June 7 Boardman, starting at BBL
Lois Goldstein | Published on 6/7/2022
I planned this trip in order to check out an alternative takeout for the Shumsky to Beitner cleanup later this week, so we shuttled to my hairdresser's house just upstream from our normal takeout. This summer, due to construction on the new roundabouts along Keystone, we can't drive directly to Beitner from the east. We were greeted by two large Bernese Mountain dogs, who didn't seem to recognize me from seeing me at the salon every six weeks. All they wanted was attention, which we happily gave them. The "we" consisted of myself (Lois), Brad, Kent and Emma. John H met us at BBL to keep an eye on our boats and gear while we did the morning shuttle.
Everyone did fine as far as paddling was concerned, but the temp went from 58 to 54 within the first two hours, and the sun just didn't appear. Even though I was dressed in several layers (and pulled my windbreaker hood up under my sunhat), my feet and hands were COLD, and I never warmed up. Note to self: when it's below 60, wear boots!
We did have numerous wildlife sightings including deer, great blue herons and several varieties of ducks.
It was fun to have Emma (home from the U of M) along, paddling my light blue Inuit, while I was in my Mad River Liberty solo canoe. Brad had his new canoe and Kent was in his new Tsunami.
When we got to Shumsky, I called John and he came to take Emma and me to our cars, while the guys continued on. It was good to put on dry socks and shoes. We had a nice chat with two guys from the US Fish and Wildlife Service; they were there to check out the possible lamprey population in the river.
No photos this time.
Report by Lois