CHANGE OF ORDER ON 5/7 DUE TO FROST FORECAST FOR OVERNIGHT, SO HIKE IN MORNING, PADDLE IN AFTERNOON.
Here are the tentative timetables for the hike & paddle, so come for either one, or both.
9:30 AM Unload boats & gear at Chase Bridge for all-day, 20 mile adventure, including PFD, paddle, dry bag with appropriate clothing for weather, padlock, snack, water & river shoes. Lock up boats, store duffle bag of gear, along with paddles, in car left behind. Then, we will drive to Smith Bridge on M-72 & park cars at river access.
10-2 Hike 10 miles in 4 hrs along the Mason Tract Pathway back to Chase Bridge, with short lunch stop. The trail is undulating, so moderate hike with gorgeous river views. Bring lunch, snacks, water, and appropriate clothing for weather.
PADDLERS ONLY: You should arrive by 2PM, in case we arrive early. Hikers will transition from hike to paddle approx 2-2:30.
2:30-5:30 PM Paddle 10 miles in 2.5-3 hrs on the famed South Branch of the AuSable River, back to Smith Bridge on M-72. This is an easy paddle with slower current, or difficult river if high water, with a few squeezes between overhanging tree branches & other obstacles. (As of today, 5/7, river is high at 450 cfs vs 325, so could be fast like last year on 5/13/19.)
Afterwards, the paddle storage driver will need a shuttle with boat back to Chase Bridge, then we could meet in Grayling for dinner at Paddle Hard Brewery, approx 6:30-7:30PM.
NOTE: If in 40s & rainy, trip could be cancelled. I always try to make that decision at least 24 hrs in advance. And, you can, too. If uncertain, call or text me at (231) 620-3543. I may not have cell service after I leave home at 7:30AM.