OFNC Point Pelee Bus Excursion – May 9-13, 2019

Update: As of now, the trip is full! Thank you for your interest.

OFNC Point Pelee Bus Excursion – May 9-13, 2019

The Events Committee is pleased to announce that the Point Pelee Bus Excursion will be returning in 2019. This page will be kept updated with any new information as it becomes available.

The primary feedback from previous trips is that it was too short. This year, we have extended it by a day. The trip will run for five days (four nights), from Thursday May 9th to Monday May 13th inclusive (5 days /4 nights).

While this trip is primarily focused on birding, Point Pelee and Rondeau are rich areas, and a number of other rare or unusual species may be seen. At the time of the trip, the spring flora will also be excellent.

The cost of the trip will cover transportation, accommodation, and some food. Participants will be led by three of OFNC’s sharpest birders, and will enjoy the company of other keen OFNC members, without having to drive.

This year’s leaders are Ken Allison, Jamie Spence, and Alex Stone, while Martha Farkas will be acting as the trip coordinator.

 

 

Basic itinerary

Thursday May 9: Depart Ottawa (early) for Leamington. If time allows, a stop for birding will be made along the way.

Friday May 10: Point Pelee National Park

Saturday May 11: Rondeau Provincial Park, with a stop at Hillman Marsh

Sunday May 12: Point Pelee National Park

Monday May 13: Depart Leamington for Ottawa. If time allows, a stop for birding will be made along the way.

A detailed itinerary will be provided to participants – expect early mornings! Some details may change. The leaders may make decisions on the ground depending on conditions (e.g., weather) and events (e.g., rare bird reports) to optimize the schedule and get the most out of the time available.

 

Accommodations:

Participants will stay at the Quality Inn in Leamington. We have rooms with king beds (for single occupancy, couples, or friends who don’t mind sharing) and rooms with two queen beds (for double occupancy by new acquaintances or friends who do mind sharing). When you reserve, please indicate your preference.

The availability of the room of your choice may depend on how early you reserve.

 

Price:

Estimated prices at this time are $800 per person for a double occupancy room, and $1200 per person for a single occupancy room. This may change slightly once everything is finalized. Registrants will be given the final price prior to confirming their participation.

This price includes accommodation (your room), transportation (the charter bus), breakfast on May 10-13 (at the hotel), and entrance fees to the parks.

 

Registration:

To register, please send an email (subject title: OFNC Pelee Trip 2019) to Martha Farkas, trip coordinator, at  martha_farkas@rogers.com.  In your email, please include your name, email address, and cell phone number.  Also, if you are sharing the room, please indicate the name, email address and cell phone number of your travelling companion.  Finally, if you are registering as a solo traveller and wish to possibly be paired with a room mate to share costs, please also indicate in your email.

Space is limited. The registration deadline is Friday, February 22, but early registration is recommended. In past years, the trip has always sold out, with people on a waiting list unfortunately left behind.

A down payment of $100 per participant by Friday, March 1 will be required to hold your reservation (details to be provided once your registration is confirmed). The final payment (total cost minus the $100 down payment) will be due by Friday, April 12.

 

Questions:

If you have any questions, please send them to Martha at the email address above. After your registration has been confirmed, further details regarding the trip will be communicated via email.