If interested in a carpool from TC, I can meet others at 8AM at Chums Corner Ace Hardware, 8:15-8:20 at E Bay Roadside Park (across from Bayview Inn at 5-Mile Rd), or 8:40-8:45 at the Rapid City turn-off on M-72. Let me know where to meet you, if interested. Henry will be paddling only, so could bring someone back to RC turnoff mid-afternoon.
Here are the tentative timetables for the paddle & hike, so come for either one, or both.
I would be delighted to share my tandem canoe (sorry, lost seat so waiting for repair), if anyone is interested.
9:30 Meet at Smith Bridge river access on M-72, 15 miles east of Grayling. We will leave a car there to store paddles & river gear, and to shuttle across M-72 to Mason Tract trailhead, after our paddle. If any are doing the paddle only, we will leave a car there. All other cars will drive to Chase Bridge.
10:00 Unload boats & gear at Chase Bridge for all-day, 20 mile adventure , including PFD, lunch, dry bag (daypack) with appropriate clothing for weather, padlock, snacks, water & hiking boots.
10AM-1:30 PM Paddle 10 miles in approx 2 1/2 hrs on the famed South Branch of the AuSable River, back to Smith Bridge on M-72, with short lunch stop. This is an easy paddle with slow current but could have some logjams.
OPTIONAL HIKE BACK:
1:30 PM Lock up boats, store gear & paddles, shuttle over M-72 to trailhead.
2-5:30 PM Hike 11 miles in approx 3 hrs along the Mason Tract Pathway back to Chase Bridge, with snack break, overlooking the famous South Branch of the AuSable River. The trail is mostly flat, so is an easy hike with gorgeous river views.
5:30-6PM Drive back to Smith Bridge & load up boats & gear. Afterwards, we could meet in Grayling for dinner.
NOTE: If cold & rainy, trip could be cancelled. So, if uncertain, call my cell at (231) 620-3543. I may not have cell service after I drive through Grayling in the morning.