45 replies to this topic

[chilli]

I was thinking of arranging a camp out for members and their kids on Navy Island in Late June.
So if anyone would like to show some interest, I'll start poking around the NPC for permit info and the Island for a good camping/fishing spot.
Each camper would be responsible for getting themselves to the Island and back and we could pool food and gear resources for evening campfire, breakfast and lunch and perhaps have some guided hikes around the Island as well.

Any takers?

[bigugli]

Sounds like this could be both a fun and educational experience.

[bassmaster12]

my neices will have lots of fun with this if it goes on let me know, getting a ride won't be a problem hopefully.

[chilli]

Tentative date will be Saturday June 26th (Full Moon ) The Niagara Parks Commission no longer oversee permits and I had to leave a message with Parks Canada. Perhaps we could do a small clean up with the kids on our way back to camp from a tour

[drsmooth]

If there are kids involved... I recommend camping on the east side of the island.

Although the view is ugly during the day (factories on the U.S side), I have never seen anyone camp there (other than me). There is a very nice warm sand beach which has a gentle underwater slope. Also there is a very slow, (lazy) current on that side of the island. I can't point you to the exact spot without a map but if you do an exploratory mission you will find it.

The West side of the island has very strong currents and steep slopes to the water which could be dangerous for Children.

I feel like I just gave away a prime fishing spot!!!.. But, there are kids involved...

Also, be sure to take a hike into the interior. You will see deer!

If you don't I will be shocked as hell.

In 15 years of camping there I have never not seen deer.

Edit******

If it is a full Moon and a clear night. Have a short night-time hike to the interior of the island. It is incredible. The Moon makes the interior glow because of the old growth trees.

It is something most people in the Niagara area will never see.

Unfortunately I cant make it. I no longer have a powered boat, just a canoe. If you want any info about camping on the island message me I have camped almost everywhere on the island from interior to waterfront sites.

Edited by drsmooth, 18 May 2010 - 10:48 PM.

[Rob D.]

i will be in if i get a motor for my boat

[chilli]

drsmooth, on May 18 2010, 11:31 PM, said:

If it is a full Moon and a clear night. Have a short night-time hike to the interior of the island. It is incredible. The Moon makes the interior glow because of the old growth trees.

It is something most people in the Niagara area will never see.

Unfortunately I cant make it. I no longer have a powered boat, just a canoe.

I no longer have a powered boat either but I've been to the Island in a kayak. I just started across from the most upstream tip and paddled across with my kayak on a 45 degree angle upstream. Funny thing was I landed straight across from where I started.

As for people of Niagara never seeing it that is the point of the camp out. It is Isolated to some point and you need not drive very far. It's a good place for kids because there is no need to stick to the trail. The deer have destroyed the plant life already.

As for the full moon That's why I picked that night. It makes lighting a little easier, unless it's very cloudy. I like your idea about where. The scenery isn't much better elsewhere except the South tip of the Island maybe which would also make a safe place for kids and a good spot to fish for pike and bass.

Who's up for a mission to pick a camp site.

I still haven't heard back from Bob Andrews the park superintendent.

Oh and the number one concern I have is a toilet. If we have any number of people you need a toilet that can be transported back to the mainland afterward

[spottedGARRR]

i'm in 100%, i'll just need to muster up the courage to paddle my canoe across the mighty upper .but you're on your own with the honey dipper house. i don't move poop sheds =]

[drsmooth]

Quote

I still haven't heard back from Bob Andrews the park superintendent.

Even though the NPC doesn't run the island any more, be sure to inform them of the vehicles parked at the launch. So they don't get ticketed.

Also if there are a large number of vehicles they may be able to suggest some overflow parking areas where they won't be ticketed.

Quote

I like your idea about where. The scenery isn't much better elsewhere except the South tip of the Island maybe which would also make a safe place for kids and a good spot to fish for pike and bass.

If you go to the south tip watch out for the most south west campsite. It is a great site except for (as of a few years ago) the massive bee hive on a lightning hit tree. Imagine a 10ft stump completely covered in bees.

I went to that site, unloaded, walked the trail about 20 ft from the tent site and ran back to the water. I noticed the bees after they noticed me. only got 3 stings. I took off in the boat and came back about 20 minutes later to pick up my gear.

