Grand Island Circumnavigation

May 15 tentatively.
Carla, The next weekend is Victoria Day and the following is MEC paddlefest otherwise we are into June. Ok girls, this is a relatively long paddle against a draining amount of current but sea kayaking isn't for sissies (I heard that). I am proposing we leave from Black Creek where Netherby Road hits the Niagara Parkway. If we head south then have the current with us on the back side of Grand Island we will finish off with five miles against the current. I have done the whole length against the current and it is disheartening. That is why I am proposing we start in the middle of the Island. There is an opportunity to have a shore lunch on Navy Island before starting the last leg.
Weather could go either way so plan for the worst and bring lots of food and water. Should be approximately six hours of paddling. It is scenic and the back side of the Island will be with the current all the way. This should be a good warm up for the few fearless people planning to do the great lakes crossings.

Paddlefest

Hey Tom, & Carla
I'm interested in this paddle (hold the wind)
That weekend is out for me, darn. but I would like to point out that there are two weekends, the May 28, 29, and
June 4th 5th before Paddlefest, which isn't until June 11 this year.
If work cooperates and the weather, I would like to join this endurance test.

Dates

Hey Ted, I was speaking of the MEC paddlefest at Kelso and the weekend of the 22'nd is victoria day which may not be good for a lot of people. I want to start doing the big crossings in June so it's critical to have this one under way in May. I hope things change in your schedule and you are able to make it.

Grand Island...

I'm in...just let me know when and where...see you this Sunday!

Hi Tom

Tom, your plan and mine are not lining up very well. I still prefer to start at the northernmost tip of Grand. I do not want to have 5 miles of paddling against the current left for the last leg.

I have been paddling extensively in the past several weeks and today was no exception. I paddled 8 kms against the current in 1 1/2 hours. I paddled back to my car against a headwind of approximately 10 kms/hr in 50 minutes while employing a very athletic and unsustainable (over a longer distance) cadence. With this in mind, I have zero doubt in my mind that getting around Grand Island will most definitely take longer than 6 hours especially given that we will need rest and fuel stops along the way.

Also of consideration is the wind. I won't do this trip in wind greater than 10 km/hr. There simply is no point given that we already have distance and current to deal with. So, "planning for the worst" as you say isn't going to work for me. I will require a reasonably stellar forecast.

All those who are considering this tour please add your two cents. It matters not to me who comprises my team. It only matters that we are compatible where fitness and logistics are concerned.
-Carla

Re: Grand Island Circumnavigation

Sorry Tom but agree with Carla on this one.
Would much rather paddle into the current in the morning before winds pick up.
Time wise I'm thinking for more than 2 ppl this is a 8-10 hour day. 25mile/40km est.
Think we should come up with an alternate date as like Carla I paddle for fun and the wrong conditions will keep me off the water for something like this.

My vote is for a counter-clockwise paddle starting and ending at the north tip of the island.

ALan

"Three Hour Island Tour"

I'll have to pass on this on as I expect to be out paddling the Franklin Islands that weekend with Gerry and the GLSKA crew.

Just be weary if the "SS Minnow" signs up for the trip.

Ralph

Current and Wind

Ok, the current dodgers win but the first couple of hours are going to be slow. I will watch the forcast and post something on the Friday before the paddle. We can decide as a group if we are good to go (still please prepare for the worst even if the forcast is good). How about we meet at the boat launch adjacent to Navy Island at 9:00 a.m. and be on the water by 9:30. Does this make everyone happy?

Re: Grand Island Circumnavigation

I'd rather slog it out at the beginning rather than the end.

GRAND ISLAND...POSSIBLE DATES

I am posting several dates and I need you to throw your hat into the ring for ALL dates that are doable for you. I am posting multiple dates in order to
A) accommodate the majority and
B) have agreed upon dates in case the wind makes our first paddle date undoable. I am willing to paddle rain or shine. Only wind above 10 km/hr will cause me to postpone.

POSSIBLE DATES:

April 23 (my personal selection!!!)
May 21, May 22, May 28 for those not attending the Flowerpot trip, May 29 for those not attending MEC's Paddlefest in Milton (there is another MEC Paddlefest in T.O. June 11-12)
I am willing to head out on Good Friday (April 22) if there is interest.

We will park across from Navy Island and paddle out to the northernmost point of Grand Island and paddle south along Grand's western shore.

I would like to be on the water at 8:00 a.m. to take advantage of what is usually the calmest part of the day.

Bring plenty to drink and eat. Rest stops will be made on a need-be basis.

Breaks

" Rest stops will be made on a need-be basis." [/quote]

Will the rest stops be on your "need-be basis" or ours?

Dates!

What happened to the original date of May 15, I will definately be doing this trip that day alone or with anyone who wants to join me. Unfortunately the other weekends in May don't work for me.

May 15 Busy

As it turns out some of us will be on a three day paddle to Franklin Island on May 13-15th with GLSKA. As a result, for many of us, May 15th will not work.

Ralph

May 15 paddle

It looks as though we are having trouble getting everyone available for one date. Maybe there will just have to be two separate trips around Grand Island. I will definately be there May 15 at 9:00, boat launch adjacedt to Navy Island. Anyone who has already comitted to this then great, otherwise, Carla may have a second date. I hope anyone who goes on the alternate date have a fun and safe trip!

Grand Island Paddle

Ok Tom, I'll give you a try since it seems your all alone. It looks like a fun but challanging paddle. Moira will not be joining me, I'm coming alone. Let's see how the weather looks the week before and touch base. Just need detailed instruction where to meet.

Hi Rob

There are at least five of us comitted to the 15'th. The boat launch is the first launch on the niagara parkway on the Fort Erie Side of Chippawa about a mile from where the welland river meets the Niagara River. Let me know if you need any mor info, otherwise we will see you there. Glad you are joining us!