August 14 Betsie River Afternoon
Who Came? Leaders: John and Lois; Veterans: Bud Sawyer, Karen Mueller, and Judy Swartz; New members of Traverse Area Paddle Club (TAPC): Alan Giesken, Peg Anderson and Vicky Miller
Where did you go? Homestead Dam to Smith Bridge
What kind of boats were there? Lois and John in solo canoes, everyone else in kayaks.
Anything noteworthy? Great teaching points prior to launching by Lois and John, especially directed to Vicky and Peg who had never paddled a river...despite the excellent advice, Peg got caught on a tree limb, Alan pushed her off and Vicky took an early swim... after that the novices stayed upright, thanks to the effort of the entire group offering much-appreciated paddler's words of wisdom. Karen was highly complimented on her 2009 paddling skills as well as her coordinated styling gear.
Wildlife included a mystery animal that jumped very loudly near Judy and lots of fish that were hiding from the numerous fishermen along the banks. Met several paddlers and Lois gave out TAPC information.
Halfway through the paddle the group enjoyed an energy break, sharing yummy cashews from Bud and hummus from Vicky. Lois swam, noting the river was over her head! Thunder rumbled to the east during our pause with no electrical activity and we were greeted at the take out with blue skies.
Thanks to the leadership of Lois and John the trip was an enjoyable Friday afternoon on the slower section of the Betsie.
written by Peg Anderson