Trip Reports

Today 10 boats (9 kayaks and a solo canoe) paddled the Betsie River from Homestead Dam to Lewis Bridge. The attendees were Bob Buryta, Lois & John, Tracie, Mary Murphy, Marv & Marlene, Barb & Mike and Sandy Weir.  It was a great paddle for a sunny, hot July afternoon.  We took a couple of long swim breaks along the way to refresh ourselves (Lois was in the river before she even got into her canoe). 

The first half of this section of river has lots of big willow trees overhanging the water and it was considerably cooler in the shade.  Shortly after going through the tubes under CR606, Barb and Marlene thought they heard a waterfall up an inlet on river left.  A few of us investigated and discovered a small dam with about a 15 foot water drop.  I checked a map when we got home and found that there is an impoundment there fed by several small creeks.  The satellite photo showed what looked like a park on the pond. 






We only saw 3 other canoes today and they appeared to have some paddling challenges.  One boat had difficulty remaining upright (but the guys trying to get back in were laughing about it).  For the most part the river was quiet and peaceful with lush vegetation growing right down to the water.  Marlene said that some parts looked like we were paddling in the Florida mangroves.

We didn’t have any animal sighting that I heard about, but lots of bird songs were heard along the way.  A variety of wildflowers were also visible.  Several members paddled a ways up the outlet from Crystal Lake and reported back that the water was indeed very clear.  Thanks to all participants for making it an enjoyable afternoon on the river!  And we hope to see Bob, Mary and Sandy again soon on a TAPC outing.

Submitted by Mike
 Photos by Mike and John