This is our first year going to Kipawa, we will be at Alwaki lodge for 7 days. As I am a cook and want to be lazy on vacation, I am contemplating preparing all meals ahead frozen, in disposable aluminum 1/2 sheet pans, including breakfasts. Anyone else doing such a thing and will I have issues at the border with a cooler full of frozen prepared meals?
We've taken some meals frozen this way. We haven't had any issues with frozen panned food to date (fingers crossed).
@limacharley may have better insight on the subject.
Aaggghhhh. Go big with meals, spend the time making it...spoil yourselves.
One of our favorite parts of the trip is preparing great meals. I don't think I would enjoy the meals as much if they were pre made and frozen. Then again I am not a cook by trade and can understand if you wouldn't want to cook on vacation!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/sb6e88.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/5fhwxt.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/30troyc.jpg)(http://i67.tinypic.com/2uffsao.jpg) These are a few of our meals. We eat VERY well!(http://i63.tinypic.com/29z2ao1.jpg)
Quote from: SgtCrabby on May 09, 2017, 01:25:44 PM
We've taken some meals frozen this way. We haven't had any issues with frozen panned food to date (fingers crossed).
@limacharley may have better insight on the subject.
Thanks for the inputs!
Quote from: Balsams on May 09, 2017, 01:49:46 PM
Aaggghhhh. Go big with meals, spend the time making it...spoil yourselves.
I agree, good point.
Quote from: Phil Indablank on May 09, 2017, 04:58:52 PM
One of our favorite parts of the trip is preparing great meals. I don't think I would enjoy the meals as much if they were pre made and frozen. Then again I am not a cook by trade and can understand if you wouldn't want to cook on vacation!
I don't cook for a living, just a hobbyist. I agree freshly prepared would be better, but I've been on trips where I felt like a slave to the rest waiting to be fed. Maybe a mix would be good, some froze, some fresh. I love cooking, but I also love be waited on, I see the premade allowing me a bit of both.
Quote from: Oarin on May 09, 2017, 05:29:05 PMThese are a few of our meals. We eat VERY well!
Very well is a huge understatement!!! How do you get all of that into camp? That food looks great.
We vacuum seal almost everything. It fits much better that way. We bring all the proteins from home where we know what we're getting. This year were looking to have 2 steak and shrimp dinners, 1 lamb chop, 1 pork chop, 1 pork loin, 1 shrimp jambalaya, and wings at the camp picnic. The sides we'll pick up at the Temiscaming IGA. My son, Phil Indablank, is a heck of a cook! He cooks, I do all the clean up. Works great for us.
Quote from: Oarin on May 09, 2017, 08:28:15 PM
This year were looking to have 2 steak and shrimp dinners, 1 lamb chop, 1 pork chop, 1 pork loin, 1 shrimp jambalaya, and wings at the camp picnic.
Oarin, I want in, Great menu!
Is getting food into Alwaki any kind of problem?
Just don't try sneaking any potatoes across the border!
In the last 5 years we decided to take some premade items frozen a few days ahead of time like lasagna, green bean casserole, Mac and Cheese, etc. Basically dinner items so we can just put in the oven and heat up after fishing late. In June it stays light so long that it's 9 o'clock or later when we get in and we all like to fish more than cooking.
Breakfast is fresh daily with eggs, bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes. This year wild boar sausage will be making the journey.
Meats and of course fish dinners are all done on site.
Can not prepackaged our meals as walleye and or pike are the main course. We bring very little else, I guess it makes us fish a little harder....
No issue bringing food into Alwaki; compartmentalizing makes transport easier though...coolers....tubs...etc. I'll offer this on the subject.
I'm with Oarin...I strongly suggest you take in at least your meats. We've been burned before getting our meats in either Ontario or Quebec. Selection is usually very limited, and the quality of the cuts is not what you're likely used to in the states. Pushing your perishables shopping until you get to Temiscaming is fine, but don't wait and hope the cut of meat you want is there. If you're general, could be okay...like you want 'steak'. But if you're looking for ribeye or strip or filet versus just 'beef', you're rolling the dice.
Same goes for beer. If you're only taking in a few cases, should be okay getting in Temiscaming at Stop 102, Petro Canada, or IGA. If you're loading up on 'multiple' cases like 6-8, better plan accordingly and hedge you're get with Duty Free beer or get some in Ontario.
We've never pre-made food and froze it to bring in; too much hassle...but I know many live by that method. If you keep the menu simple and ask that others pitch-in for every meal, you should be able to enjoy some quiet time. I'll see you there....
