Re: [Paddlewise] Georgian Bay information

From: "Michael S Pitzrick" <pitzrick_at_juno.com>

> I'm planning to spend three days paddling in Georgian Bay, starting at
> Franklin Island, and am wondering if some generous person with experience
> with this region would tell me about favorite routes or favorite islands
> for camping. 

Chart:  Parry Sound 41 H/8 & 41 H/7  (that's one chart with a weird number).
You could launch from Snug Harbour or Dillon.  I've never launched from
Dillon, but Snug has parking (free) a short walk up the road from the 
dock- a wide grassy area on the right as you drive in.  The dock is at the 
end of the road and is a federal property, so you shouldn't have problems.

I haven't been up there yet this season, but the water levels are up from
last year.  In that case, you may try to get into the Little Lakes.  These
are not accessible by power boat, so they tend to be visited only by canoe
and kayak paddlers.  At low water, it's a lift-over, but if the water is 
higher, you could just barely paddle in.  The entrance is straight across
from Snug.  Paddle around the south end of Snug Island and due west to 
Franklin - then follow the shore northward and you're there.  With such
a short paddle, you'd want to set up camp and then go explore.  There are
lots of campsites on Franklin, so if you'd rather a longer paddle before
setting up, pick and choose.  The only caveat is that some areas are 
popular with powerboaters and sailors, so if there's a few big boats 
around, you may prefer the solitude and silence of another spot.

For the second night, you could head west to the Minks and McCoys, south 
to Snake Island or north to Hertzberg.  I've only overnighted on Snake, 
so I can't tell you much about the other island's campsites.  If the 
weather kicks up, these outer islands could be a problem, so plan
accordingly.  

> I'm also interested in information on permits/permission, the extent of
> bear problems, accepted practice of human waste disposal, and good
> informational resources for the region.

The Guide to Sea Kayaking Lakes Huron, Erie & Ontario says you'll need a 
permit for camping on crown land if you aren't a Canadian.  However, that
rule seems to have been changed and now only applies to crown lands north
of the French River, so you're ok.  Don't camp on private land.  There is 
no way to tell other than seeing a house/cottage or posted signs, so be
discreet.

There are bears in the area and, for the past few years, a permanent resident
on Franklin.  He's (she?) not mature - when I first saw his prints in the sand
I though, "what an unusual dog!"  - but they were definitely not dog prints.
Be prepared to hang your food.  Paddlers have seen bears swimming between the
islands, so every island has a potential bear problem.  I've never had a 
problem nor heard of anyone being bothered, but with the mess many folks make,
bears are sure to be human-fed.

Our club (Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Association) has been installing boom boxes
(thunder boxes, etc) on Franklin for a few years now.  Several of the more
popular campsites have one nearby.  There should be a sign or strips of surveyor's
tape on trees leading you to them.  If no boom boxes are available, cat holes 
are acceptable.  The islands have a thin soil cover in many areas, so try to 
find a spot well into the wooded areas.  Burning the TP may be preferable if
you make a fire.  

The road into Snug Harbour passes by White Squall (a couple of kms off the main
road- watch for the signs).  If you want last minute advice, need a bit of gear
of just want to visit, they are friendly and the best kayak outfitter in the
area.

Mike




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