Trip Reports

June 2 Manistee, Hodenpyl to Red Bridge

Report by Lois, photos by John

It was like "old home week" - just John & me and Sue & Gerald.  We met on a Sierra Club trip in the early 1980s, when we all lived in the Chicago area.  We've been friends ever since then, having been on numerous outings, both close to home and far afield.  So it was really nice to have just the four of us out on a river so close to home that is absolutely gorgeous! 

There were no other paddlers on the Manistee while we were there; we did spot several people fishing.  We also saw quite a few hikers on the trails alongside the shoreline.  There was one bald eagle sighting, plus numerous turtles, Canada geese and other wildlife. 

We were surprised that no other TAPC members registered for this trip; they missed a wonderful time, complete with squirrely currents and bright sunshine.  It was National Trails Day, so we were on the Manistee River Trail - this time on the water.  It was interesting to see the construction of Red Bridge at the end of our journey; note that it will be out of commission all summer long, but it's not a big deal for paddlers, since we can drive between the put-in and takeout via the Marilla Road.

Our lunch spot






This is what the approach to the bridge looks like. Right now you can get under an old section of the old bridge on the right. They were hard at work on Saturday, so expect some noise.