Ever since our first trip on the Jet Ski to Seymore Lake, my dad (HotRod1250, now that he FINALLY has his own caching account) has been bugging me to either find or place some more caches by jetski.
Of course, finding jet ski access geocaches is a bit of a challenge, since most cachers use a kayak or canoe to place them and can fit in spaces that a jetski just can't. However, we decided to place this series (by jetski) so other PWC and boating enthusiasts can have something to find as well.
These caches can be done by kayak or canoe but IT WILL BE A CHALLENGE. All were placed on a jet ski in moderately high water which means, the caches will likely be over most kayakers' heads. A grabby tool will come in handy for some but not all. We did try, wherever possible, to keep kayakers in mind however some of the caches will be all but impossible unless you are in a larger vessel. There are two caches in the series which will require you to step off of your vessel and reach a cache that is on land.
These caches are along the Murray Canal, which is the channel that connects the Bay of Quinte to Lake Ontario. This is a NO WAKE zone, with a maximum speed limit of 10km/hr for all vessels. The canal averages 9 feet deep in most places, but will be a little more shallow at the edges. The banks are quite rocky so you will need to take care that you aren't ramming into them with your hull.
From the Trent-Severn Waterway website:
Cutting straight through the narrow strip of land connecting Prince Edward County with the north shore of Lake Ontario, the Murray Canal is an 8 kilometre canal cut linking Lake Ontario with the Bay of Quinte. It was constructed between 1882-1889 to provide an alternative shipping route to the treacherous waters surrounding Prince Edward County. Presqu'ile Bay will lead you to the Murray Canal and its two road bridges: Brighton Road Swing Bridge and Carrying Place Swing Bridge.
If you are on a large vessel that cannot fit under the bridges at both ends of the canal, there is a charge for the bridge to turn for you. Kayaks, PWCs, Canoes and small boats do not need to worry about this, because there is clearance under both bridges for small vessels to pass without the bridge turning.
Overhead clearance of closed bridges varies with the water level.
- Brighton Road Swing Bridge = 2.1 to 2.7 m (7 to 9 ft)
- Carrying Place Swing Bridge = 1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft)
If you are taller than the clearances listed above and require the bridge to turn, it is $5.25 per trip, or $56.25 for a season's pass.
Finally, winds tend to blow along the canal rather than across it, which can make paddling a challenge. With that being said, I have NEVER seen waves in the channel, only wake from large yatchs or boats going too fast, but there is often a headwind that would make paddling or steering a challenge. Let's not have any Ever Given moments, please. :)
Recommended Boat Launches for both larger PWCs/Vessels and kayaks have been provided in the waypoints fotr #1 of this series. Please note: I have only used the Gosport launch (and it was easy to use for the boat) - I have not tested or verified the kayak/canoe launch points and make no claims of their ease of use.
Now for the important stuff: info about the cache!
You are looking for a 50mL Lisa Tube hidden in at the posted coordinates. All caches in this series are hanging in trees. Please note that the stamp is not a trade item and should remain in the cache. Please bring your own stamp or pen to sign the log and your own ink pad if you wish to use the stamp in the cache, as it is not self Inking. Please replace everything as found for the next finder.
Group names are welcome to save log space. Plus, it's always safer to go out with a buddy.
Please enjoy this little series of caches and, if you ever see him, blame my dad. I apologize for the caching monster I have created (but only if it involves MORE POWER).