Trip Reports

August 23 Sea kayaking below the Dunes

August 23 Lake Michigan Paddle

        Ten paddlers (M&M, J&L, Karen, Jocelyn, Henry, Tom, Dawn and Beth) in 9 long boats gathered at the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven; by the time vehicles were transported to Empire (with Karen, the young one, curled up in the back of Henry's van on the shuttle back; but we did let her out), we entered the water at 10:50 AM.  Wind out of the NW and some waves challenged the launch somewhat, as Lois can attest when her kayak took on a big wave and she had to start over.  Once the group turned the corner towards Empire, the wind was at our backs and helped propel us through the water.  Near the point we saw this on the beach.



The temperature was perfect, and we soon warmed up while we paddled, slowly releasing our skirts and then shedding a few layers of clothing.  Two stops, once for lunch and then for a swim at North Bar Lake, allowed for good conversation and Henry did a little beach clean-up (more garbage than we had time for on this paddle).  Lois and Jocelyn showed off with back somersaults at North Bar.  Marv and Marlene's boat was the longest at 22+ feet; Tom had a lovely handmade wooden kayak and paddle that drew compliments.  The group landed at Empire beach at 2:30 and we were all loaded up by 2:50.  It was a great day for a big lake paddle; a good time was had by all!
Written by Beth





Editor's note: there were 5 matching Hurricane Tampico 135L's; the matching boats on this outing outnumbered the number of Subaru station wagons!