Trip report by Kaysen Chown (one of Lois' former calculus students, soon to be a senior at TCCHS), photos by John & Glenn
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to tag along with the Traverse Area Paddle Club for the Pine River cleanup! As an environmentalist and outdoors enthusiast, when Ms. Goldstein kindly approached me with the opportunity, I couldn't refuse. The whole experience was a perfect balance between protecting the natural beauty of Pine River and enjoying a beautiful paddle with good company!
The entire team that participated was extremely welcoming and helpful - no one hesitated to greet me or remind me if my paddle was upside down! Though I've kayaked since I could barely walk with my family, I learned so many new valuable terms and tricks from everyone. Needless to say I was blown away by the level of skill and passion for paddling each member exemplified, and I couldn't imagine a better group to spend the day with. Many thanks to Ms. Goldstein for the invite (and the help in calculus)! I hope to see everyone again on the next outing!
Note from Lois: to show this young lady's amazing musical talents, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNb7Zc8Daq0&feature=share
The group at the put-in: Top row: Sue, Jackie, Doug, Gerald, Glenn, John G
Down lower: Linda P, Jackie, John H, Tracie, Linda W, Kaysen, Lois
Jackie found some river pearls; they will go well with her outfit when she shows up driving the school bus in September
Doug practicing his log rolling skills, in pursuit of another old water bottle
We love Kaysen's long legs
Kaysen finds a yucky plastic bag; she's using a loaner boat from Pine River Paddlesports Center
Teamwork in a log jam by Susan and Linda W
A bit of a hula by Jackie and Tracie - to get the kinks out
Glenn had to get out of his solo canoe, climb over moving logs, through nettles, and finally nabbed this bottle, plus a bottle of sunscreen
Half of Lois is in the canoe, and half out. No old beer cans are safe when she and John are around!
Doug got grounded on a sand bar, so he is trying to extricate himself
When we aren't looking for trash, we're looking up.
Thanks to everyone for a job well done!
