Nothin but blue skies and sunshine

Paddling just does not get better than our trip of 9 or 10 miles up and down the Black River today. A glorious day. Allyson was along from Grand Rapids on our Wednesday on the Water paddle. Plus there were 15 people on the Pigeon on the naturalist trip. A big day on the water.

We paddled out the channel toward the pier heads to watch a fishing kayak guide across the channel mouth. Then back up 4 or 5 miles and back to Black River park takeout.


Okay
, Okay we celebrated with Sherman's ice cream at the end of the trip and identifying some additional put in spots.

Cheers,

Skip

tomorrow---Black River in South Haven

For our Wednesdays on the Water tomorrow, we will head to South Haven and the black river. Be at the shop a little before 10AM. Make sure you give me a call for a spot. We will schlep the boats on our trailer. We take a $5 donation to Historic Ottawa Beach Society and its Pumphouse Museum project.

See ya there!

Skip

Mighty Muskegon

This past Saturday there were 15 of us from Community Bible who put in at Croton Dam and went 8 miles down river. Another beautiful day on the water. The water was high, fast and cold. Lots of trout fishermen caught their limit that day.

Just across from our takeout, an eagle was soaring. Then afternoon we grilled burgers and had some more conversation we headed for home.

We are going back there next month for another run on that stretch.

Cruising the Grand

Dave and I were the only ones on the Grand paddle. It seemed like we were making history on that glorious, broad stretch. Ottawa County is doing us all a big favor making that into a water trail. Sign and mile markers will be great improvements. We had a map that helped put the paddle in perspective.

It was a glorious day. A stiff wind developed mid way into the paddle. A westerly comes right up the river and makes the small bays and bayou's welcome relief.

Of the 31 miles on the stretch we have about 20 to go.

WOW-Wednesday on the Water this week.

Fresh from planning the Grand River Water trail and some activities for the festivities of 2012, I thought we would paddle one of the Grand Reach's this week. It is a change from the schedule but I want to get on the Grand early this season. Join me at 10AM at the shop 360 Douglas Ave, Holland.

But call and make a reservation so we do not leave with out you.

Cheers,

Skip

Busy Week end

It was a great paddle weekend. Here in Holland, Don Harper organized the annual "meet at the beach" day with camping at Holland State Park and paddling from there. This is a wonderful wooden boat outing with about 20 fantastic boats. Pix are due in any time.

Then Bob Miller, back from Red Cross duty helping others, was part of the Lake Michigan Water Trail down around the Indiana dunes. Sounds like about 50+ kayaks were part of the group. I'll keep more info coming about this new water trail that should be lots of fun.

More locally, more work is being done on the Grand River water trail. This will really be promoted in 2012 the Park Department's 25 Anniversary. We are planning a June 2012 paddling month with the Department.

paddling the Kazoo

The water was high and the current swift. We had a ball. Dave, Jim, Dean and Skip got to charge down the river, facing 20 knots gusts and small swells that are only spring time events. Weather was fantastic, far better than the torrential conditions Sunday and cooler than the Memorial day bright sun.

In at New Richmond and out at Wiley Street to avoid the heavy head winds in the flats of Douglas. I'll post some pix.

Join us next week,

Skip

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