We'll be planning meals for our second trip in the coming weeks. I imagine we'll do similar to last year. For our four-day trip, we cooked and froze meals that could be easily reheated in camp - sausage and peppers, pulled pork, jambalaya. these meals were usually late night, after we returned from chasing the evening bite. For lunches, we also brought along some frozen steaks for on the grill, and fresh fish, of course.
We picked up liquor at the duty free, beer & perishables at the IGA.
Can't wait for this year's excursion!
Oarin, I've said it before...you and your son know what to do. Can't go wrong with BBQ meat...bagged salad is a good choice as it's quick. Hodgy, I would much rather do the cooking than the clean up. Maybe the combination fresh and frozen is the way to go. Anyone ever pop a turkey in the oven or a big prime rib? Always wanted to try.
Quote from: Fishn Deep on May 09, 2017, 09:17:10 PM
In the last 5 years we decided to take some premade items frozen a few days ahead of time like lasagna, green bean casserole, Mac and Cheese, etc. Basically dinner items so we can just put in the oven and heat up after fishing late.
That's kinda what I'm thinking, lasagna and such for a few meals and then "to not be out done by Oarin" ;D I must bring some fresh/frozen meat.
Quote from: Muchadoaboutnothin on May 09, 2017, 11:47:08 PM
Can not prepackaged our meals as walleye and or pike are the main course. We bring very little else, I guess it makes us fish a little harder....
Oh man, fresh walleye sounds great!
Quote from: T-Bone on May 10, 2017, 07:13:05 AM
No issue bringing food into Alwaki; compartmentalizing makes transport easier though...coolers....tubs...etc.
Good tips T-Bone
Quote from: T-Bone on May 10, 2017, 07:13:05 AM
I'm with Oarin...I strongly suggest you take in at least your meats.
I going to plan on doing that, with that advise. Oarins steak looks hard to beat! ;)
Quote from: T-Bone on May 10, 2017, 07:13:05 AM
Same goes for beer. If you're only taking in a few cases, should be okay getting in Temiscaming at Stop 102, Petro Canada, or IGA. If you're loading up on 'multiple' cases like 6-8, better plan accordingly and hedge you're get with Duty Free beer or get some in Ontario. I'll see you there....
Beer is a issue for me........ I love it and where I live they are producing amazing beers locally. I'm not a beer snob/a_ s, I just really want to be on vacation/fishing with beer I love and enjoy. I am going to cross the border with at least what I can legally bring, duty free, unless otherwise directed here by the forum.
Quote from: T-Bone on May 10, 2017, 07:13:05 AM
I'll see you there....
I look forward to meeting you and your group, should be a fun week! ;D
We usually bring a few pre-made frozen things like meatballs or chili or something like that; but we have two of our guys that like to do the cooking so we leave it to them! Oh and at least three of our meals are fresh walleye...frankly, I can grill a steak at home. :)
our group of five consists of one chef and three hobby cooks.
We don't mind it.
We bring all fresh and frozen ingredients.
There is nothing else to do between 4 and six but prepare dinner and drink which can be done in unison.
6 we eat.
6:30 we are out , heading to the fishing grounds.
No problems.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 10, 2017, 11:11:22 AM
Quote from: T-Bone on May 10, 2017, 07:13:05 AM
Same goes for beer. If you're only taking in a few cases, should be okay getting in Temiscaming at Stop 102, Petro Canada, or IGA. If you're loading up on 'multiple' cases like 6-8, better plan accordingly and hedge you're get with Duty Free beer or get some in Ontario. I'll see you there....
Beer is a issue for me........ I love it and where I live they are producing amazing beers locally. I'm not a beer snob/a_ s, I just really want to be on vacation/fishing with beer I love and enjoy. I am going to cross the border with at least what I can legally bring, duty free, unless otherwise directed here by the forum.
Here is what I think I know about crossing the boader with beer, please chime in if I am off base.
You can bring 8.5 liters of beer per person across to Canada duty free. 8.5 liters = 287 US ounces = 23.92 cans of beer or around one case per person? Sound right?
Hodgey, You are correct. You can take 1 24 pack of beer per person across the border duty free (12 oz.)
john c
Quote from: john c on May 10, 2017, 03:04:28 PM
Hodgey, You are correct. You can take 1 24 pack of beer per person across the border duty free (12 oz.)
Does anyone have experience bringing more than a case of beer per person across and declaring and paying duty? If so, how much of a hassle/potential delay does it cause?
Hodgey, why go through all that, just buy the beer in Temiscaming, it's not that much more $, if any at all with the exchange rate so good. The last thing you want to do, especially on yor first trip, is waste time in Canadian Customs.
