Trip Reports

The Sturgeon River is the most challenging in NW Lower MI, narrow with fast current (200 cfs today), tight bends with many obstacles, lncluding logjams, rocks, riffles, overhanging trees & shallow gravel bars. 5 experienced paddlers joined me for my favorite 3-hr adventure from Wolverine to Fisher Woods, 3 others in canoes, Jocelyn Trepte, Jack Kurtz & Kent Hawley, and 2 in kayaks, Angie & John Willis. We took a 1/2 hr lunch break at the Rondo access, then headed downstream to portage a huge blockage, which only took 10 minutes but the banks were muddy. We had one unplanned swim & one recovered paddle. It was a scorcher afternoon, but with a breeze, some shade & many soakings of my shirt & hat, it was comfortable paddling. I didn't take any wildflower photos, but Jocelyn spotted a muskrat, and we passed some ducklings. As always, you've got to paddle hard around the tight bends to stay out of the logjams & avoid Mr Eddy! Afterwards, we enjoyed a lively conversation while refueling at the Thirsty Sturgeon. We were all delighted to paddle the Sturgeon before the summer crowds. I can't wait to return in the fall!
Trip report & photos by trip leader, Sara Cockrell