We were getting ready for a planning meeting for my 2013 GTHC Pictured Rocks/Grand Island adventure, so this was an easy, quick, close-by paddle to add-on beforehand. Neither Trish or Kate T had paddled this upper section, or seen the Brown Bridge Dam removal, so it was a great opportunity to get to know one another better. And, though the put-in at The Forks was very crowded while we were unloading our boats, before our shuttle, we saw few on the river, passing 2 groups pulled up on shore, one taking out at Scheck's, and a family of mergansers along the way.