Sea Kayaking, Franklin, Mink and McCoy Island chains

Back by popular demand, a repeat of last year's trip to these intriguing island chains in Georgian Bay. View last year's photos at http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/2682521/

Itinerary:

Option 1: Friday, June 29, 5:30 pm. Leave Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Vehicles not part of the caravan can be left at a location close by. Proceed to Oastlier Provincial park for the night.

Saturday, breakfast in Parry Sound en route to White Squall Paddle Center, 53 Carling Bay Rd, Nobel, 9 am.

Option 2: Saturday, 5:30 am leave KW and meet the main group at White Squall Paddle Center, 9 am.

Both options: Saturday, proceed to Snug Harbor for launch, 10:30 am. Paddle to one of the Mink Islands and establish base camp.

Sunday, paddle to Big McCoy and hang out for the day (i.e. there is no programmed activity). Return to base camp.

Monday, return to Snug Harbor via stops on Franklin Island. Return rental kayaks by 4:00 pm. Communal meal in Parry Sound and head for home.

Cost:

3 day kayak rental + Friday campsite + gas.

Sample costs,

$108 (single kayak) + $8 (campsite) + $35 (gas) = $151 before tax.

$75 (1/2 of a tandem kayak) + $8 + $35 = $118 before tax.

Saturday to Monday we are on crown land where no camping fees apply. There is free parking at Snug Harbor if we get there on time. Otherwise $5/day at the marina.

Kayak Rentals:

White Squall Paddle Center (http://www.whitesquall.com/rentals/boat-equipment-a-shuttles.html), 705-342-5324 in Nobel. Rental includes foam pads and straps to mount kayaks on car roofs. Please use White Squall if possible. They are 20 minutes from our launch. There is a possibility we can arrange transport to our launch point for a reasonable fee. Rent from the 'Touring Sea Kayaks' category.

A 'Single – Polyethylene' for $36/day is the most obvious choice.

A Double – Polyethylene for $50/day split between two people ($25/day/person) is the most economical but you'll need to find a paddling partner.

Difficulty:

First time kayakers and/or backcountry campers welcome.

Signup process:

After you RSVP please go to the discussion forum (http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/messages/boards/thread/23919832#75645412) and create a trip profile.

Gear:

View last year's commentary at http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/messages/boards/thread/13285141#49863861