July Weekend at Palmer Rapids, Lower Madawaska River

Submitted by BeakbaneTom on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 17:07

Whitewater

Please join us for our traditional WCA Canada Day summer weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River. You can stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is an enjoyable weekend for both novice and experienced white water paddlers and an opportunity to meet WCA members and plan trips. Probably more people have had their first taste of moving water here than in any other spot in Ontario. There are a couple of sets of Class 1-3 rapids almost outside your tent door. Bill Ness and other seasoned WCA members will provide informal paddling pointers to new river runners.
This is a lovely trip for families. There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. For those who aren't into paddling, there are restaurants and shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay.
Most will camp from Friday evening to Sunday but you can come & go at any time.
Bring canoes or kayak suitable for whitewater along with a helmet, PFD and paddle. Canoes and kayaks can be rented nearby at Paddler Co-op (www.paddlerco-op.com), or from Madawaska River Rentals (www.MadRiverRentals.ca). If renting, tell them you want thigh straps in the canoe. If you do not have a canoe you can likely share with other members.
On Sunday, depending on the weather and water levels, those with some experience will likely take a run down the Lower Madawaska.
On Saturday evening for those wanting a break from camp cooking we’ll enjoy the Polish buffet at the famous Wilno Tavern: www.wilnotavern.com
Subsequent to June 14 send your email address directly to tb@beakbane.com so I can give you access to a Google spreadsheet to coordinate shared equipment and carpooling.

The Basics

Event Location:

Palmer Rapids https://goo.gl/maps/yt3CLnFEJKdCSL2GA

Date(s) & Time:

Friday, June 30, 2023 - 16:00

Registration Cut Off:

June 23, 2023

Event Duration:

3 days - 2 nights

Difficulty Rating:

Novice

Participant Info

Who's Invited:

All WCA Members

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

Arrive on the Friday evening or Saturday morning. You can paddle both days at Palmer Rapids. On Sunday we'll likely organize a trip down the Lower Madawaska River which is scenic and has a series of class 2-3 rapids. Depending on water levels these can be handled by experienced flat water paddlers if paired with someone more experienced.

If you are an experienced moving water paddler please join us to help newcomers learn.

Camping rates are $20 per tent per night or $25 for 2 people and $10 for each extra person.

NB: Subsequent to June 14 send your email address directly to tb@beakbane.com

Required Items to Bring:

Canoeing gear and clothes. Be prepared for beautiful warm weather as well as cold and wet.
Bring bug spray and protective clothing. Generally the bugs aren't bad at this location.
Toilet paper for the outhouse.
Gear for field/car camping. Clean water is available from a well.

Recommended Items to Bring:

Chair, beverages.
You can buy firewood at the camp ground.

How to Get There

Event Directions:

https://goo.gl/maps/yt3CLnFEJKdCSL2GA
Direction to Palmers Rapids & Jessup’s Camp Ground:
♣ From Peterborough - go north up Hwy 28 to Bancroft.
♣ In Bancroft, turn left on Hwy 62 thought Maynooth and Combermere.
♣ In Combermere, just over the bridge turn right on Hwy 515.
♣ Just after you cross over the river again on your right you will see a local road (River Bend Road) turn right here --the river is on your immediate right.
♣ The road goes more or less straight.
♣ When it makes a sharp turn to the left, there should be a one lane dirt driveway straight in front of you. You will see a wooden sign with a teepee and canoe in orange paint.
♣ Go up the low hill and drive along until you come to the campground.
♣ If you actually get into the village of Palmer Rapids, you've gone too far along 515, so just turn around, go back..
♣ The address of the campground is 266 River Bend Road.

Carpool Info:

There will likely be individuals going from the GTA and Ottawa. Tom Beakbane will share a Google spreadsheet so that participants can share transport as you wish.

Other

Cancellation Policy:

Cancel as you please.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information

Contact (Name):

Tom Beakbane

Phone:

416-816-9665

Email:

tb@beakbane.com