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Traverse Area Paddle Club

Remember: all TAPC outings are listed on our event calendar and are color coded using this scheme:

 

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Trip Reports

May 5 Sturgeon, Wolverine to Fisher Woods

Published on 5/5/2011
All agreed at the take-out, the paddle fun ended too soon! One of our favorite paddles ever, in high, fast water, with lots of portages. Per Ian, "Not a raised voice was heard all trip. Our group communication was almost telepathic, so in tune were we with nature on this glorious day!" It certainly was a nice change from the cold, cloudy weather Jack, Ian, Sara & Terry paddled on the Pine on Tues. Today, we basked in the mid-60s sunshine, enjoying a leisurely lunch at Rondo. Ian remarked that the Sturgeon was much more challenging than the Pine, with so many tight bends & logjams, which kept him alert. In addition, he said it was well worth the extra drive, and that's quite a compliment, since he provided transport for Angie, Sara, Sara's trailer & all her extra cold-weather gear! 

The portages gave everyone a chance to shine & try something different. Bob was the first, lining his canoe through the first portage, around the big, wide sawed-off branches dangling down. Then Jack, assisting each of us back into the river from a high bank, almost ending up in the river, his waders keeping him dry. Ian followed that one with a low limbo for a tall guy, leaning every which way & making it with great style! Next Rob, who had to wait upstream for the clearing crew, then didn't get a good line for the opening, doing a superb job of bushwacking. Sara's was losing her river sandals in the mud 3x, while sawing branches from the river. It will be hard to beat such a GR-R-REAT day on the river, 6 portages, 4 guys & 2 gals in 3 kayaks & 3 canoes in mid-60s sunshine!

Bob lining his canoe between the big, wide sawed-off branches, avoiding a carry-over on the first portage

Ian manuevering a tight opening

Jack assisting Rob (1st TAPC paddle, new member) back into the river, almost falling in,
saved from getting wet by his waders

Angie's limbo, how low can you go?