I'm about to post up my zodiac and motor for sale and see if I can find a good home for my trusty dive boat. Does the forum have a sale page?
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Sea Kayak Expedition
Before you guys laugh Yeah I'm talking about sea kayaking and not sailing. I need to find good intell on conditions and info from people that have first hand experience with local area. I'm not talking about those people you see poking around in those little things. I'm A BCU (British Canoe Union) 4 star level paddler. I have extensive experience in paddling in high winds 30-40mph and 12-14ft seas and also tidal races. To get my 5 star certification I have to plan a short range expedition 80-100 mile that includes open water crossings that requires dead reckoning navigation, also high winds and currents. I pretty much have to do a write up to show my Coach before I can do my 5 star expeditionary certification which is highest level you can get.
Here is the planned route I'm planing on taking. I was going to post a plotted route from Google earth but ended up being to large. I'm also having trouble finding a place that has the correct chart that covers this area. So one or two of the islands I have no names for or possibly the wrong name for one or two.
1. Starting at Dunk Road beach south east of Tobermory
2. middle island
3. flower pot island
4. bear rump
5. moon island
6. lonely island
7. club island
8. unknown island 4.62 miles 327 degrees from Club Island
9. cross over to Manitoulin Island heading south west along the shore then
cross over Owen channel
10. cross over to Fitzwilliam island over to wall island or snake harbour then heading down owen channel then around the western side of fitzwilliam crossing over to Unknown name island south of Fitzwilliam then cross over.
11. down western side of Cove island making my way south to Tobermory and back east around to the Dunk Road beach.
This isn't going to happen soon. I still have alot of time to train and get all the equipment I need. I just want to get info on conditions I most likely will incounter and warnings. I will check back time to time with other questions. That's if people are willing to help me out.
I'm looking at May time frame of year not this year but a year possibly two from now. what kinda of water, storm and wind conditions will I mostly likely incounter Late spring. What kind of VHF coverage does Canadian Coast Guard have in this area aswell. From what I've gathered I will be crossing over well used route for Sailboats making their way to the North Channel from Tobermory. If you can help me out now and in the future I will be greatly thankful!
Here is the planned route I'm planing on taking. I was going to post a plotted route from Google earth but ended up being to large. I'm also having trouble finding a place that has the correct chart that covers this area. So one or two of the islands I have no names for or possibly the wrong name for one or two.
1. Starting at Dunk Road beach south east of Tobermory
2. middle island
3. flower pot island
4. bear rump
5. moon island
6. lonely island
7. club island
8. unknown island 4.62 miles 327 degrees from Club Island
9. cross over to Manitoulin Island heading south west along the shore then
cross over Owen channel
10. cross over to Fitzwilliam island over to wall island or snake harbour then heading down owen channel then around the western side of fitzwilliam crossing over to Unknown name island south of Fitzwilliam then cross over.
11. down western side of Cove island making my way south to Tobermory and back east around to the Dunk Road beach.
This isn't going to happen soon. I still have alot of time to train and get all the equipment I need. I just want to get info on conditions I most likely will incounter and warnings. I will check back time to time with other questions. That's if people are willing to help me out.
I'm looking at May time frame of year not this year but a year possibly two from now. what kinda of water, storm and wind conditions will I mostly likely incounter Late spring. What kind of VHF coverage does Canadian Coast Guard have in this area aswell. From what I've gathered I will be crossing over well used route for Sailboats making their way to the North Channel from Tobermory. If you can help me out now and in the future I will be greatly thankful!
21 - 35 of 35 Posts
If you ever here the call Sign "Devil 505" on the VHF It will be me but most likely you'll know I'm starting my Expedition on here first.By the way, you can't post pictures or use PM on sailnet until you have at least 10 posts. You are almost there. If you want quick posts, go to the song chain in Off Topic and you'll quickly get to 10.
