Traverse Area Paddle Club

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May 11 - Mason Tract hike & S Br AuSable paddle

Published on 5/11/2019

My first hike & paddle for 2019, finally, a 10-mile hike on the Mason Tract from Smith Bridge to Chase Bridge in 3 hrs, then a 10-mile paddle back on the S Br of the AuSable in 2 hrs, which was 500 cfs vs 300, very swollen & fast, with lots of low overhanging trees, downed trees, and a few narrow zig zags, so a challenge for 6'3" Dirk Weirauch, paddling my tandem with Diane. We had to portage the first 2 trees at the put-in since mid-50s & cloudy, so too risky to take a swim, or get hurt! The first one was barely covered with a little rapid, then the next was angled out in the river dead ahead. Afterwards, we enjoyed pizza & beer at Paddle Hard Brewery in Grayling, before heading home. What a great all-day adventure with good friends, including Bert Courson.

lunch at Durant's Castle

Diane, Bert & Dirk on 10-mile Mason Tract hike from Smith Bridge to Chase Bridge

put-in at Chase Bridge, Dirk & Diane Weirauch, for paddle back 10 miles to Smith Bridge

merganser taking flight

Bert Courson paddling kayak

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