Wednesday, June 20: Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge, Trip Leaders: Lois Goldstein and John Heiam
“Dad, this was an awesome day canoeing in the outdoors.” - Liam Jones
Liam and Mike Jones
Liam offered this very accurate summary of today’s trip on the Manistee. With clear skies and temps in the 90’s, it was the perfect day to enjoy the Manistee River. After completing the shuttle, 16 folks departed from the dam around 10:30 am including trip leaders John and Lois (kayaks), father-son team of Mike and Liam Jones (tandem canoe), John Walton and Noel Rosenbaum (tandem canoe), Mariah Walton (solo canoe), and kayakers Deena Barshney, Betty & Mike Gardiner, Bonnie Martell, Karl Putnam, Dick Shay, Anne Stevenson, Rosario Walton, and Angie Willis.
Mike G., John, Noel, Mike J., and Liam.
Few other river users were out in spite of the perfect weather. There were a few fishermen camped on the banks and at least one canoe camp. No other paddlers were encountered the whole trip. There was one motorized river boat close to Red Bridge. Liam really liked the riffles and rapids, laughing and hooting as we passed through. The group stopped twice for lunch and swimming. During the second stop, I took the first unauthorized swim of the day trying out Mariah’s solo canoe. It was a bit tippier than the tandem canoes I have always paddled. Should have followed John’s advice a little closer. Dick also took a swim after hitting a submerged branch. The final swim of the day came at the take-out when Anne tried to exit her kayak on the deep side and was refreshed by the river. It was definitely a good day for swimming, planned or unplanned. Quoth Liam, “The water is kinda cold, but it feels good cause I was really hot.”
Lois, Liam, and Mariah enjoying the water.
Good weather, a good river, great folks, and lots of smiles made for an excellent day paddling. Thanks to all trip participants and organizers Lois and John.
Written by Mike and Liam Jones