CocaColaCacher and I took our fourth annual paddle through The Richmond Fen today.
Like our previous paddles, a lot has changed.
It seems every year the paddle route changes somewhat, usually in the area we refer to as the "beaver dam"
Spring time after the annual Jock River race (ensures the route is clear), or after a heavy rainfall, are the best times to visit the Fen, otherwise you risk doing a lot of "rock gardening" with your canoe or kayak.
With this cache, the time of year you look for determines how much effort will be required on your part.
If you go between mid-April to late May, you should be able to paddle right to it (there was about 10 inches of water at GZ when placed).
Later than that, unless you marvin_gardens it
, you may have to deal with water lillies (already starting to pop up), low water, and the possibility of having to slog your way in on foot from the main "channel".
There are two locations where you can put in. Munster Road, where you will paddle with the flow of the river, or at Joys Road, where you will be paddling against the current.
Also, putting in at Joys Road guarantees you will have to do at least one portage to gain access to the cache area.
If you feel like having some extra fun, you can paddle past Joy's road and take out at Jock River park on the south side of McBean Street in Richmond, or the Richmond Conservation Area on the North Side of McBean Street.