You may also want to have a quick look in the sailnet How-to Forum - Tips for Newcomers. http://www.sailnet.com/forums/sailnet-how-tos/39379-newcomers-get-more-out-sailnet.html
2
Sorry to hear about your job, hopefully you'll find something soon. This economy can't stay down forever.
Years ago, we spent several trips up in Killarney and I swore I would get back up there someday ( that was 20-25 years ago). Last year we made it back, although in a much bigger canoe.
Our "campsite"
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Hiking the ridges once again....
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Years ago, we spent several trips up in Killarney and I swore I would get back up there someday ( that was 20-25 years ago). Last year we made it back, although in a much bigger canoe.
Our "campsite"
Hiking the ridges once again....
what kind of camera did you use? Those pics are really clear! I've never been on a sailboat and told my wife that I always wanted to learn how to sail. I see them all the time on the lake. With the wind at force 5-6 today gusting to force 7 with front moving through I'm sure I'll see them out today while I'm training in the high winds here.
sounds like a great trip, couple of thoughts
Just a couple of things to consider ...
Water temperatures in May are still very, very cold and weather can be highly unpredictable. Also the cold water means that air temperatures on or near the water are cold when it might be very warm a mile inland. Also, if the air is warm it can produce localized fog over the cold water.
Another consideration are bugs -- at least for the camping part. This area (and much of Canada) get a plague of black flies from about May 10th until the first really hot spell of weather when they die off (say mid to late June). These little beasts look like small house flies but they bite and can fly into your eyes, ears and nose. Very nasty to be around - you would have to camp in an exposed area so that the wind keeps them at bay and that might not be good if it is blowing.
I have done a lot of flat water canoe tripping north of Manitoulin, in the Killarney Park area and would choose a different time of the year for your trip. Mid-summer can be hot and there will be lots of boats and people around. I think a trip in mid-August might be very nice. No black flies, fewer mosquitoes, warmer water and less chance of fog.
BTW, my wife lost her job last week, we are heading off sailing for a few years as of May 1.
Just a couple of things to consider ...
Water temperatures in May are still very, very cold and weather can be highly unpredictable. Also the cold water means that air temperatures on or near the water are cold when it might be very warm a mile inland. Also, if the air is warm it can produce localized fog over the cold water.
Another consideration are bugs -- at least for the camping part. This area (and much of Canada) get a plague of black flies from about May 10th until the first really hot spell of weather when they die off (say mid to late June). These little beasts look like small house flies but they bite and can fly into your eyes, ears and nose. Very nasty to be around - you would have to camp in an exposed area so that the wind keeps them at bay and that might not be good if it is blowing.
I have done a lot of flat water canoe tripping north of Manitoulin, in the Killarney Park area and would choose a different time of the year for your trip. Mid-summer can be hot and there will be lots of boats and people around. I think a trip in mid-August might be very nice. No black flies, fewer mosquitoes, warmer water and less chance of fog.
BTW, my wife lost her job last week, we are heading off sailing for a few years as of May 1.
Sony Cybershot 6.0 mp not a bad camera, but I miss my old Nikon SLR, and a new digital SLR is not in the budget.
killarney... good points. Our first trip into Algonquin Park was early June and we were eaten alive in the portages and into bed by sundown. August is more bug and weather friendly.
killarney... good points. Our first trip into Algonquin Park was early June and we were eaten alive in the portages and into bed by sundown. August is more bug and weather friendly.
Update
I'm making plans to change my trip from 85 miles to 150miles. I'm going to start and end from Lions Head.
I'm making plans to change my trip from 85 miles to 150miles. I'm going to start and end from Lions Head.
Freediver,
Lions Head would be a good place to start. My boat is currently in Bayfield having some work done on it but I now have a slip in Lions Head. I'll sail her from Bayfield to Lions Head once she is launched.
From Lions Head, you can go to Wingfield Basin on the NE tip of the Bruce Penninsula. Winds are mainly from the west so you will be paddling in the lee of the Bruce Penninsula. The, from Wingfield to the rest of your voyage.
I havn't forgotten about those pictures of Rattlesnake Harbour... I'll get them to you shortly.