Quote from: Oarin on May 10, 2017, 08:51:56 PM
Hodgey, why go through all that, just buy the beer in Temiscaming, it's not that much more $, if any at all with the exchange rate so good. The last thing you want to do, especially on yor first trip, is waste time in Canadian Customs.
Oarin, I have a few different locally made beers I would like to bring and enjoy while there for a week. If it's a major problem, I will skip it and suck it up, but once you discover that there's more than just pale lagers to be drank in the world of beer, it's hard to go back. I love a molsons or a labbats on occasion, but would rather a Two Hearted Ale IPA :D
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 10, 2017, 09:07:40 PM
Quote from: Oarin on May 10, 2017, 08:51:56 PM
Hodgey, why go through all that, just buy the beer in Temiscaming, it's not that much more $, if any at all with the exchange rate so good. The last thing you want to do, especially on yor first trip, is waste time in Canadian Customs.
Oarin, I have a few different locally made beers I would like to bring and enjoy while there for a week. If it's a major problem, I will skip it and suck it up, but once you discover that there's more than just pale lagers to be drank in the world of beer, it's hard to go back. I love a molsons or a labbats on occasion, but would rather a Two Hearted Ale IPA :D
There are like 200 craft breweries in Ontario now. Look into Sawdust City or Muskoka Brewery, you drive right passed them on Hwy 11 and both less then five mins off the highway. Both make several great beers and awesome IPAs.
Quote from: Canuckbass on May 10, 2017, 11:49:47 PM
There are like 200 craft breweries in Ontario now. Look into Sawdust City or Muskoka Brewery, you drive right passed them on Hwy 11 and both less then five mins off the highway. Both make several great beers and awesome IPAs.
CBass, good advice, on that note, I just now went onto the Temiscaming IGA web site and looked at their craft beer selection and it was pretty darn good. So what I think I'm going to do is, bring one case per person from home and buy the balance at the IGA.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 11, 2017, 07:23:28 AM
Quote from: Canuckbass on May 10, 2017, 11:49:47 PM
There are like 200 craft breweries in Ontario now. Look into Sawdust City or Muskoka Brewery, you drive right passed them on Hwy 11 and both less then five mins off the highway. Both make several great beers and awesome IPAs.
CBass, good advice, on that note, I just now went onto the Temiscaming IGA web site and looked at their craft beer selection and it was pretty darn good. So what I think I'm going to do is, bring one case per person from home and buy the balance at the IGA.
Excellent call
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 11, 2017, 07:26:23 AM
Excellent call
This forum is a awesome resource for us newbies, Thanks everyone here helping out!
Now I feel I have a handle on what I'll do for food and beer, So this might be taking my own thread side ways, but I love to smoke a cigar or two while consuming beer, I've never had the pleasure of smoking a Cuban. I understand such contraband here in the states is perfectly legal in Canada. I would like to purchase a few "10-12" Where is my best/easiest place to purchase a few quality Cuban cigars on our way. We will be crossing in the Buffalo NY area and heading north via QEW to 407 to 400 to 11.
Does the Duty free carry them? Are they available at the IGA?
LOL... Now your really getting technical.
You might have to google that one.
They might have them at Duty free?
I have a shop in Port Credit, Ontario that will ship to you.
He could even ship them to your resort operator and they will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
How Presidential of you guys...!
Craft beer and Cuban cigars...jeeez.
Do you bring a massage table too?
The sheer volume of beer we consume has required us to be creative over the years. This year I expect we'll go through about 16-18 cases...maybe a bit more. Last year was just silly and I won't offer that number...but we caught more fish than ever. Correlation? Maybe. We love that CDN frothy beery yummy amber-colored liquid.
Duty Free has cigars...expensive if I recall correctly. Don't ever remember Cubans per se...but Dominicans...etc.
I like cooking but I do have days where I'm not into it as much. So we bring a mix of both, some frozen meals and fresh ingredients for the days I'm inclined to cook.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 11, 2017, 08:03:09 AM
LOL... Now your really getting technical.
They might have them at Duty free?
I have a shop in Port Credit, Ontario that will ship to you.
He could even ship them to your resort operator and they will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Figured it was worth a shot ;) thanks!
Quote from: limacharley on May 11, 2017, 09:03:58 AM
How Presidential of you guys...!
Craft beer and Cuban cigars...jeeez.
Do you bring a massage table too?
??? Just might, thanks for the inspiration 8) I work hard, in the most un-presidential business's on the planet, so that there is funny.
Vacation is beyond important to me. Also, where I live there is a enormous explosion of locally made and sourced products available, including craft beer, whiskeys and such. It has beyond opened my eyes to the fact that there's more than just vanilla ice cream. As far as the Cubans go, its the fourth quarter of the big game for me and no guarantee of overtime, I've never had one and I enjoy a smoke now and again, so I'm going to search them out..
