Nine days ago the orthopedist removed three giant screws from my upper arm (it's a long story, going back to x-c ski season), and after seeing him yesterday, I was granted permission to return to paddling. The arm is still stiff and multicolored, but I was able to paddle enough to satisfy my longing for being in a small boat once again.
We posted this trip as soon as we got home, about 20 hours before it would take place, and were thrilled to have Marlene, Tracie and Linda W along to help celebrate my return to the water I love so much! My wonderful hubby John piloted our tandem canoe down the AuSable River from Penrod's in Grayling to Stephan Bridge. There were only a few other paddlers out, plus three or four fishermen. Lots of ducks too.
What a stunning day! Bright sunshine, not too hot, and the most amazing tailwind we have ever encountered. Lunch at Canoe Harbor, done by 2 PM, and the obligatory ice cream stop with Marv (our reliable shuttle bunny) at Dawson and Stevens.
Trip report by Lois, photos by John
Lunch at Canoe Harbor
We didn't have to paddle much with the tail wind.