The Palmers Rapids Weekend- May 29-31
A Club's annual event at Palmers. The long range weather forecast is calling for sun and warm temperatures providing a good opportunity for folks in the club who have either complained about it being too cold, rainy, cloudy, or about the water being too wet or cold to re-aquaint themselves with their boat and the water.
Located just west of the small town of Palmer Rapids, on the Madawaska river providing a wonderful opportunity to practice river skills on a short Class II/III section of the river. Great event for friends, families, novices and anybody that likes to get out on the river. The club weekend takes place at Jessops campground. Come up for the day or stay overnight.
Some folks actually make a weekend of camping and arrive Friday evening, but the majority are too lazy or disorganized and arrive sometime during the morning on Saturday. The group normally does some warm up @ Palmers on Saturday and then the Lower Madawaska on Sunday. For those unfamiliar with the Madawaska, the river rating is Class II-III which provides an ideal setting for the novice-intermediate paddler wanting to practice river running skills and/or some playboating. There are various activities that can occur and are listed below. We used to have a schedule of events but it was never adhered to so we don't bother anymore. But if you are one that needs assistance or help on the river it would be beneficial if you were not too shy about it and spoke up. I bet there are other members in that same category therefore a small clinic can be organized.
Directions
Getting to Palmer Rapids/Campground from Ottawa, here are some routes but it's best to get out that Ontario road map
1) hwy 17-60-132-41-28-514-515
taking you thru Renfrew, Dacre, Denbigh, Schutt and to Palmer Rapids
2) hwy 17-60-132-41-Opeongo Rd-512-515
taking you past Foymount, and thru Quadeville and to Palmer Rapids
From Palmer Rapids continue West, after passing the hometown restaurant you will come to a bridge crossing the Madawaska river, turn left before the bridge onto (River Road West) RiverBend Dr.. (If you cross the bridge, you will end up at Paddler Co-op, so stop there and someone in the office will point you in the correct direction.) Continue down the road for about 1Km, & there will be a sharp left hand curve, with a wooded dirt road on the right hand side. The dirt road is the entrance to the campground, it will have a little sign nailed to a tree with a orange canoe & an announcement that it will cost you 2$ a day to use the place. Take the dirt road for about 200 metres up over a small hill until you reach the camping area.
http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110444297003128313168.00044d8b060d7f1263421&ll=45.325905,-77.523329&spn=0.015871,0.040727&z=15For those of you who have not been to the campground - once you get there - just go straight - we try to camp to the left of the meadow - so don't turn into the big area on the right - just go straight - you will see the big field and there will be outhouses up near the back on your left side - stick to that area but not as far back as the outhouses. Camping fee ~ $15 firewood $5.
Saturday Events
In true CbB form there is no set schedule for activities but following could happen:
river skills morning/afternoon sessions, yoga/stretching session, children's races, rope throw competition, talent contest, beer tasting contest, campfire singsong, afternoon to the Middle Mad or Hass Hole, z-drag competition.
Of course in order for any of these events to occur, there must be willing participants and someone to initiate any of the above events. Don't be shy to ask for some assistance on the river.
Sundays Events
Some folks stay at Palmers
Usually we run the Lower Madawaska. For those folks that want to run the river meet at the Putin at 10:15 am. From the campground we set up a convoy. The map of the Lower Madawaska River is below. It is better to view the map in satellite mode, which enables you to see the river as well.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107861420956346332727.00044beee5317cf0e509d&ll=45.23658,-77.343235&spn=0.030281,0.081453&t=h&z=14 Car pooling
Create a new topic/thread if you need/want to share a ride. Everybody will be on a different schedule so best to indicate that in your posting.
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
You have been warned. There will be bugs of all sorts and sizes willing to take your blood. Bring adequate bug gear.
Weather
Hope for the best.
Road conditions for Lower Madawaska
Actually the access roads are quite good since they have been repaired.
* this thread has been locked ... whatever that does *