So, I will be cooking up a storm, drinking great beer, relaxing with a fine Cuban cigar, fishing and hanging with some great people while at Kipawa. You're right, that is pretty Presidential!
Quote from: T-Bone on May 11, 2017, 09:04:59 AM
Duty Free has cigars...expensive if I recall correctly. Don't ever remember Cubans per se...but Dominicans...etc.
Thanks, i'll have to stop on the way up.
The American Duty Free will most likely have Dominicans but not Cubans as it sits on American land and the Canadian Duty Free you can't go to until you leave. They probably don't sell them either as they are prohibited entry in America.
Like Rhybak mentioned, find a store on your way.
here you go.
Just off the highway in Barrie.
Excellent little pitstop area for Gas, Food, Coffee etc.
And your cigars
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=23IUWZm1CoSN8QfLl7DYBw#tbm=lcl&q=cuban+cigars+in+barrie&rlfi=hd:;si:780682990337973200;mv:!1m3!1d32385.14834997566!2d-79.67258829999999!3d44.366044800000004!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i190!2i545!4f13.1
Quote from: michelle on May 11, 2017, 09:29:05 AM
I like cooking but I do have days where I'm not into it as much. So we bring a mix of both, some frozen meals and fresh ingredients for the days I'm inclined to cook.
Michelle, you have summed up exactly how I feel and that is the way I'm going to roll with food. Thanks
Quote from: limacharley on May 11, 2017, 10:10:07 AM
The American Duty Free will most likely have Dominicans but not Cubans as it sits on American land and the Canadian Duty Free you can't go to until you leave. They probably don't sell them either as they are prohibited entry in America.
Like Rhybak mentioned, find a store on your way.
Lima, thanks for the info.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 11, 2017, 10:24:43 AM
here you go.
Just off the highway in Barrie.
Excellent little pitstop area for Gas, Food, Coffee etc.
And your cigars
Perfect! Thanks Rhybak
I also found that a box of wine does not roll around in aluminum boat as much as a bottle and a lot quieter.
Quote from: Canuckbass on May 11, 2017, 09:19:48 PM
I also found that a box of wine does not roll around in aluminum boat as much as a bottle and a lot quieter.
That's funny ;D I don't care who you are! It won't scare the fish.........will it.......!
A boxed wine? now there's a great idea!
And yep, it shouldn't scare the fish either.
Michelle; I agree, I'm our camp cook and some days I just don't feel up to it. We bring 2 frozen meals each year.
I have crossed the border into Canada many times over the years and never had any issues, but I have never made a crossing carrying any goods or much equipment as I am for this trip to Kipawa. What should I be prepared for at the border, much if anything? I'm not going to have anything with us that should be a problem, just supplies and gear for the trip.
Because I am planning on bringing some of our food premade and froze, should I maybe have a list showing all content of the coolers? I'm just trying to be prepared, I've heard some second hand horror stories but not sure if they are BS. I don't want any problems if I can avoid them.
We've never had an issue and bring in many, many pounds of frozen meat. Many pounds....
Quote from: T-Bone on May 15, 2017, 08:44:33 PM
We've never had an issue
Good to hear. I live approximately 8.5 hours away and trying to figure out how much time to build into our schedule for the border crossing. If the total travel time is 9.5 hrs "1 hour at Border" I could leave my house a 3:30am and skip a hotel stay? But my fear is, issues at boarder holding us up longer........ ???
here is a link to the Canada Border Services website:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990#a1
Now I can tell a few things that are a red flag from what I remember:
no fresh blueberries only frozen
absolutely no firewood
absolutely no dirt/topsoil etc....worm bedding should be organic
Any other questions, try to contact the port you plan on crossing for up to date info.
Quote from: limacharley on May 16, 2017, 12:31:46 PM
here is a link to the Canada Border Services website:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990#a1
Now I can tell a few things that are a red flag from what I remember:
no fresh blueberries only frozen
absolutely no firewood
absolutely no dirt/topsoil etc....worm bedding should be organic
Any other questions, try to contact the port you plan on crossing for up to date info.
Good tips, thanks for weighing in. I heard earlier that potatoes are a no also?
Ahhhh...the border crossing. So many variables. Could be 10-minutes, could be an hour and a half. Hard to tell on any given day. Where are you driving from?
