July 16- AuSable, Smith to McMasters
Sara Cockrell | Published on 7/16/2020
It was a girls-only paddle this morning at the last minute, and what fun conversations with Deena, Betty & Jocelyn as we paddled from Smith Bridge at M-72 on the S Branch of the AuSable, passing under 4 foot bridges, to the Main AuSable, with a short stop at Conners Flats for a picnic lunch, finishing at McMasters Bridge. The current was fast, except between the junction with the Main & Connors Flats, so we covered 13.5 miles in 2.5 hrs. We spotted primrose, families of mergansers & Canada geese, an eagle & a blue heron. We passed 3 guys paddling C-1s from the Main up the S Branch, and one C-2 paddling upstream on the Main, along with a flotilla of gals in tubes & kayaks. I had only paddled this section of the S Branch once before on 5/22/12, and really enjoyed it again, esp since it was cool under the clouds in a breeze. It's so easy to physical distance while paddling, so one of the safest ways to spend time together outdoors. Trip Report & Photos by Trip Leader, Sara Cockrell
