We will post major trips on this page but you can also check the Calendar page or the Calendar sidebar on our home page for weekday evening and weekend day trips.
Hiawatha Water Trail, Part 1
posted December 20, 2009 by George Granlund
Gitche Gumee, the Ojibwa name for Lake Superior, has inspired all who have stood on her shore or paddled her waters. Running 120 miles from Big Bay to Grand Marais, Michigan on Lake Superior’s south shore, the Hiawatha Water Trail (HWT) follows a shoreline paddled by Native Americans, Voyageurs and early European explorers.
Experience some of the most scenic paddling available in the Midwest at places such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island National Recreation Area, Hiawatha National Forest and other public lands. Stopping in at the communities of Big Bay, Marquette, Munising and Grand Marais, a paddler finds places filled with history and friendly people.
Join the East Coast Paddlers for one, two, or all three segments of the Hiawatha Water Trail. We’ll be putting in at Grand Marais on June 21, 2010 and taking 3-4 days to make the 44 mile journey to Grand Island in Munising Bay. Most of this segment traces the shoreline of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We’ll be shuttling and camping on June 20 at the Woodland Park Campground in Grand Marais and then head out early on the 21st.
Daily distances are entirely weather-dependent as there are 8-10 mile stretches along the cliffs with no safe exit. You need to be well-equipped “expedition-wise” and be able to assist in rescues and paddle in waves, should conditions deteriorate.
Make no mistake, this is spectacular shoreline. There is a fee for camping in the National Park. If you’re up to this type of paddling adventure, email George at ggranlund622[AT]gmail[DOT]com. For additional HWT information, go to http://www.hiawathawatertrail.org
Pere Marquette “Crazy Hat” Paddle - June 5, 6, 7, 2009
posted May 29, 2009 by Bob Shockley
I plan to leave from the Sanford McDonalds on M-30 just north of US-10 at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5 for those who wish to convoy.
I will be camping at Gleason's Landing (restricted to tent camping - no campers or RVs)
Float permits are required. Float permits are free to paddlers who go to the ranger station on the day they want to paddle if there are any permits available. Permit reservations are $2 each. They were almost sold out when I called and assured me they would be sold out before the weekend.
I reserved 6 permits for Friday to paddle from M-37 to Gleason's Landing (about 7 miles), 10 permits for Saturday to paddle from Gleason's Landing to Rainbow Rapids (about 17 miles) and 8 permits for Sunday to paddle from Rainbow Rapids to Walhala (about 14 miles).
I have to call the ranger station on Thursday to cancel any permits that I don't intend to use so YOU MUST CONTACT ME (989-859-3563) by next Wednesday and tell me what days you intend to paddle. Leave a message if I don't answer. I will call you back to confirm.
Best boats for this trip are recreational, plastic, 14 feet or less. Longer boats require more work to maneuver on this river.
Be prepared for air temps to be in the low 40s at night and 60 to 80 in the day time. Dress like you know you're going to get wet.
We will eat breakfast in camp Saturday and Sunday morning. You will need to bring lunch and snacks for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will eat dinner in camp on Friday and Saturday evening. We traditionally eat dinner in Baldwin Sunday evening before leaving for home.
To reserve your spot or ask questions, please call 989-859-3563 (Bob Shockley) or email bdshockley@charter.net
Oh yes, we traditionally wear a crazy hat on the Pere Marquette paddle just to add some fun to the adventure and confuse the fishermen. Please bring the craziest hat you can find.
This paddle is always fun! I hope to see you there!
Kayak Rodeo - Saturday, June 20, 2009
posted by East for East Coast Paddlers
Where: Saginaw Field & Stream Club, 1500 N. Gleaner Rd.
Come for a day of games to improve your skills as the Thumb Paddlers challenge the Valley Paddlers. Food, fun, and practice are all on the agenda.
Starts at 10:00 AM and goes until we can't laugh anymore.
$5.00 to get into the club, a small fee for meat and paper products, and a dish to pass. RSVP to eastcoastpaddlers@gmail.com.
Manitou Islands Crossing - September 4-7, 2009
posted May 26, 2009
Plan on departing from Glen Haven [Map] on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Friday, September 4 and making the 7.5 mile (2 hour) crossing to the massive lighthouse on South Manitou Island. From there, after resting, we'll make the four mile crossing to North Manitou Island and set up a back-country base camp.
The following day, we'll paddle to park headquarters on North Manitou do some hiking and exploring before returning to camp.
On the third day, we'll return to the mainland. Allow a 4th day as a buffer for weather difficulties.
Each day's paddle will depend on weather conditions. To make this trip, you should feel competent to paddle in 2'-3' waves, be able to assist in rescues, and paddle at 3-4 miles per hour.
Your boat should be a sea kayak (16' minimum) equipped with watertight hatches.
Parking at the Cannery requires a park sticker and backcountry camping is $5.00/night. Held in conjunction with the Traverse Area Paddle Club. Limit of 6 paddlers. Stay at my house on Thursday evening if you wish.
If you have questions email George at ggranlund622@yahoo.com
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Buffalo River - April 10-17, 2009
posted December 6, 2008
Need a spring break? Consider paddling the beautiful Buffalo National River in northwest Arkansas. Following is a brief description of the proposed itinerary;
Depart mid-Michigan on Good Friday, April 10 and travel to Arkansas. It's about 900 miles from mid-Michigan. Begin paddling on April 12 and paddle 4 days from Woolum to Buffalo City on the Buffalo River, traveling about 20 relatively easy miles per day. See the past trip report and pictures on the club website for a good idea on what the trip is like. Enjoy unparalleled scenery along a beautiful river. No whitewater, but a few swift spots. Plan on four or five nights camping. You'll need a boat capable of carrying gear. A boat at least 14' long will likely be fine. Contact George at ggranlund622@yahoo.com for more info.
Memorial Day Weekend
posted December 6, 2009
Missed the Buffalo River Trip? Here's the next-best thing. Stay at Cathy and George's house near Honor and paddle 12 miles of the winding Betsie River on May 23rd, 10 miles along the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes from Empire Beach to Glen Haven Cannery on the 24th, and 12 miles on the Manistee River below Hodenpyle Dam to Red Bridge on the 25th.
There is plenty of room to camp or stay indoors. Plan on potlucking for meals. The sauna is available if you want ache and pain relief. Bring your swimsuit or birthday suit. Contact George at ggranlund622@yahoo.com