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Take Your Best Shot Kayak Trip @ Diamond Key Lodge |
Doug Elsey (photo trip resource staff) composing his shot on Georgian Bay - photo - Thom Morissey
Aug. 16-20, 2010 - $ 1095.
Trip Overview
We'll return each night to cabins and explore from here by kayak each day with a yummy lunch and snacks on route. We might paddle 4–5 hours each day with breaks every 1–2 hours. You need basic paddling & rescue skills.
The plan is to be shuttled out to the Diamond Key Lodge by motor boat on the morning of Day 1. After an orientation and settling in, we’ll have lunch. Then it’s off to the boats for an afternoon of exploring the local waters. Each day we’ll plan a daytrip in the areas to the north, south and west of camp, returning each evening for supper and relaxation. Doug Elsey and Thom Morrissey are both renowned photographers and very talented teachers. They will help you compose and capture the perfect outdoor scenery or people shot via formal and informal sessions throughout the trip.
Things to Know About Diamond Key Cabins
Diamond Key is nestled in the northeastern corner of Georgian Bay amongst some of the finest freshwater paddling waters in the world. Please know that it’s not a lodge in the sense of a southern Ontario full service facility. It is an extremely well-kept traditional Georgian Bay fishing camp with a complete septic, drilled well, showers and the best sunsets in the world.
Meeting Place & Site Description
Unless otherwise notified, we’ll gather at White Squall Paddling Centre at 8:45am on the first morning. From there we’ll sort out vehicles and travel up to Key River Marina (a 45 minute drive). We’ll then load up and take a boat westwards out Key River to the camp situated where it meets the open Bay (a 45 minute trip). Imagine a group of cabins tucked in the rock of the Canadian Shield looking out to the islands and channels of the northeastern Bay. The cabins have bedrooms, kitchen area, inside washrooms and shower –and a cozy woodstove for a rainy night. It’s a little piece of paradise.
See the maps and directions.
Meals & Bedding and Your Own Room!
For this season there is a $50./night charge included in the trip price to be at Diamond Key-we’ve absorbed some cost and Diamond Key has done the same, in order to make it as economical as possible. Couples will get their own room, and others will share a room with another trip-mate of the same gender. If you would like your own room, there is an extra charge of $50./night. White Squall staff (along with your help we hope!) will prepare meals inside the cabin which has a full stove and fridge. The camp will provide a clean sheet/pillow. Please bring your own towel and sleeping bag along with your regular paddling clothing and gear. The swimming is awesome, so don’t forget your suit!
Snacks, Drinks, Fishing & Socializing!
We’ll serve wine with the evening meals. If you would like to bring along favourite beer or wine, please feel welcome. We simply ask you to do this is in moderation to ensure everyone’s safety. Favourite snacks, games or a small musical instrument are always fun to have along. If you fish, this is the place- and if you forget your licence, you can purchase one at the Lodge.
Boats
Due to the logistics of getting boats out there, in advance we’ve put 4 single & 2 tandem poly sea kayaks fully equipped out at the camp. If want to use your own boat, it may be possible, however there is no discount and you’ll be asked to pay for a separate boat shuttle, so please contact us if you want to pursue that option.
Please let us know right away if you want your own room or want to bring your own boat.
View from Diamond Key Lodge - photo - Kerri Mutrie
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Staffing
 Did you know photographer Doug Elsey used to shoot photos on National Geographic expeditions in the high arctic? Now he’s hanging out with NATO Special Forces Deep Diving Teams as well as White Squall? Doug is an accomplished photographer and effective teacher who will guide you in digitally capturing the Bay’s moods, places, sunsets, people. The sky is the limit. View some of the stunning photos from previous years photo trips of Doug’s and others in our photo gallery. Read more about Doug on our staff page. View some of Doug's latest photos on his website.
 Thom Morrissey has been photographing people and places for years all over the World - often the photographer for many local Parry Sound events & festivals. He's recently made the switch from film to digital and the learning curve is huge. Besides being an excellent photographer, he can educate you easily too - his day gig is a full time school principal! Thom has kayaked and camped on the Bay for many years
View a photo slideshow from last years photo kayak adventure trip
The trip staff consists of a lead guide and an assistant guide, with an apprentice leader often coming along for training. The lead guide is trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and has advanced kayak and rescue skills along with formal White Squall guide training. Typically, they are certified national instructors with Paddle Canada and have many years of tripping and guiding experience. The assistant guide is likewise highly trained and is often in a co-leadership role with the lead. The apprentice has been chosen for his/her outdoor skills and is in a learning position. The most important thing they need to learn is how to make the morning coffee!
Boat Ride out Diamond Key Lodge - photo - Ian Cowan
Check out the pre-trip information package.
Suggested Reading, Maps, & Charts
Participants can mail-order these items through us by simply calling (705) 342-5324 or
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and we'll pay the shipping cost. (Yup, FREE Shipping!)
Wind Weather and Waves – Environment Canada (great Bay weather text)
Ghosts of the Bay: A Guide to the History of Georgian Bay – Lynx Images
Natural History of Georgian Bay  (276k) by Gerard Courtin
A Brief History of Georgian Bay (172k) by Graham Ketcheson
Cool Facts About Georgian Bay (12k) by Graham Ketcheson
There are several excellent basic kayaking texts available – contact us for for suggestions.
Maps: 41H/15 Key Harbour
Charts: 2244
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