Join us for 5 days of caving fun on Vancouver Island for the 2017 NCA Annual Regional Meeting
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the date
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the date
Memekay is an area rich with limestone caves just north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. The caves are located throughout former logging sites and are mostly withing a 30 minute walk of the logging roads . There is often water in many of the caves, although water levels will depend on the weather. The area is completely off grid and undeveloped other than the logging roads which criss cross the hills. It is approximately a 45 minute drive from the highway on logging roads to reach the camping site. Memekay is an area with lots of wildlife, but the wildlife is quite timid and has not been a problem to date. Here is a short song, sung by a Canadian band, that demonstrates clearly what to expect to find in the area we are going to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxTpIMK5NSo
Coming from the States it would be a good idea to check the Canadian customs and immigration website
( www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html )
Some good ideas to make border crossings easier:
-leave guns at home (yes all Canadians believe all Americans have guns)
-do not bring any citrus or meat with you (check customs website for other info)
-all travelers over 18 must carry passports (verify requirements before leaving)
-if traveling with children and only one parent/guardian have a letter of permission from the other
-Double check alcohol allowance per passenger/vehicle
These are just a few that have come up over the years. Always know the requirements before arriving at the boarder.
Ferries
The only way to reach your destination is by taking one of four ferries with service to Vancouver Island.
Coming from the States it would be a good idea to check the Canadian customs and immigration website
( www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html )
Some good ideas to make border crossings easier:
-leave guns at home (yes all Canadians believe all Americans have guns)
-do not bring any citrus or meat with you (check customs website for other info)
-all travelers over 18 must carry passports (verify requirements before leaving)
-if traveling with children and only one parent/guardian have a letter of permission from the other
-Double check alcohol allowance per passenger/vehicle
These are just a few that have come up over the years. Always know the requirements before arriving at the boarder.
Ferries
The only way to reach your destination is by taking one of four ferries with service to Vancouver Island.
Directions (This is mainly from memory and is just to give a rough idea. Maps to follow)
Once off the highway the junctions will be marked (pictures of markings will be posted just prior to the event)
Travel north from Victoria on Hwy 1 to Campbell River ~3hrs (There are signs for Hwy 1 coming off all ferries)
From Campbell River continue north on Hwy 19 to Big Tree Main
Turn LEFT onto Big Tree Main
Turn RIGHT onto Memekay Main East
Turn LEFT up E 600(almost there)
Go past the ancient ambulance in the bushes(So close)
Follow the signs
You made it!
Camping
We will be camping roughly an hour out of the town of Campbell River. Campbell River is a full service town. It has grocery stores, gas stations, liquor store, even a climbing gym. It will be the closest place for groceries and gas or anything, so be sure to have plenty of everything before leaving.
We will be camping in a grassy clearing off an old grassy logging road. Parking may not be available immediately by your camping spot, but vehicles can be parked close by. There are animals out there, and not just the cute squirrels and deer. Because of predators, food must be kept inside a vehicle or strong sealed container when not being used. We haven't had any problems with curious predators before now and if we are careful we can keep it that way.
Tents will be the ideal camping equipment mainly because of the miles of logging roads to cover, but also because of the limited and uneven nature of the clearing used as the main camp. There will be room for some campers/RVs, we will be assessing how many we can fit after the snow melts off and the roads dry out. Bring camping chairs, a light jacket, and folding tables if you have them to make your "in camp" time more comfortable. Temperatures are generally quite mild on Vancouver Island and light weight sleeping bags should be plenty to stay comfortable through the nights. Check for updates on this as we get closer to the date.
Fires
Evening fires may be limited due to fire restrictions or full burning bans. We must follow all restrictions put in place concerning this area. As these change quickly final information on fires will be available at registration/check-in time.
Once off the highway the junctions will be marked (pictures of markings will be posted just prior to the event)
Travel north from Victoria on Hwy 1 to Campbell River ~3hrs (There are signs for Hwy 1 coming off all ferries)
From Campbell River continue north on Hwy 19 to Big Tree Main
Turn LEFT onto Big Tree Main
Turn RIGHT onto Memekay Main East
Turn LEFT up E 600(almost there)
Go past the ancient ambulance in the bushes(So close)
Follow the signs
You made it!
Camping
We will be camping roughly an hour out of the town of Campbell River. Campbell River is a full service town. It has grocery stores, gas stations, liquor store, even a climbing gym. It will be the closest place for groceries and gas or anything, so be sure to have plenty of everything before leaving.
We will be camping in a grassy clearing off an old grassy logging road. Parking may not be available immediately by your camping spot, but vehicles can be parked close by. There are animals out there, and not just the cute squirrels and deer. Because of predators, food must be kept inside a vehicle or strong sealed container when not being used. We haven't had any problems with curious predators before now and if we are careful we can keep it that way.
Tents will be the ideal camping equipment mainly because of the miles of logging roads to cover, but also because of the limited and uneven nature of the clearing used as the main camp. There will be room for some campers/RVs, we will be assessing how many we can fit after the snow melts off and the roads dry out. Bring camping chairs, a light jacket, and folding tables if you have them to make your "in camp" time more comfortable. Temperatures are generally quite mild on Vancouver Island and light weight sleeping bags should be plenty to stay comfortable through the nights. Check for updates on this as we get closer to the date.
Fires
Evening fires may be limited due to fire restrictions or full burning bans. We must follow all restrictions put in place concerning this area. As these change quickly final information on fires will be available at registration/check-in time.