June 6th, 2012 - North Branch of the Ausable River (non) Cleanup
It's that time of the year when we HAVE to paddle the N Branch. If we wait too long the water gets too low to avoid the many gravel and sand bars that are just under the surface in the wider stretches of the river.
On the shuttle, I decided to ask John F. if he would like to shorten the day for his family, since Liz was a beginner and might be tired by the time we got to Dam Four Rd. He took the suggestion and while he and I put his car there, the rest followed Sara to Kellogg Bridge on N. Downriver Rd. That saved them an extra 2 hours on the river and I think it was a good idea.
On the way back, we found a nice pair of sunglasses in the road.
This time, 15 of us braved threatening skies and headed out from Lovells Bridge. Norm, Sara, Marv, Marlene, Tracie, Karen, Mike S. John M, Dawn, Dawn's hubby, John F, and grand daughter, Liz, were there. The weather stayed nice and we even had a following wind all day. The rain held off until we were done and on the way home.
We had a few beginners, so Sara led and Norm was sweep. Everyone watched out for the newcomers which worked well. Our walkies worked well keeping us together.
Norm helped Dawn dry-launch her kayak and immediate was sorry he had. Long kayaks do not dry-launch well, especially when it's a steep drop. They "bridge" and roll right over. I've seen that happen before at the Forks landing and I should have known better. Sorry for the wet beginning to your day, Dawn.
The river was high and fast. Most of us didn't have problems with the gravel bars but a few had boats that drew too much water and touched now and then. Not really too bad.
Teenager Liz did amazingly well and took to kayaking like a duck to water. (Nice pun, I think.)
We found only a Glen's bag full of trash - about the size of a basketball. Thus the name - Non Cleanup.
We all love the N Br and those who don't feel attached to it as we do for whatever reason don't understand the affection the rest of us have for it. It's a long drive and not fast or exciting but we still love it. It was the first river far from home that I paddled with my son on our own - with no livery help. Back then, it was far different than today. This project brings back fond memories of days gone but not forgotten.
Thanks to you who came to enjoy it with me and to let the river know that we still care enough to keep it pristine.
Norm Fred