July 27, 2024 BRCS Upper Manistee cleanup
Jacqui Morgenstein | Published on 7/27/2024
Six of us took on Norm's expanded cleanup of the Upper Manistee - Paul & Irene, Marlene, Henry Eckhardt, Roseanne and Jacqui M.
We were on the water for 5.5 hrs but it was such a beautiful day no-one minded. Besides, the water was often shallow so we could get out for a stretch. To save time, we decided not to get out onto log piles, and indeed found very little for the first half of the trip. The river is gorgeous with many islands and alternative streams to take. Clearly this was once a wetland that has coalesced into the current network of streams and grasslands. Lunch spots are almost non-existant; beaching on a bank is the best one can do.
Apart from a couple of groups, we saw no-one until the river merges after Long's Livery. It started with a huge party on the banks at the confluence (a wedding I think, one of the ample ladies was wearing a white bikini with a short veil in her hair.) And from there on it was rather like bumper cars at a fairground. And the trash multiplied accordingly. But the good humor and holiday spirit was catching and we found ourselves laughing along with them. However, we could see exactly why Long's Livery did not want us to take out there on a summer weekend!
Our haul was modest but we are very proud of what we found while still moving on to cover the 15.8 miles in 5 hours (not counting the lunch stop.)