10/2 at 7AM: Forecast looks ok, moving SW out of the area this morning, but be sure to bring your rain gear. I will be at the Vasa Singletrack beforehand, so will check for messages after 11AM. If Marv is willing to provide the shuttle, he can take 5, possibly 6 drivers. We will plan to do the shuttle at 1PM.
Come join me for a few hours on my favorite section of the Boardman!
Hopefully, the tamaracks will have begun to turn golden.
This section of the Boardman River is an easy, shallow, slow, pristine section through the Pere Marquette State Forest, with some downed trees and many twists & turns. It takes an hour to paddle to Scheck's (4 miles), and 1+ hour to Brown Bridge Landing (4+ miles), at a consistent pace. Bring your PFD, paddle, bow/stern line & dry bag with change of clothes. The ex-pond is CHILLY since it is open to the wind from the NW, so be sure to wear appropriate clothes for the conditions! Do NOT leave valuables in your car at the Landing.
If inclement weather (40-degree rain), call my cell before leaving home to make sure it hasn't been cancelled.
DIRECTIONS:
From Hammond Road, take Supply Road approx 7 miles (10-15 minutes) southeast from Traverse City, past Williamsburg Rd, down a winding hill, across the Boardman River. Turn right (west) immediately on Brown Bridge Rd & drive 1/2 mile to the river access. Parking is on the right, under the trees, before The Forks State Forest Campground. There are pit toilets here & at Scheck's Place, which is our halfway point. Coordinates: 44.673198,-85.401235
10/22/10 photo by Jocelyn Trepte