Sea Kayaking, Franklin, Mink and McCoy Island chains

Welcome to the third annual Franklin, Mink and McCoy's. These island chains in Georgian Bay accessed via Snug Harbor just keep folks jumping for joy.

Itinerary:

Option 1: Friday, Aug. 2, 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 Killbear Provincial park for the night.

Saturday, breakfast in Nobel en route to White Squall Paddle Center, 53 Carling Bay Rd, Nobel, 9:00 am.

Option 2: Saturday, 5:30 am leave KW and meet the main group at Snug Harbor, 9:00 am. Leave slightly earlier if picking up a kayak at Swift in Waubaushene.

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

Don't shy from tandems, with the right partner they go fast. Being in the front means no need to worry about steering.

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:

As with all rentals, the problem is hours of operation.

Adventure Guide, Waterloo. Great policies for weekend pickup and return. Poor gas mileage hauling boats long distance.

Sojourn, Barie (http://www.sojournoutdoors.com/about-us/rentals-services/rentals/). (705) 739-9694 Possible to make closing time Friday night, impossible to make closing time Monday night.

Swift, Waubaushene (http://swiftoutside.com/stores/rentals.php). 705-538-0881 Closes at 8 pm Friday. Opens at 8 am Saturday (contrary to their web site). Closes at 8 pm for Monday, although, they have drop off after hours options.

Difficulty:

First time kayakers and/or backcountry campers welcome.

Gear:

Please view a previous year's commentary at http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/messages/boards/thread/13285141#49863861

Inspiration:

Thanks to Robert for the first annual.

Photos from 2012 http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/9526722/

Photos from 2011 http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/2682521/

Shared Document (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtI1mHVqaf-jdGZLbmFrdjJlcXpVTUVxd0U5RktOWVE#gid=0) for car and kayak sharing