Years / 2014

Thanksgiving trip to Killarney

Fri, Oct 10, 2014 · 12:00 PM – Mon, Oct 13 · Killarney Provincial Park

Thanksgiving is a time when those of good cheer can come together to eat and drink to excess, a time when we can tell the stories of the things our forefathers did involving natives and corn ... or if you are a member of a backcountry group, pretty much the same, only it's stories of your outings throughout the summer and your planning for the winter.

Over the Labour Day long weekend some of us where fortunate enough to go on Marv's trip to Killarney. We camped at Killarney Outfitter's private backcountry site. We thought this would be a great place to do a Thanksgiving weekend trip. Checkout the photos from the trip. http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/events/200989522/

The details of the trip will depend to an extent on weather, but canoeing, hiking, eating, and drinking will be the high points. The timing is also good for admiring fall foliage, should be some beautiful colours.

Although we advocate drinking and noise in moderation it should be noted that this site is not technically part of Killarney so there is no noise or drinking restrictions and no 11pm visit from the park wardens.

Even though we are in the Backcountry. It doesn't mean we have to rough it for Thanksgiving. This campsite is ideal for our dinner. There is a big stone fireplace with a huge grill for cooking, and a picnic table for dinner. Everything is covered by a tin roof. We are planning a backcountry feast for Saturday night, turkey and all. Janice will be in charge of the turkey. The rest of the side dishes will be done potluck style. Once everyone signs up, we'll figure out a menu and assign dishes. We'll take up a small collection to pay for the turkey.

Please send any questions about what foods to bring to Janice (so we don't all bring salads... or in fact any of us.)

A (very) rough idea of what we will do:

Friday Oct 10th

Several options depending on when you arrive.

Option #1: Early group can camp at Carlyle #55 backcountry site for Friday night and get a hike in on Sat morning before heading to basecamp.

Option #2: Paddle to Johnnie Lake Basecamp and setup there (about 1 hr paddle from Johnnie Lake launch).

Option #3: For late arrivals- car camp at Killarney Outfitters (lots of space to setup tents beside/behind the store) or car camp at a site in Killarney park (buy your own permit at the park office if you want a site). Wake up Sat morning and head to basecamp.

Saturday Oct 11th

For people arriving on Sat, we can meet you at the Johnnie Lake launch and bring you to basecamp. Don't plan on arriving too late if you want to hike.

The options for the day are- hike Silver Peak, paddle around the many lakes, relax around basecamp or hike the many other trails in Killarney Park. End the day with a turkey potluck dinner.

Sunday Oct 12th

Same activities as Saturday. Hike the Crack, do a paddle loop around the lakes, relax around basecamp, paddle back to Johnnie Lake access and hike another trail in the park.

Monday Oct 13th

Sleep in a bit. Pack up camp. Maybe a short hike, then drive home.

Costs

-Camping on Ted's site: $5 per day- $20 for the 4 days

If we camp at 2nd campsite $11extra

-Canoe rental: (please rent from Killarney outfitters) three/four day canoe rental

(3 x $41.81= $125.43/ 2 = $65) add 1 extra day if arriving on Friday

add $10 for canoe delivery to Johnnie Lake.

-Shared gas for vehicle driver (drivers please post your estimated vehicle costs in the comments)

-Car parking will cost $14 per person and is payable to Roger this is for the 3-4 days

-Cost of the turkey and fixin's divided by people going

More info about park permits and parking permits forthcoming.