Kayaking, French River Voyageur Channel to Georgian Bay

Scratching my head here thinking of what we haven't done already.

I know, the Voyageur Channel, French River, to Georgian Bay islands. If not now, full moon approaching, ultimate summer weather in the forecast, then when? Its a no-brainer.

Hartley Bay Marina 2014 rents kayaks thanks to our encouragement last year. How hard can it be?

Its a long haul to the 'Sitting on the dock of the Georgian Bay'. Twenty-five kilometers by my reckoning.

Sleepy eyed or not Saturday, Aug 9, 7:30 am, let your consciousness be awaken.

Like the fur traders of old we've got paddling to do.

Itinerary:

Friday, Aug. 8, head north after work. Sleep somewhere, I don't care. 'Icecream on the rocks', Britt, Ontario, Canada? Anything is better than a provincial park.

Saturday. Pay dues at Hartley Bay Marina, no small sum. Start paddling 9:30 am, you read this right. Sleep on some anonymous rock, official campsite sign or not.

Sunday. Return to marina by 3:00 pm, read carefully. Head for home, 5 hours later.

Monday: Pretend you are awake on the job.

Cost:

fixed cost: shared gas $40 + Friday camping $10 + marina parking $10 + marina launch fee $7 + plus provincial park camping Saturday $10 = $77 assuming two per vehicle/tent

variable cost: add kayak rental (guessing 2 x $38 per day)

Difficulty:

Nothing technically challenging but two days of athletically challenging paddling. Two short portages if I remember correctly.

Kayak Rental:

Hartley Bay Marina. $40 per day. Yes they rent kayaks even if their web site doesn't mention it. Call in advance.