Hotel (really, motel if you're staying in Temiscaming) costs are pretty reasonable. Like $100CDN...so that's $70US...or $35 per person. Almost worth it for the piece-of-mind that you can take your time and not worry about things that are totally out of your control anyway...like border crossing mayhem..traffic jams (see Hwy. 400 North on Friday 1PM - all day Saturday)...or all Toronto freeway traffic if you don't use the 407ETR (which, by the way, is worth every penny if coming from Fort Erie / Niagara area though the most-expensive toll road I've ever seen).
On restricted things, if it can house bugs of any kind, it's probably not a good idea to try and bring it. Our rules are simple...non-perishables from home, perishables purchased in Canada.
Quote from: T-Bone on May 16, 2017, 01:37:57 PM
Ahhhh...the border crossing. So many variables. Could be 10-minutes, could be an hour and a half. Hard to tell on any given day. Where are you driving from?
Hotel (really, motel if you're staying in Temiscaming) costs are pretty reasonable. Like $100CDN...so that's $70US...or $35 per person. Almost worth it for the piece-of-mind that you can take your time and not worry about things that are totally out of your control anyway...like border crossing mayhem..traffic jams (see Hwy. 400 North on Friday 1PM - all day Saturday)...or all Toronto freeway traffic if you don't use the 407ETR (which, by the way, is worth every penny if coming from Fort Erie / Niagara area though the most-expensive toll road I've ever seen).
On restricted things, if it can house bugs of any kind, it's probably not a good idea to try and bring it. Our rules are simple...non-perishables from home, perishables purchased in Canada.
Such a nice man so full of wisdom.
30 days and counting
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 16, 2017, 02:23:56 PM
Such a nice man so full of wisdom.
30 days and counting
Full of something...that's for sure!!!
???
Quote from: T-Bone on May 16, 2017, 01:37:57 PMWhere are you driving from?
Outside Erie, Pa
Quote from: T-Bone on May 16, 2017, 01:37:57 PM
Hotel (really, motel if you're staying in Temiscaming) costs are pretty reasonable. Like $100CDN...so that's $70US...or $35 per person. Almost worth it for the piece-of-mind that you can take your time and not worry about things that are totally out of your control anyway...like border crossing mayhem..
Good advice. Not wanting a motel, is more about not wanting to have to burn another vacation day, which are in short supply this year. Having said that, I think I will be getting a motel, I'm not wanting any issues with being on time for pick up.
In my experience, time of day and which day can make a long backup getting to the Canadian border agent (the one that asks you the questions like nature of visit, how long, do you have any ...).
Then if the agent decides that you need inspected; I've been done in under an hour from that.
Follow limacharley's advice, he knows what he's talking about with the Canadian border agents.
If there is no line and no inspection; it is no time .
Once you get past Barrie, it is smooth driving on good highways.
Quote from: SgtCrabby on May 16, 2017, 10:05:58 PM
In my experience, time of day and which day can make a long backup getting to the Canadian border agent (the one that asks you the questions like nature of visit, how long, do you have any ...)
Thanks Sgt. I will plan accordingly, like I mentioned earlier, I've decided to grab a motel and relieve any stress of being on time.
Good tips, thanks for weighing in. I heard earlier that potatoes are a no also?
[/quote]
USDA No 1 potatoes, commercially packaged are ok. 4 kgs per person is allowed
I generally freeze a lot of the food we take in but, pre cooked. a frozen precooked breakfast may get me demoted from cook to KP. For big groups stuff like lasagna or other freezable caseroles would make a lot of sense. As to the border discussion... we have been searched . one time my buddy said he had a box of wine and the border agent was seeing a case and not the box with a spigot... I believe there may be a camera checking vehicles at the duty free on the US side and they know the answer to the question before they ask. one year the agent asked if it was my van( it was loaned from a friend) and that was the only time I was ever asked the question. The only thing I could think was they compared the duty free purchases to the license plate. ???
On the subject of beer : last year we got a 12 pack sampler of Grandville Island ,at the Iga the false creek raspberry ale and the Imfamous ipa very good for the price Molson product .
Quote from: fishtildark on May 17, 2017, 11:39:51 AM
I believe there may be a camera checking vehicles at the duty free on the US side and they know the answer to the question before they ask. one year the agent asked if it was my van( it was loaned from a friend) and that was the only time I was ever asked the question. The only thing I could think was they compared the duty free purchases to the license plate. ???
The man is everywhere. 8)
Quote from: johnny walleye on May 18, 2017, 08:40:10 AM
On the subject of beer : last year we got a 12 pack sampler of Grandville Island ,at the Iga the false creek raspberry ale and the Imfamous ipa very good for the price Molson product .
Sounds like beers worth drinking! Thanks.
Rumors here at work are that beer just went up again here in Ontario.
