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Traverse Area Paddle Club

Remember: all TAPC outings are listed on our event calendar and are color coded using this scheme:

 

Small Inland Lakes   

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Difficult Rivers 
Clean-up Trips 

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Trip Reports

October 8 - Pine River - Elm Flats to Peterson

Published on 10/8/2011
John and I have been paddling the Pine River together for about 30 years.  We met each other in a Chicago area group called the "Young Sierrans".  Later - when some members starting turning 40 - we changed the name to "Sierrans Outdoors".  Every Columbus Day weekend - since all the teachers had Monday off - we would travel up to the Pine River to go canoeing.  We all used tandem canoes, and many folks on those trips would use rental boats.  John and I first used an Old Town Tripper (85 pounds!) and then switched to a Kevlar canoe.  Recreational kayaks and solo canoes were not in the picture in those days.

We'd camp at Silver Creek Campground near Walker Bridge, and paddle from Edgett's to Low over the course of the 3 days.  Most years it was cold, and often it rained, so we were usually dressed in long johns and oiled wool sweaters with rain gear on top of everything. Gore-tex had not yet been invented.  One year it snowed!  This year it was super-sunny with temps in the 70's.

For the first twenty years, Columbus Day weekend was the only time we ever ventured to the Pine.  Since moving up north eleven years ago, we have adopted this gorgeous river as our own, and we usually take day trips on various sections at least ten times each season.  Every summer there are over five river cleanups, with at least about 30 different TAPC members participating. 

Today's trip on the section between Elm Flats and Peterson was probably the best trip we have ever done on the Pine!  The company (Fred & Judy and Tracie) was delightful, and the fall colors were positively sensational!  Often we would find ourselves eddying out, just to admire the views.  The actual paddling required concentration, though no-one had any difficulty avoiding the submerged branches and rocks.  We simply had to concentrate on keeping our eyes on the water, even when our gazes were drawn to the bluffs above.  Sometimes the views literally took my breath away.  The smells of autumn were in the air, and no photo can capture that.  Watching the gentle breeze make leaves fall on us was also kind of thrilling.  Here are some shots that John took.













There were just a few other river users out on the water, and we were glad to see that our efforts during the cleanups have paid off.  But Fred was still able to fill a small bag with cans and other debris he spotted as he kayaked along. 

We may be back later this fall, but I doubt that any trip in the future can top this one!  I feel so very fortunate to live nearby; I can't imagine living anywhere else.  Special thanks to Mark & Val Miltner for assistance with our shuttle.  They are the best!
Written by Lois
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