Edited by drsmooth, 19 May 2010 - 11:22 PM.

[chilli]

drsmooth, on May 20 2010, 12:11 AM, said:

Even though the NPC doesn't run the island any more, be sure to inform them of the vehicles parked at the launch. So they don't get ticketed.

Also if there are a large number of vehicles they may be able to suggest some overflow parking areas where they won't be ticketed.



If you go to the south tip watch out for the most south west campsite. It is a great site except for (as of a few years ago) the massive bee hive on a lightning hit tree. Imagine a 10ft stump completely covered in bees.

I went to that site, unloaded, walked the trail about 20 ft from the tent site and ran back to the water. I noticed the bees after they noticed me. only got 3 stings. I took off in the boat and came back about 20 minutes later to pick up my gear.

Good ideas and youch!

Actually we'd likely unload and park our cars elsewhere and carpool back. Last week some losers did a smash and grab run from Fort Erie to Chippiwa along the parkway. I guess that is the risk anywhere though.

[vinnimon]

That would be a great idea,my girls would love it.Im in and I have a power boat as well.I can help out , if needed.20 ft bowrider,140 merc inboard.No port a potty haulin,the work stinks,LOL.I dont want to be refered as a "turd burgler" lol

[Smokin Joe]

This sounds like a great Idea Chilli count me in.

[chilli]

Still no word from Parks Can :/

[Maxco]

man this sounds like fun! Sadly I will be in Edmonton though...

[drsmooth]

chilli, on May 21 2010, 07:37 AM, said:

Still no word from Parks Can :/

I visited the Fort George Parks Canada website (below) and there is a short article about Navy Island.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/...rge/natcul.aspx

I recommend calling the person in charge of Fort George (the closest site run by Parks Canada). They are likely in charge of administering Navy Island now.

If not they can probably give you a name and number to call for information regarding camping.
Fort George phone number.
905-468-6614

[chilli]

drsmooth, on May 21 2010, 09:35 PM, said:

I visited the Fort George Parks Canada website (below) and there is a short article about Navy Island.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/...rge/natcul.aspx

I recommend calling the person in charge of Fort George (the closest site run by Parks Canada). They are likely in charge of administering Navy Island now.

If not they can probably give you a name and number to call for information regarding camping.
Fort George phone number.
905-468-6614

That's real old info. I went directly to Fort George the year before last and they sent me home to call Bob Andrews 905-468-6610. He's not very good at returning messages.

[drsmooth]

chilli, on May 21 2010, 09:57 PM, said:

That's real old info. I went directly to Fort George the year before last and they sent me home to call Bob Andrews 905-468-6610. He's not very good at returning messages.

Fair enough... Call this number... Parks Canada national information line at 1-888-773-8888.

Edit****
Just found this....
Don't pass it around... It is free... No reservation required ... Follow this link

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tarifs-fees/tarif..._E.asp?park=157


Also you had mentioned bringing a toilet like devise. Probably a good idea. Digging of any kind is prohibited on Federal land.

Edited by drsmooth, 21 May 2010 - 10:40 PM.

[chilli]

drsmooth, on May 21 2010, 11:23 PM, said:

Fair enough... Call this number... Parks Canada national information line at 1-888-773-8888.

Edit****
Just found this....
Don't pass it around... It is free... No reservation required ... Follow this link

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tarifs-fees/tarif..._E.asp?park=157


Also you had mentioned bringing a toilet like devise. Probably a good idea. Digging of any kind is prohibited on Federal land.

I'll try the number but entry has always been free. It's just the overnight camping that requires a permit.

[chilli]

OK I just got off the phone with Parks Can and was given a new updated contact for this purpose. You can call them Mon-Fri during regular business hours.
Jeff Hancock 905-468-1393

[chilli]

Well i went today and picked the spot. The southern tip offers good fishing from shore and boat. There is plenty of room for tents and lot's of open space for walks and nature viewing. Very little current for the young kids and the deer and wild turkey come right through there. If you are coming you will have to arrange for your own toilet. I will bring my own bags, can and garden spade for that . So we'll hardly be roughing it but there will be no facilities.

I sure had a great day there today and I'm sure that on Saturday June 26th, everyone that comes will have a good time. Let's just go easy on the booze