Buyers beware
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 18, 2017, 12:59:30 PM
Rumors here at work are that beer just went up again here in Ontario.
Buyers beware
Dang it!
I have gotten the idea reading here on the forum, that some just fish mornings and late afternoons particularly later in the year at Kipawa when fishing for walleye. If that is the case, should I plan decent meals for lunch and go light at dinner? What are most people doing for lunch fare? Or are you packing lunch and eating on the water?
We wake up areong 5:30 and head out.
Come back to camp around 10:30
Cook up a nice hearty brunch consisting of Walleye from the night before, bacon, eggs, beans , etc.
Then whoever feels like it goes swimming, horseshoes,naps, cards, fishing etc.
Meet back in camp around 4:30 .
Get a good dinner going and head back out as a group at 6:30-7 till dark.
Sitting around all day, we don't get to hungry since we're not to active.
As fillers we do have chips, peanuts, sunflower seeds, beer, Ceasars etc.
That is our typical day.
Can't fish all day.
Body needs a break.
Fish need a break.
We do have our best fishing mid day believe it or not.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 18, 2017, 03:52:48 PM
We wake up areong 5:30 and head out.
Come back to camp around 10:30
Cook up a nice hearty brunch consisting of Walleye from the night before, bacon, eggs, beans , etc.
Then whoever feels like it goes swimming, horseshoes,naps, cards, fishing etc.
Meet back in camp around 4:30 .
Get a good dinner going and head back out as a group at 6:30-7 till dark.
Sitting around all day, we don't get to hungry since we're not to active.
As fillers we do have chips, peanuts, sunflower seeds, beer, Ceasars etc.
That is our typical day.
Can't fish all day.
Body needs a break.
Fish need a break.
We do have our best fishing mid day believe it or not.
Every part about that schedule 'sounds awesome Rhydak, except the 5:30a wake up and head out :(.... can't I shower, drink coffee, read the paper and be out fishing by 9:00? ;) I wake every morning for work at 5:15 and hate it..... but fishing is a different story. So maybe I'll have to suck it up
Hodge...you may hear our boats about 5:30 am...but more likely 10:30am. We stay up late...get up later and eat...grab a cooler of cold drinks...then head out. Morning bite is solid though...big numbers...like 20 per...if you're up for it. Better leave that dock when it's dark though...
Quote from: T-Bone on May 18, 2017, 09:59:46 PM
but more likely 10:30am. We stay up late...get up later
That's the schedule I'm talkin bout ;) I'll see what the group feels like and roll with them. My uncle who is going is a early riser/nervous nelly so I'll probably be up early.
Tbone, or anyone else know if Alwaki camps have a cast iron pan provided or should I bring it? I like to cook my fish in cast. Quick dip in milk, light dusting of seasoned flour, into a preheated cast pan with patty of butter and a tblsp of oil, lightly browned please. Ok, that was a stupid question.... there ain't gonna be no frigin cast iron pan... You dummy, its camp and Martha Stewart ain't gonna be there. ::)
Lol
Always better to come prepared.
I always bring one just in case
Well...I always remember a cast iron pan being in the cabins at Alwaki...at least one or two. We used to bring our own, but those dang things are heavy and we buried that tradition several years ago. :o
New bbq...(http://i67.tinypic.com/2rfv4eg.jpg) favorite dinner...(http://i65.tinypic.com/zji1bo.jpg)
Nice! I've got the same grill at my summer home! You can't go wrong with a Weber!!
Depending on the year, the walleye bite will be very good in which case fish caught all day long. If the bite is slow we are more likely to rise early around 5:30 and fish hard, otherwise 8 or 9am sleep in and take it slow is a nice option while on vacation. Camp coffee, pastry, a big gulp of water (and don't forget to have a morning movement) and we're off. If the fishing has been good we don't typically fish too hard in the morning. NOTHING better than a slow lake trout troll to start the day on a sunny day with little wind and no bugs. Typically when it's noon in Nfld we start with the cold beverage...not too many, it's a long day. Back for that hearty breakfast around noon. Hard fishing starts around 4 or 5 after an afternoon nap.
Nice grill you have there Puckster.
Thx Sarge. Nothing beats charcoal for cooking and flavor. The last one I had of that model gave me almost 10 yrs of good sevice. well worth the investment. The only "flaw" with it is you can't adjust the grill hight over the charcoal. Nothing huge o\w i great machine. it has a propane burner built it that ignites the charcoal. what a beauty machine.
Never taken beer from US to Canada. As they say when in Rome do as the Romans! The US Customs has never made us pay duty going back home and we have been known to load up on cases of scotch and Irish whiskey. I have a feeling the Canadians won't be as lenient.
