It was early when we left TC for a remote region of the Pine River, this fabulous little hidden darling of a stream that I had never met in all my years paddling and fishing the streams of northern Michigan. As willful and turbulent and wenchy as a handsome native dancer; the kind of seductive little stream that makes one wonder why it never was on my list of beautiful rivers to explore. Its virtually unending series of gravelly riffles, pools, rapids, wild chutes and quiet glides that offered a day to remember on the Pine River.
Ten souls began the adventure and four hours later, all with a sense of wonderment to having made it down the river without one soaking (either by a miscue or the rain that was predicted) we ended our trip. The trip was assisted by the pleasant folks from a local canoe/kayak/campground lady who picked up the drivers and returned them to our origin.
This group of paddlers, being a cultured and worldly lot; their broad and diversified interests made them delightful and absorbing companions; they talked about a lot of interesting and stimulating subjects.
My compliments to Lois and John for hosting such a memorable day. Later that evening Harold and Pam Lassers extended a gracious invitation to join them at their home where a few Grand Traverse Bay lake trout were the main course for a delicious dinner, enjoyed by all who were there. At the end of the evening Harold did fix my Subaru with the famous Lassers' Loop so I will not experience any more moments when straps were flying and Tracie had to make hasty repairs to my straps.
Overall, I would say a good time was had by all.
Narrative by Joe Meredith, Photos by John