Eleven TAPC members participated in the float trip from Elm Flats to Petersen Bridge: Wayne Andersen, Lois Goldstein, John Heiam, Tom Lipps, Irene Marcussen, Paul Marcussen, Jacqui Morgenstein, Marlene Puska, Michael Rodenberg, Donna Steinebach and Jocelyn Trepte. The fleet was comprised of 8 kayaks and 3 canoes.
We had a delayed start on the float trip that Jacqui can best describe. See her narrative below. Marv Puska provided the shuttle service as well as the wrecker service. While waiting for the float to start, some people helped Jacqui get to Elm Flats while some others enjoyed a 1 mile walk to help keep warm. (Editor's note: it was 37 when we arrived, and 70 by the time we got to the takeout.)
While the temperature was above normal for this time of year, it was a "shake and bake" type of day. Shake in the early morning and bake by mid-afternoon. A decision of which layers of clothing to shed and which to keep on changed during the day.
We launched about 11:00 with a bright sun and warming air temperature. The water temperature was cold. The river was running 255 cubic feet per second. This level of flow is ideal for floating the river: deep enough to get over the skinny gravel bars and quick enough to make the riffles enjoyable.
We stopped at Dobson Bridge for lunch. While there, Mark Miltner stopped to visit as he was shuttling 2 paddlers. These were the only other paddlers we saw on the river today.
After lunch we proceeded downstream to Peterson Bridge. We did encounter 1 new tree that had fallen into the river. Everyone made it through the narrow opening between some of the branches. Before heading through, Lois reminded folks that they might want to remove their sunhats, just to improve peripheral vision. John took photos of the tree and reported this potential hazard to Mark Miltner. Mark and his crew remove hazards to insure safe paddling.
The fall colors are muted in the Pine River Corridor as they seem to be everywhere this year. The trip was completed with no unplanned events (swims). Another very enjoyable Pine River float trip was had by all. Thanks to Lois and John for hosting this trip. Thanks again to Marv for numerous shuttles this year.
Thanks, Wayne
Here is Jacqui's addition to the story; this all happened on the way to the put-in at Elm Flats.
I wondered a little as GoogleMaps sent me down an unpaved road but didn't worry until I felt the bottom of my car scrape sand. And realized that the road had suddenly become twin ruts and that my low slung Prius had grounded on the grass between. I tried to reverse out but my wheels just spun. I edged forward a bit to take a run at it backwards, same result. Now I was in a panic. What to do?
I had some cell phone reception, so I phoned Lois but I was sent to voicemail. So I tried John. Same result. Looked up the members directory and tried 3 others. All sent to voicemail. Clearly Elm Flats Landing had no reception.
Note from Lois: I was pretty worried about Jacqui, since it's not like her to be late. I hoped she was okay. With no cell phone reception, I tried numerous times to phone her as we drove up out of the valley. Still no answer. We ran the shuttle without her, and were relieved when we returned to find Ranger Brian there reporting on her whereabouts. The guys took off, while the women hiked up to the main road to warm up.
So I decided to walk back to the paved road and try to flag down a car, preferably a truck. It seemed that I had missed the turn at the Hoxeyville apartments towards Elm Flats, and Google had rerouted me so fast that I hadn't noticed. I looked at every house I passed, but all were obviously empty. Even the one with the truck and the car outside!
Out on the road, there was no cell reception at all and very few cars. One didn't stop. One had a doctor's appointment. Finally a truck stopped, a ranger. It was Brian Belt from the Huron- Manistee National Forest. He was very nice, but was not allowed to try to pull me out, nor to offer me a ride. But he did volunteer to go down to the Elm Flats landing and tell anyone there what had happened to me. He also promised to come back for me if no-one was there.
So I sat on the porch of the church on the corner and waited, while the sun got hotter and hotter and my neck threatened to get burned. But eventually the ranger returned and with him the cavalry! Marv's truck - with 6 men in it! I was so happy!
We tried reversing out while they all pushed, but there was no luck in the soft sand I had landed in. Fortunately Marv had a tow chain in his truck, and with it, he managed to pull my car out onto solid ground. So I was well and truly rescued. I am so grateful to everyone and so glad not
to have missed a fantastic day on the Pine.
Thank you so much Marv, Wayne, Paul, Mike, Tom and John. And the kind ranger!
Jacqui
Photos by Jocelyn, Mike and John
Lesson learned: Do not rely on Google Maps; use the TAPC driving directions and a real map.
While we waited for the cavalry to return, we took a little hike up the hill. Someone missed the "bright color" memo.
Taken from above at the put-in
Heading downstream
Lunchtime
The downed tree reported to Pine River Paddlesports Center; Lois had to remove her sunhat for better peripheral vision
Irene (now more colorful as the temp had risen)
Paul (no unplanned swim breaks this time)
Tom
Wayne
Donna
Mike
Irene
