Traverse Area Paddle Club

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Trip Reports

May 13 South Branch of the AuSable

Published on 5/13/2018

Since it was still spring, we planned a trip on a beautiful and easy stream, the South Branch of the AuSable through the Mason Tract. Lois and I arrived at 10:05 for a 10:30 trip, and we were not only the last to arrive, but everyone else had already unloaded and packed their boats. The prompt crew consisted of Harold and Pam Lassers, Mike and Betty Gardiner, Marlene Puska, Jocelyn Trepte, and John Heiam and Lois Goldstein. The river was about three feet above normal for this time of year. The branches from many trees hung down near river level, so every bend brought new challenges. One of our members got swept into the trees at a tricky S bend, and capsized. With a little assistance, he was able to rescue his canoe, dump the water out, and go into his dry bag to get enough dry clothes to finish the trip. Even with a leisurely lunch and the rescue, we still finished the paddle in only four hours. The air temperature was almost perfect for paddling - bright sun and about 65 degrees with little wind. It was a little nippy for swimming, however.
All photos courtesy of Jocelyn, since we were busy in the tandem canoe. Thanks Jocelyn!
P.S. Pam brought us a carnation for the front of our canoe in honor of our 40th anniversary.
Trip report by John Heiam
Photos by Jocelyn

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