Someone mentioned the ETR being expensive. Not if you are from PA. :)
Quote from: Fishn Deep on May 25, 2017, 11:34:39 PM.
Someone mentioned the ETR being expensive. Not if you are from PA. :)
ETR?
Electronic toll road
A highway from outside of Hamilton Ontario called the 407.
It bypasses the upper part of Toronto.
You miss the QEW, 427 and the 401 traffic.
It takes you to 400 and highway 7
It may cost extra but saves a lot of time if your coming from that direction
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 28, 2017, 12:21:52 PM
Electronic toll road
A highway from outside of Hamilton Ontario called the 407.
It bypasses the upper part of Toronto.
You miss the 401 traffic.
It takes you to 400 and highway 7
It may cost extra but saves a lot of time if your coming from that direction
Thanks for clearing that up for me Rhybak
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 19, 2017, 07:37:38 AM
Quote from: T-Bone on May 18, 2017, 09:59:46 PM
but more likely 10:30am. We stay up late...get up later
That's the schedule I'm talkin bout ;) I'll see what the group feels like and roll with them. My uncle who is going is a early riser/nervous nelly so I'll probably be up early.
Tbone, or anyone else know if Alwaki camps have a cast iron pan provided or should I bring it? I like to cook my fish in cast. Quick dip in milk, light dusting of seasoned flour, into a preheated cast pan with patty of butter and a tblsp of oil, lightly browned please. Ok, that was a stupid question.... there ain't gonna be no frigin cast iron pan... You dummy, its camp and Martha Stewart ain't gonna be there. ::)
@smitty55 you need to go to Ogascanan--------- they have 2 cast iron pans in every cabin. ;) ;) ;)
john c
As far as I know there should be a cast iron pan in every cabin at Alwaki. At least in 34 years I have stayed at Alwaki there has been one in the cabin we were in. And maybe two.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 28, 2017, 12:21:52 PM
Electronic toll road
Some people call it the Express Toll Route...or 407ETR...but no matter what you call it don't miss it. ;) That stretch between Hamilton and Vaughn will slow you down big if you do. Per car, it's about $45CDN each way. Even more critical, if coming up on Friday you should do everything possible to be north of Vaughn by 1pm. Every hour after that adds at least a 1/2 hour to your push toward North Bay.
https://www.407etr.com/en/index.html
Quote from: T-Bone on May 29, 2017, 08:48:19 AM
$45CDN each way.
Really? Wow, that's a butt ton for what seem a short distance. Do they take plastic ;D Is there a toll booth or is it charged to the plate like some of the newer Toll roads here in the US?
Charged to your plate, just like several here in the states. I get it on the mail a few weeks to a month and half afterwards.
Last year my cost was about $38USD round trip after the exchange rate that was in my favor.
But, it is well worth it. It's also further than you think.
I dare you.
Take the QEW to 427 then 401 to 400 and 400 to 7.
Time it with the morning commute to work,and the Friday cottage traffic.
it's about 40 miles of travel if not more.
You will wish your bottom dollar that you dished out the extra cash to take the 407.
Because it is a toll road, people try to avoid it here.
That route is worth every penny , especially with your U.S. funds savings.
Mr. Rhybak is right...the QEW/427/401/400 is nothing short of a melee. The ETR system takes a pic of your license plate and invoices you about 6-weeks after you get home. Couldn't be easier. But like I said...don't miss it...for if you do you're stuck in the melee. Right after you cross over the Burlington bridge start looking for the signs.
I already shudder thinking about the 400 North traffic on Friday afternoon. Along with your camp food, pack your patience...
59...
Dang it.... I pictured me and my fishing buddy sipping coffee and enjoying the peaceful scenery, in a part of Canada I've never seen. I hates traffic >:( I drive an hour out of the way when I head south to avoid DC, this sounds similar. I'm only 3.5 hours away from Toronto, reading a previous post, says be North of Toronto before 1:00pm on a Friday, is that a good target?
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 30, 2017, 09:38:33 AM
Dang it.... I pictured me and my fishing buddy sipping coffee and enjoying the peaceful scenery, in a part of Canada I've never seen. I hates traffic >:( I drive an hour out of the way when I head south to avoid DC, this sounds similar. I'm only 3.5 hours away from Toronto, reading a previous post, says be North of Toronto before 1:00pm on a Friday, is that a good target?
By 1 P.M. you should be north of Barrie
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 30, 2017, 09:47:26 AM
By 1 P.M. you should be north of Barrie
If at all possible...that is a wise suggestion. After Barrie / Orillia it opens up and is a fairly pedestrian cruise into North Bay....
