Several trips were planned during the first week of August. They provided a welcome respite from watching the Olympics and coping with the TC Film Festival crowds. We had 7 or 8 people on each trip, except the GTRLC outing, which had about 20, including several kids.
1. Upper Platte - Special thanks to shuttle drivers Linda and Marvin. Highlights included Fred dropping and then finding his yellow eyeglasses Croakie, Sandy's friend Pam enjoying her trip down the river, all of us noticing numerous cans on the river bottom after US-31 (we will plan a cleanup there soon), and everyone "sticking their landing" on Deadstream Road. Gold medals for everyone!
2. An evening paddle on Long Lake with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy - highlights were a loon and bald eagle sighting. The outing was posted for TAPC members as well as supporters of the GTRLC, specifically to inform the public of a property (a former girl scout camp) that they are hoping to add to their natural preserves.
3. The AuSable trip was cancelled due to morning storms, but after lunch the group met for a short jaunt down the Boardman from the Forks to Scheck's. We did a thorough cleaning while we moved downstream, finding a matched pair of hot pink Crocs among the beer cans and water bottles. Good to have Angie, Maxi and Anne joining us. Shuttle drivers Tracie and Angie were both gracious about helping out.
4. Boardman cleanup from Shumsky to Beitner - we found the usual full and empty beers, a raft (spotted and hauled out by Linda) and a special gift for our Membership Chair's birthday next week. One unauthorized swim break, though it didn't count since it occurred in the course of over-zealous cleaning. Nothing was lost. Harold and I did the shuttle, and Fred got to nap with a blankie in the minivan. Lunch afterwards at Outback.
5. Boardman from Brown Bridge Dam to Beitner - This was the first time Harold had posted an outing via the TAPC event calendar. Nice job, Harold! Not many other river users were out, since we began fairly early; nice to see Bob out on the water - I've missed him. Fred couldn't resist a bit of trash-picking, and he was assisted by everyone else, who added to his stash. Several swim breaks. Lunch afterwards at a new place (for me) recommended by Tracie: Centre Street Cafe - a hit on a hot day.
Written by Lois, who is eternally grateful to everyone who helped me load and unload my boat all week