The Palmers Rapids Weekend- May 29-30
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 to enjoy some of warm(er) water paddling and/or to re-acquaint 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 make a weekend of camping and arrive Friday evening, while others arrive sometime during the morning on Saturday. The group normally does some warm up at Palmers on Saturday and then run 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.
On Saturday, there are various activities occur such as rolling practise, basic river running skills, and possibly some playboating tips from Larry Wong and others . If you are one that needs assistance or help on the river, don't be afraid ask, someone will be glad to help out. There are probalby other members in that same category therefore a small clinic can be organized.
Directions:
Here's are Google map directions from downtown Ottawa to Jessup' s Campground in Palmer Rapids:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bronson+Ave%2FRegional+Road+79&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&geocode=FaTRtAIdbuJ8-w%3BFZWmswIdqdRg-w&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=14&sll=45.328013,-77.511292&sspn=0.042119,0.076475&ie=UTF8&dirflg=d&t=h&ll=45.33284,-76.58844&spn=1.347707,2.447205&z=9For 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.
On Sunday, some folks stay at Palmers but most folks run the Lower Madawaska.
For those that want to run the river meet at the Putin at 10:15 am.
Google maps/GPS co-ordinates for the put-in: 45.267949, -77.378991
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=14Car pooling
Please 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 the place of a Red Cross blood donor clinic...
Bring adequate bug gear.
Road conditions for Lower Madawaska
Actually the access roads are quite good since they have been repaired.
