Trip Reports

This Sunday twelve hearty and delightful paddlers met at the Betsie River access of Wallin/Long Rd near Thompsonville.  The trip included Henry Eckhardt, Kati Flees, Cyndi Gaudette, Clara Barton Goldstein aka-Lois, Marvin Ison, Harold Lassers, Pam Lassers,  Tracie Lord, Linda Pelkey , Dwight Terrance, Susan Wilgus and myself.   

The Betsie was beautiful and clear as you would expect.  A lesser traveled river than most area rivers, the Betsie provides ample opportunity for wildlife and wildflower viewing.  Notable birds were King Fishers, Great Blue Heron, Greenback heron, Cedar Waxwing, and Pintail Ducks. Harold found a photogenic turtle and Cyndi observed a cute black Mink darting along the shoreline. Several of us saw the gorgeous Red Cardinal flowers and the abundance of Purple Loosestrife and Joe Pye Weed. 

The day was not without its challenges because of low water and downed trees.   Our fearless leaders Lois, Harold, Pam and Henry kept a mindful watch to navigate us through obstacles.   There was no unauthorized swim by any of the paddlers; however, there were times that many of us were required to exit their kayak or canoe to free themselves from sand and gravel.    One large tree that fell across the river needed to be portaged by all.   Henry "The Saw" Eckhardt feverishly cut one of the large branches and left the rest for the next group of paddlers.

There was an assortment of debris gathered by Pam, Susan, Terry and Harold.  Cans, bottles, plastic and a flip flop were removed from the Betsie.