2024 Fall Gathering - Palmer Rapids Paddler Co-op
Please join us at the 2024 WCA Fall Gathering On September 13 to 15, 2024,
Friday night to Sunday
Where; Palmer Rapids Paddler Co-op.
To register for this event, please find this outing in the Outings section
of this sight under White Water.
https://goo.gl/maps/f4HXsbnYcvTdsgVk7
Bring your own food, drink, camping gear.
Rentals are available and or team up with another WCA member. See WCA organizer to help you coordinate.
Paddle Co-op
WCA members have used the Palmer Rapids area on many occasions in the past and want to continue to have public access to this important part of our canoeing experience.
Paddler Co-op is spearheading a fundraiser to purchase its rental property to secure a river access point for paddlers and recreationalists for future generations. The WCA is proud to help in this effort.
Donation link
https://sweet-home-paddler-co-op.raisely.com/
Itinerary
We are planning a visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum on the drive up on Friday. Look for this announcement soon.
Friday Night
Drive up and find a campsites. Mention you are a WCA member and get 20% off camping and boat rental during this weekend.
We will catch-up around a campfire Friday evening. Early arrivals on Friday can say hello to old and new friends, go for a riverside walk, or paddle to Palmer Rapids on the Lower Madawaski River for a quick evening run.
Saturday Featured Outing:
1. Flat Water: Paddle down the Madawaska River
This is a self guided pleasant paddle down the river pass the town of Palmer, lumber mills, cottages and various bridges. You can paddle all the way to Latchford bridge (7.5 km) or Homestead Road (10 km) (Aumonds Rapids area) and drop a shuttle car for your return or just paddle back on the reverse route back up river. The river in this section is a slow moving current.
2. Flat Water: Paddle in Cobermere Marsh
This is a guided paddle outing. Cobermere is a 10 minute drive away. This marsh is very big. The York and Little Mississpi rivers flow into it. The marsh drains into the Lower Madawaska River.
3. White water: Snake Rapids River Run on the Lower Madawaska River
This is the classic run down the Snake Rapids section .
- Put-in Location Almond Bay: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eMJnUtQC8oJXf8JC6
- Take-out Location Buck Bay: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wEUe4DVKhHuTuoYaA
Other Saturday Daytime Activities
- Playing at Palmer Rapids
- Hike some local trails
- Hang around campground and relax.
- Check out the town of Palmer
Saturday Après-Paddle
We are aiming to arrive back at the campsites around 4 pm. This time can be used for gear demonstrations and/or gear swap. Participants are encouraged to bring any gear in good condition that they no longer need, to see if anyone else can put it to good use. Have a look through your old stuff and see what might be of interest to other members – a great way to declutter!
6 PM Dinner We are planning to have a group dinner at a local Ukrainer Restaurant in Cobermere ("Heartwood"). Traditional Ukrane food will be survered. We have arranged to basically take over most of the restaurant. To facilitate quick service we will limit the food choices available, but you will not be disappointed.
Our evening program will feature various trip presentations in the Boat House. This will start at by approximately 8:00 pm, and run a couple of hours. Even if you’re haven’t signed-up to present, feel free to bring some pictures on a USB memory key and share some memorable experiences.
Sunday
For people that want a relaxing day, wake up late and go for a few runs down Palmer Rapids or a flat water paddle down the Madawaska River its up to you.
Paddler Co-Op will give a dry land demostration at 11 am
For others that want a full day run the Snake Rapids from Almond Bay to Buck Bay is an option.
There are also a few local self guided hikes and attractions available. See organizers for maps.
General Info;
Bring your own food, drink, camping gear.
Mention you are a WCA member and get 20% off camping and gear rental for this weekend
See Paddle Co-op website for camping/rental costs and other details.
Note there is a food store in Palmer Rapids (5 km away) and Cobermere (10 km away)