Fri 12:30 PM Sorry but had to CANCEL since a runner turned around on the TART trail into the path of my tandem bike & I ended up in ER checking for a concussion & broken pinky. He didn't leave contact info or offer to give me a ride back to my car since I was out cold! Lucky that I am ok besides the $250 co-pay due to his negligence!
We'll unload boats & gear at Dobson at 10AM, ready to shuttle by 10:15. We will plan to be on the river for 4 hrs, from approx 11 AM - 3:30 PM, including a short lunch break. This is a challenging, 14-mile section of the Pine, with some of the fastest current in NW Lower MI, some tight bends & sweepers. It is slower upstream where narrower, so a little more time to react, though more downed trees block the river, and wider downstream where faster, so more room to manuever.
All paddlers are required to wear PFDs, should be dressed in appropriate clothes for the weather, have bow & stern lines, bailer, dry bag of warm clothes, snack for extra energy, and skills to manuever across river quickly, to avoid obstacles, including logjams & rocks. Kayakers must have a skirt for their boat to keep warm & dry in spring & fall. There are vault toilets at the Dobson Bridge put-in, midway at Peterson Bridge, and at the Low Bridge take-out. Parking permits are required, paid at the access, unless you have a National Forest annual or senior pass.
If cold rain or thunderstorms, this trip may be cancelled. If questionable, call me before you leave home.