Sturgeon River, Saturday, September 19, 2009
Paddlers:
Henry Eckhardt, Bob Fitch, Lois Goldstein, John Heiam, Karen Mueller, Marvin and Marlene Puska, Ann Reichert, Erin Snyder, Steve Somers, Mike Terrell, Dean Tobias and Jim Batsakis.
"Paddling Michigan," Hillstrom and Hillstrom, 2001, call the Sturgeon the lower peninsula's fastest-flowing river. Eight veterans and five first-timers (of the Sturgeon) enjoyed its charm and challenges without mishap or injury....although I did come close to dumping on the tail end of a kiss with a stump. Others, who didn't don spray skirts, took on enough water going over one of several short drops, to spend the remainder of the first half of the paddle in a total "liquid" environment. Comfortable. Not.
Our lunch break at Rondo Rd. gave everyone a chance to regroup, replenish and dry out. I've always found it fascinating and educational how each of us prepares for lunch and a brief respite while paddling. We humans do need our "stuff," and some creature comforts are not left behind. Our journey from Wolverine Park to Fisher Woods Rd. measures 11 miles on the river. On land, the shuttle up Old 27, which parallels the Sturgeon, is just a smidge over six miles. After spending 11 miles in a kayak, don't forget to pamper your bottom.
The weather couldn't have been better, so there weren't any meteorological distractions to take our attention off the river. However, this twisting waterway is full of natural obstacles, seen and unseen, and, in my case, ignored, to demand attention and respect. There is a good feeling that accompanies a successful trip down the Sturgeon. It makes the long trip in the early morning with a launch temperatures in the mid 40's, worth it.
Erin Snyder, who joined the TAPC just prior to this paddle, conducted her own private clean-up by collecting a full bag of trash. It's nice to see that commitment to stewardship exemplified in the club's newest member, since the same feeling is shared by so many members and reflected in several club outings.
There are many ways to enjoy an event such is this that requires such a commitment to time and orchestration. There are many unintended experiences that become part of the memory and legacy of a day on the river with friends with a passion to paddle. Each of us will have our own. As I drove out of town on Grandview Parkway, just prior to sunrise, I saw a lone kayak heading in the direction of several fishing boats at anchor, running lights twinkling, on the absolutely calm water. At that time of day, those boats were more shadow than substance. Another was the car show along Old 27 near the takeout which demonstrates the all-consuming passions of others. Special conversations occur with new, as well as old friends, adding a more personal touch to the event.
Saturday, September 19, was "Talk Like a Pirate Day". It's a relatively obscure holiday that hasn't really caught on yet. But in my family, we have great fun with it. There is a word in pirate-speak that is meant to convey almost any intense feeling. In the spirit of Happy Jack Rackham, my favorite pirate, I offer that word to sum up this day for me. "Argh!"
Submitted by
Jim