Pukaskwa National Park & Superior Highlands Area July 14 – 27, 2019

by
One spot available!
Pukaskwa and Superior Highlands comprise the most remote and undeveloped stretch of shoreline on the entire Great Lakes.  We will see stunning panoramic views of the coastline as we paddle past sweeping sand beaches, bold headlands and secluded coves.
We will meet in Wawa on July 14 and take a van shuttle from Michipicoten River to Pukaskwa on July 15. Camping and shuttle fees apply. The plan is to launch from Hattie Cove and paddle 180 km to our cars at  Michipicoten River.  There will be no opportunities to resupply along the way.
There are officially designated and maintained campsites in Pukaskwa NP but none throughout the Superior Highlands Area; this is a pristine and isolated area.
With few exceptions, there is little shelter from the wind and waves.  We may experience prolonged periods of strong winds and, because of extreme exposure to the elements, we could be land bound for days before conditions allow us to paddle around the long Otter Head headland in Pukaskwa and later, along the ten kilometer stretch of cliffs and rocks after Point Isalor in the Superior Highlands.  If conditions warrant terminating the trip before reaching Michipicoten River, we will all have the additional expense of a boat shuttle back to the cars or to Hattie Cove.
We anticipate it will take us nine paddling days to compete this trip.  We have built two “rest” days and two “weather” days into the schedule.  If we do not experience inclement weather we could reach our destination on July 25.
Paddling, launching, and landing is a difficult endeavour in many areas along the Pukaskwa NP and Superior Highlands shore.  It is a spectacularly rugged coast with limited landing sites, stretches of coast where no landing is possible and rebounding waves due to rock bluffs.  Participants must be experienced wilderness campers, capable of self-rescues, and be comfortable paddling in 1 meter waves in moderate to strong winds and crossings of up to 5 km.  Daily paddling distances vary between 20 and 40 km. Wet or dry suits are mandatory due to the cold water temperatures of Lake Superior.  Participants must have a willingness to paddle in fog, and with an understanding of how quickly things can go tragically wrong in a very short time.  Participants are responsible for their own gear, food and transportation to and from Michipicoten River.
Dave has paddled the Pukaskwa coast; neither of us have paddled the Superior Highlands section of this trip. It will be an adventure for all of us.  Additional information will be sent to participants.

Trip Organizers:  Victoria Best  victoriaahb@yahoo.ca and  Dave Morningstar  dave.amstar@hotmail.com

Trip Type:  Wilderness Exploratory.  GLSKA Classification C-3 ,  approximately 180 km

Group Size:  Max. 6 participants

Trip Maps/Charts:   Pukaskwa Adventure Map by Chrismar; Topo maps 42D9, 42D8, 42D1, 42C4, 41N13, 41N14, 41N15; Marine charts 2304, 2308, 2309

 To sign up please contact the trip organizers

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.