June 14 Jordan River
Emma Baird | Published on 6/14/2022
Report by Emma, a rising junior at the U of M
Today’s trip on the Jordan began famously on “Lois Time,” with nearly everyone arriving at the brunch location with at least fifteen minutes to spare. To anyone who hasn’t yet made it to Shirley’s Cafe in Mancelona: they are best known for their breads, try the cranberry walnut! After fueling up on good food and conversation, our crew headed over to the Jordan River. We geared up and Marv, who had also joined us for brunch, kindly helped shuttle our drivers back from the take-out point.
By the time everyone was ready to launch, it was a glorious 85 degrees out and a perfect day to paddle the notoriously brisk Jordan. There were no hiccups with our launch, though Lois did radio back to clarify that “everyone’s in the water” meant everyone was in a boat, too! Deena and Betty speedily led the group, and they were clearly far enough ahead when a pair of Merganser ducks intermittently began to escort us down the river as well.
It wasn’t long before the river clean-up rockstars of today’s casual paddle group (AKA Jocelyn and Marlene) began collecting trash. Of course, the more difficult pieces were left in an attempt to keep it interesting for the clean-up crew in a few weeks. We only saw two other paddling groups and a single fisherman, which meant the majority of our trip was filled with the ambient sounds of birds calling from the surrounding woods, water babbling around woody obstructions and sharp turns, and our own group members sharing stories of past adventures.
Today’s most notable maneuver was performed by Lois when, after getting stuck against a log perpendicular to the water’s flow, successfully paddled backwards through a narrow pass. Despite Bob’s warning that today’s question might be of when, rather than if, someone capsized, we all made it safely to the take-out point. Continuing to impress, the men in our group (Mike Gardiner, Mike Rodenberg, Harold, and Bob) acted as true “stallions,” able to lift entire canoes above their heads while loading for departure. As always, it was a great day on the river, with even better people!
Photos by Jocelyn
Deena at the launch area
Bob M in his snazzy new solo canoe
Dead deer carcass
