.

Option 1: Friday, Sep. 13, after work head for Killbear Provincial Park, close to Nobel (Parry Sound) or variation thereof, a four hour drive from Kitchener-Waterloo. Some people crave a campfire after a week at work.

Option 2: Saturday, 5:30 am, drive from KW to Snug Harbor, north of Parry Sound. Some people have no concept of time.

Both Options: 9:00 am, If applicable pick up rental kayaks at White Squall Paddle center in Nobel. 10:30 am, Snug Harbor, kayaks are loaded, set out for Franklin Island. 12:30 stop for lunch on west coast Franklin. I have a favorite sand beach in mind. Based on weather decide whether to continue to Elm Tree Island, one of the Minks. I have a favorite campsite in mind.

Sunday, based on weather, decide whether to continue to North or South Limestone or both. I have a favorite rock beach in mind. Return to Snug Harbor. 4:00 pm start the drive home.

Cost:

For kayak owners:

$40 shared gas. Snug Harbor has a 'government parking lot', free. The weekend is on crown land, free.

For kayak renters:

$40 shared gas + $72 two day kayak rental = $112 Note, you might want to rent a wet suit as well, add $10.

For those leaving Friday, add shared cost of campground ($40 / x ). For those arriving after government lot is full Saturday, add $5/day marina parking.

Difficulty:

As always with kayaks on Georgian Bay, difficulty is dependent on wind speed and wave height the day of. Due to the remoteness of the Limestones proven wet-exit and re-entry skills are a must for the final hop. That said, on a previous such trip, not all participants went the entire distance. Some opted to remain on an island closer to the mainland and sleep in Sunday.

Please vist pedometer map of route with distances in kilometers http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5680017 17 km day one, 27 km day two.

Water temperatures start to drop this time of year. A wet suit is good insurance in case of a spill.

Kayak rentals:

The Detour Store (http://www.thedetourstore.ca/kayak_rentals.html) 705-342-1611. Really close to Snug Harbor. They don't take reservations but Sep. 14 is not exactly prime time. They have a fleet of Boreal 'Inukshuk's', fine boats. Call them the day before and they'll have a boat for you.

Killbear Park Mall (http://www.killbearparkmall.com/page/page/3537520.htm) 705 342 5747 Close to Snug Harbor. Like the Detour Store they don't take reservations for reasons unknown, but KW-backountry members have used them before without incident. Call them in advance for proof of concept, then call them the day before if they insist.

White Squall Paddle Center (http://www.whitesquall.com/rentals.html), 705-342-5324 in Nobel. Only 15 minutes from our launch. Rental includes foam pads and straps to mount kayaks on car roofs. http://www.whitesquall.com/rentals.html

White Squall is the premium paddling center in the area with a sterling reputation. That said, there is history between our group and White Squall. They don't like large groups, consequently, they have cancelled member's rentals on a whim before. This meetup isn't particularily large. If renting from them, do yourself a favor, mention KW-Backcountry, let them decide, take it from there.

Fine Print:

Lets kayak, whatever the distance. If interested but looking for a relaxing weekend instead of an athletic challenge, signup, we'll discuss the number of hops from the mainland.

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Shared document (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtI1mHVqaf-jdGVRMzNxNlVDMkxxekpVUWlVeGZta3c#gid=0) for ride and campsite sharing

Weather for Parry Sound (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/ontario/parry-sound)