By Jessica Budz, TCCHS graduate, about to enter her sophomore year at Wellesley
Our travels on the Boardman near the Brown Bridge Quiet Area began with avoiding muddy banks. The chilly day turned into a comfortable trip, accompanied by two river dogs! We learned about the restoration process of the vegetation and the river's original course after the removal of the dam. I appreciated the insight of my surroundings while taking in the beautiful nature. There were "no deaths and no dumps", so an overall successful trip indeed. Thank you to all of the Traverse Area Paddle Club for allowing Erica and me to tag along and learn a lot along the way.
And one from Erica Hall, who just graduated from CHS, and will begin at the U of M this fall
After shuttling the cars to the end point, we started our kayaking day, attempting to avoid the thick mud on the banks of the river. Jessica and I remembered most of our lessons from John and Lois last year, but we soon learned that this river took more skill than the one before! I quickly got stuck next to a tree and learned how to lean downstream. It worked! We traveled down the river and learned a lot from Tracie and Lois. We stopped near a horse campground for a snack, then continued to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, where the pond used to be before they took down the dam. It was amazing to see that part of the river, and it was really interesting to hear about the process! I had a great day, and it was an awesome grad present.
Photos by John & Jessica
Marlene
Lindy
Erica Hall, about to enter the U of M
Jackie & Bella in matching visors
Jessica
Glenn, John, Lois & Bella
Jessica, Erica & Lois going under the new footbridge
Jessica
Erica
Lindy
