Sea Kayaking, Phillip Edward Island, Killarney

(photo no longer available on Meetup)

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, camping is free, absolutely no one else around. I could spend the summer out here.

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 clowds 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 28, 5:30 pm. Carpool from Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Vehicles not part of the caravan can be left at a location close by. Proceed to Killarney Outfitters' field for the night, a six hour drive, minimum.

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 'Big Rock' with its splendid view and den of foxes for the first night.

Suggested route for remainder of weekend.

Sunday, paddle to Deer Island via Crume Island, the same middle day trip as last year, return to 'Big Rock' for the night.

Monday, July 1, paddle back to Chikanishing Creek, return rental paraphernalia, a quick meal in Killarney, and head for home.

Cost:

3 day kayak rental + kayak delivery + Friday campsite + gas.

Sample costs,

$111 (single kayak) + $10 (delivery) + $8 (campsite) + $30 (gas) = $159 before tax.

$73.50 (shared tandem kayak) + 10 + $8 + $30 = $121.50 before tax.

Saturday to Monday we are on crown land where no camping fees apply. A couple of cars will need parking at Chikanishing Creek access for $14/day/vehicle.

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. http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/kayak-rental.php The 'poly single' sea kayak at $37/day would be a great boat.

Tyson Lake Marina and Outfitters, (705) 690-0326 , Killarney. This is the next closest outfitter.

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 commentary at http://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 two summers.

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/10094522/

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/9863322/

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/9742732/

http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/3221222/

Shared Document for tracking ride sharing (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtI1mHVqaf-jdHRUcGdRUTM3QjFZb2tZMUduMlNXS3c&usp=drive_web#gid=0)