Au Sable S Branch, Steckerts to Smith Bridge August 25th, 2024
Jacqui Morgenstein | Published on 8/25/2024
Just two of us paddled the 13 miles through the Mason Tract, from Steckerts Bridge to Smith Bridge. Marlene and Jacqui Morgenstein had perfect weather for this beautiful section of river.
We met almost no-one until we got to the Chapel. There were at least half a dozen boats there, though most of their owners were up at the Chapel so did not disturb our lunch. Unfortunately I did not get a photo of the frog that jumped into my boat from the bank when we stopped. It quickly scuttled up into the bow. I could see it once I had emptied things out but it was far out of my reach. Then Marlene saw a young lad, just the right shape for the job. Yes, he'd love to catch our frog! He couldn't quite reach it either despite crawling half into the boat, but a stick solved the problem. He was so fast he caught the frog as soon as it got down to the cockpit and then let it go into the water. I was very glad not to have it hopping on my ankles for the rest of the trip!
It's still a week to go before September but the trees are beginning to turn already.
We didn't mean to pick up trash, didn't even have grabbers with us, but these things were just too noticeable - and easy to get.
And this Great Blue Heron didn't seem much bothered by us.