Lions Head would be a good place to start. My boat is currently in Bayfield having some work done on it but I now have a slip in Lions Head. I'll sail her from Bayfield to Lions Head once she is launched.
From Lions Head, you can go to Wingfield Basin on the NE tip of the Bruce Penninsula. Winds are mainly from the west so you will be paddling in the lee of the Bruce Penninsula. The, from Wingfield to the rest of your voyage.
I havn't forgotten about those pictures of Rattlesnake Harbour... I'll get them to you shortly.
well I guess I've decided to do this trip right. I'm not going to come to just do a week long trip because I'm driving really damn far for just 7 days. I'm going to stick with first part of my route but I'm going to head up eastern side of Manitoulin island. go around cockburn island and then back track my way back to my orignal route to Tobermory. This route will be 300 miles and will take about 20 days to complete if U add a couple bad weather lay over days. This will be an a easy 20 mile a day pace which will allow me to sight see and actually enjoy the Expedition. I actually played with the idea of take the north channel up and head around the island then head back the eastern side of Manitoulin island back to my staring point at Tobermory. this would add another 60miles to the 300 already plotted which is another 3 days.
The big thing is the kayak I have now is good for 7 maybe 10 days gear carrying whys. So I'm going to get a NDK Explorer which is alot faster and made for long rough water expeditions just like this. A good excuse to convince the wife I need to get a new kayak huh. Most of the worlds longest expeditions like circumnavigation of England, Japan, greenland, iceland, south island of new Zeland and many others have been done with this very kayak. I've tested one out and for being 13 inches longer and 1/2 inch narrow than my kayak now, this boat is very deseaving. It's crazy how much gear u can put into it, loaded or empty it actually handled better than my smaller nimbler kayak I have now. The rougher the water got, better the kayak seems to paddle. I was pretty much sold on getting one! I was going to post pics of my planned route but said they were to large.
The big thing is the kayak I have now is good for 7 maybe 10 days gear carrying whys. So I'm going to get a NDK Explorer which is alot faster and made for long rough water expeditions just like this. A good excuse to convince the wife I need to get a new kayak huh. Most of the worlds longest expeditions like circumnavigation of England, Japan, greenland, iceland, south island of new Zeland and many others have been done with this very kayak. I've tested one out and for being 13 inches longer and 1/2 inch narrow than my kayak now, this boat is very deseaving. It's crazy how much gear u can put into it, loaded or empty it actually handled better than my smaller nimbler kayak I have now. The rougher the water got, better the kayak seems to paddle. I was pretty much sold on getting one! I was going to post pics of my planned route but said they were to large.
Seeing as your coming all the way up anyway
pack your dive gear.
Tobermory (Fathom Five National Marine Park) is renowned for its diving - particularly wreck diving.
The water is cold below the thermoclines though...
Check out this footage (and Part 2)that I took of the area (Killarney to Club Island to Tobermory to Cabot Head) last summer.
pack your dive gear.
Tobermory (Fathom Five National Marine Park) is renowned for its diving - particularly wreck diving.
The water is cold below the thermoclines though...
Check out this footage (and Part 2)that I took of the area (Killarney to Club Island to Tobermory to Cabot Head) last summer.
Well I'm really thinking about making it a Charity event to raise money for Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical research foundation. I will increase the distance though to raise more money. I have no idea how to get started though.
EBMRF - Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation
EBMRF - Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation
Well I got the charity fundraiser started. The end of October is the Recognition week for EB in the US and I thought I could start the Expedition at the Beginning of the Month and try to finish in time. Can U guys give me the heads up on the weather and water conditons I should expect during October. I have a pretty good idea what to expect but I want to get more intel from U guys that see it year round. I'm going to be doing a 500mile round trip that will probly take me about 25 days depending on weather.
