Summary: One unplanned swim break, ten old folks and two young ones.
Trip report for the Manistee River June 24th 2023. US131 to Baxter Bridge.
Written by Otis and Murphy Alexander (Jacqui's step grandsons visiting from Kalamazoo.)
We went with Lois Goldstein, John Heiam, Harold and Pam Lassers, Paul and Irene Marcussen, Larry Boonstra, Marlene Puska, Susan Wilgus and Jacqui Morgenstein.
The start was a long wait, even though Jacqui told us that river time was half speed.
We liked the scenery and Murphy heard a woodpecker. We loved that the speed of the river pushed us along, but wasn't so fast as to be uncontrollable.
John gave us really good tips.
Murphy liked getting towed!
Otis: "When I got cut off by my brother, I ran into a log and got trapped. Lois told me to lean towards the log but I couldn't, and eventually the boat tipped and I went for an unplanned swim. But the water wasn't too cold and the sun was really warm so I didn't mind."
Murphy: "We passed a bunch of fishing boats all tied together. There was beer and music and I think they were pretty drunk. They were very loud!"
When we were really hungry, we got to the lunch spot but it was full of tents and cars and boats so there was nowhere for us to land. But a bit later we found another place.
It took forever to load our 3 boats back onto Jacqui's car. Much longer than it had taken to load them in the morning. There were 4 guys helping before they got it all figured out.
Thank you Lois and John and Jacqui for taking us, we had a great day.
Photos by John and Jacqui
A northern water snake after a big meal
Otis learns how to paddle
Murphy under Harold's watchful eye
Jacqui and Harold
Otis
Harold with his Kevlar canoe glowing in the sun
Our group
Jacqui coaches Murphy
Something catches Paul's eye
The turtle didn't tell me his name
Murphy and Jacqui
