Nature was on its finest display for the Lucky 7 who participated in today’s trip on the Manistee. Low 70’s temp, sunny blue skies, and a nice tailwind set the stage for a near perfect Northern Michigan paddle. Where was everyone else??? Two fly fishers at the launch below the dam were the only people we encountered on the water until the take out at Red Bridge. Having the river all to ourselves made for a leisurely, incident-free paddle with plentiful opportunity for conversation. The river’s clear water allowed us to see numerous fish - most small, but several quite large - including the one that jumped over the bow of Lois’ boat! Several painted turtles and a Northern Water Snake were also spotted in the river. Waterfowl and other winged creatures were plentiful, including Canada Geese, Merganser Ducks, a Bald Eagle, a bright orange Oriole, a King Fisher, and many colorful butterflies. The shoreline was dotted with beautiful purple iris and other seasonal blooms, and our lunch spot was in a field of daisies. It was the kind of day that makes you say, “It doesn’t get much better than this!”
Today’s participants: Lois Goldstein & John Heiam, Kathleen Imre, Brad Gillespie, Bob Michela, Tom Lipps & Donna Steinebach
Report by Donna, photos by Donna and John
