August 15 Pine cleanup, Peterson to Low
Jack Epstein | Published on 8/15/2022
Trip report by Jack; photos by John
It was a perfect day. The group assembled at Peterson Bridge, sunshine warming the air after a day of rain and clouds. Lots of positive energy as we went through the checklist of equipment and reviewed the on river protocol. Even better, a rainbow trout attached itself to a human just upstream, granting piscine approval to our efforts. The world in harmony.
While some of us remained at base, others traveled to Low Bridge to position vehicles for end of day. Everyone remained in line, followed the path, and reassembled in Mark Miltner's van for the ride back to Peterson. Masks on, mostly, we newbies got to meet the veterans, and veterans got to catch up with one another. On the short ride back, we had become a self-assembling organism.
Personally, it was a return to river paddling after a hiatus of some 30 years. While I've been a Pine River pilgrim since the 1960's, somewhere in the early 90's the urge to float on, rather than wade in, the river waned. In the interim, the world moved on. Aluminum canoes became plastic kayaks, rigid paddles became sculpted blades, and kapok seat cushions became tailored PFD.
Through the generosity of Mark (kayak), Wayne (ropes and PFD), and Lois/John (paddle and grabber), this aging river explorer acquired the camouflage to meld with the more contemporary of the group. A short primer on the water gave rudimentary muscle memory a boost. A few miles of river would give plenty of opportunity to hone new skills. And to find a few misplaced human artifacts.
Mark is taking the photo.
Pictured: Dave, Carrie, Sue, Jack, Wayne, Leslie, John
Kathleen, Lois
The armada launched, we became enveloped in the flow of the Pine. The warming air wafted excited sounds of triumph as jetsam was sighted. Summer blossoms brightened the banks, a blue heron tolerated our intrusion, we learned to work in teams – spotter and retriever – both to become more efficient and to share the experience at another level. We assembled for lunch.
A nice respite, we basked in a sun induced torpor, refreshed ourselves with food and conversation, and absorbed what the river was sharing. Movement: slow water and fast insects, scent: delicate floral and decaying muck, visual: flashing ripples and dark overhangs. A brief review of what we were taking from the river: flip flops, sunglasses, shirts, bottles and cans (some still filled). And then time to resume our journey. All smiles for lots of reasons.
Mark nabs a bottle
Great blue heron
Mark & his spear
Walking on floating logs requires good balance; Wayne's got it!
Tandem team of Wayne and Leslie
A now familiar routine asserted itself, paddle, float, scan, retrieve. A parade of wildlife bore witness as we passed by. A fisherwoman, long braid suggesting Little River Band, smiled at my well intentioned attempt to smoothly and quietly glide by. And all too soon we found ourselves at the Low Bridge takeout. The organism disassembled, slowly. Our treasures found their way to trash bags. And our kayaks to their vehicular partners. A photo, and then travel back home.
The shirt of the day! From the Barrington HS soccer team
When we find full beer cans, landing net, shoes and sunglasses, we know these items were not discarded willingly.
Thanks to all who shared the adventure: Susan, David, Carrie, Kathleen, Leslie, Mark, Wayne, Lois and John. My special thanks to the last four. And to the spirit of the Pine. It was a perfect day.
John is taking the photo.
Wayne, Jack, Dave, Carrie, Lois, Sue
Leslie, Kathleen, Mark