I'm working on getting some celebrity support because people like Courney Cox, Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler support the EBMRF. I'm going to start a facebook page to get the word out and hopefully get donations. I'm starting to get the direction I need to go in just need to get the momentum going. This cause is something important to me because I and majority of my family suffer from a mild case. This is still very painfull and life changing form of this disease that affects our hands and feet instead of our whole body. I'm going to be reminded of this everyday of the trip because my hands will always be on the paddle and it takes 1000 paddle strokes to paddle a mile.
Thank You for your help!!!
Les Laxson
I'm working on getting some celebrity support because people like Courney Cox, Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler support the EBMRF. I'm going to start a facebook page to get the word out and hopefully get donations. I'm starting to get the direction I need to go in just need to get the momentum going. This cause is something important to me because I and majority of my family suffer from a mild case. This is still very painfull and life changing form of this disease that affects our hands and feet instead of our whole body. I'm going to be reminded of this everyday of the trip because my hands will always be on the paddle and it takes 1000 paddle strokes to paddle a mile.
Thank You for your help!!!
Les Laxson
Here is some info on wind direction and speed as well as some average temp. and precipitation stats: WindfinderWell I got the charity fundraiser started. The end of October is the Recognition week for EB in the US and I thought I could start the Expedition at the Beginning of the Month and try to finish in time. Can U guys give me the heads up on the weather and water conditons I should expect during October. I have a pretty good idea what to expect but I want to get more intel from U guys that see it year round. I'm going to be doing a 500mile round trip that will probly take me about 25 days depending on weather.
I'm working on getting some celebrity support because people like Courney Cox, Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler support the EBMRF. I'm going to start a facebook page to get the word out and hopefully get donations. I'm starting to get the direction I need to go in just need to get the momentum going. This cause is something important to me because I and majority of my family suffer from a mild case. This is still very painfull and life changing form of this disease that affects our hands and feet instead of our whole body. I'm going to be reminded of this everyday of the trip because my hands will always be on the paddle and it takes 1000 paddle strokes to paddle a mile.
Thank You for your help!!!
Les Laxson
Averages for Fall Months: October, November (Barrie Ontario - South East of where you want to go, so I would imagine the weather conditions to be more extreme on the Bay):
Average Temperature: 13.2 C, 6.1 C (55.76 F, 42.98 F)
Average Rainfall: 74.3 mm, 62.1 mm (2.925", 2.44")
Average Snowfall: 2.5 cm, 20.6 cm (0.98", 8.11")
Freediver,
The Flying Welshman has given you links to some good data for you to analyse. I think the data will tell you that starting a trip like this in early October would not be wise. The season here is fantastic but short. I think you said you were thinking of starting from Lion's Head. I'm at Lion's Head Marina and we haul out on Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving is in mid October in Canada). The weather can be very nice in September with some of the best sailing of the year but it can also turn quickly once you're past mid month. There won't be nearly as many recreational sailors out on the water in October as in the summer to help you with VHF transmission relays if necessary or help you out of a jam if the weather turns bad quickly.
It's a noble cause but I think you would be better doing this in the summer.
My humble opinion.
The Flying Welshman has given you links to some good data for you to analyse. I think the data will tell you that starting a trip like this in early October would not be wise. The season here is fantastic but short. I think you said you were thinking of starting from Lion's Head. I'm at Lion's Head Marina and we haul out on Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving is in mid October in Canada). The weather can be very nice in September with some of the best sailing of the year but it can also turn quickly once you're past mid month. There won't be nearly as many recreational sailors out on the water in October as in the summer to help you with VHF transmission relays if necessary or help you out of a jam if the weather turns bad quickly.
It's a noble cause but I think you would be better doing this in the summer.
My humble opinion.
I was studying the data the Welshman posted and the average reading are even higher than I was expecting. I think I would be fine first part of the trip at the beginning of the month. ON the return trip back I would be asking to much from body when I'm already running on reserves. It would open me up to making mistakes. Appreciate the feed backs guys. IF you guys don't mind I'm going to keep open communicaton so I can get any other help in the future.
thanks again!
Les Laxson
thanks again!
Les Laxson
21 - 35 of 35 Posts
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