Oh My God
What is happening here.
T-Bone is actually agreeing with MOST of my comments.
Must be close to his trip.
17 days
When you're accurate I agree with you, Mr. Rhybak...and when you're not I simply suggest an alternative (usually accurate) point... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D. So funny...LOL right now here in my office...you know what I mean.
Hodgey...you're coming from Erie, so if you left your place by 7AM you should be fine heading north on the 400. It'll still be a bit congested, but nothing like it will be at 3-4PM....
Perfect, 7:00am works well. I might leave a 6:00 just for a cushion ;)
Hodgey...where you staying Friday night?
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 30, 2017, 12:16:19 PM
Perfect, 7:00am works well. I might leave a 6:00 just for a cushion ;)
Don't forget, once you cross the border , your clocks move ahead two hours.
Also make sure you have your snow tires on.
You never know what kind of weather your going to hit.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 30, 2017, 12:58:05 PM
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 30, 2017, 12:16:19 PM
Perfect, 7:00am works well. I might leave a 6:00 just for a cushion ;)
Don't forget, once you cross the border , your clocks move ahead two hours.
Also make sure you have your snow tires on.
You never know what kind of weather your going to hit.
Kome on man! Canadian humor? :D
Quote from: T-Bone on May 30, 2017, 12:33:35 PM
Hodgey...where you staying Friday night?
Not sure yet, we were thinking Northbay and possibly further North than that.
Hodgey,
Take it from someone who lives in the GTA (Southern Ontario region).
On plenty occasions it has taken over 4 hours to go from Toronto to Barrie which is generally less than an hour and sometimes more.
Don't consider the 400 out of Toronton on a Friday anytime after noon hour any day after May 1st you will regret it.
You may even get caught on a Thursday if you are late enough in the day in the summer months.
You also have to be careful with the QEW if you are coming from Niagra you will easily get caught on that road also at the wrong time of day around Hamilton.
In terms of hotels you wont find one north of North of North Bay until you hit Quebec and you wont find many decent ones on the 400 or 11 between Orillia to North Bay unless you go off into Gravenhurst / Huntsville etc. and you wont like the price.
Hope this helps.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on May 30, 2017, 02:41:00 PM
Quote from: T-Bone on May 30, 2017, 12:33:35 PM
Hodgey...where you staying Friday night?
Not sure yet, we were thinking Northbay and possibly further North than that.
Wow
Don't go into Tamiscaming without a reservation.
Do you realize how many Americans and Ontario fishermen are going into Kipawa on any given Saturday and most look for rooms in town on Friday night to get the early Saturday start.
Get A Room.
No Bull
400 traffic!! Dealt with it for years... Always told my boss "one day I'm just going to stay and live north". That day came in 2004!
Be through Barrie before early afternoon.
I sure don't miss that traffic, only traffic I see going to work is if there's another boat at ramp before me.
Quote from: crackers42 on May 30, 2017, 03:39:58 PM
On plenty occasions it has taken over 4 hours to go from Toronto to Barrie which is generally less than an hour and sometimes more.
Don't consider the 400 out of Toronton on a Friday anytime after noon hour any day after May 1st you will regret it.
You may even get caught on a Thursday if you are late enough in the day in the summer months.
Thanks Crackers! Good information.
Quote from: RHYBAK on May 30, 2017, 04:13:48 PM
Wow
Don't go into Tamiscaming without a reservation.
Do you realize how many Americans and Ontario fishermen are going into Kipawa on any given Saturday and most look for rooms in town on Friday night to get the early Saturday start.
Get A Room.
No Bull
As you probably already know RY, this is our first trip to Kipawa, so I had no idea what a zoo of people traveling North would be, so this is all good information that I am learning and will adjust our plans accordingly.
Quote from: Canuckbass on May 30, 2017, 05:25:46 PM
400 traffic!! Dealt with it for years... Always told my boss "one day I'm just going to stay and live north". That day came in 2004!
Be through Barrie before early afternoon.
Thanks Cbass for the input
If prior to 1:00 pm on Friday is the target to be North of Barrie, is there a time later in the day/evening when traffic lets up again? Say 8:00pm?
Depends on the day. I wouldn't attempt north of Toronto on any Friday in the summer after 1:00 pm.
Generally you are fine anytime after 6:00.
I would stay away from Friday after 1:00 pm that being said Saturday morning in the summer can ben bad also.
I've been stuck in the traffic north of Toronto and never again if I can help it. We now try to get on the road between 4:00-4:30 AM Saturday morning and across the Peace Bridge by 5:00 AM, last year we made it to camp around 1:00 PM.