Trip Reports

July 11 Jordan River morning

We realized that there were two prerequisites to register for this trip: being born with ovaries and having a first name that has one L and at least two vowels.  Marv was our shuttle bunny once again, serving as the chauffeur for Jocelyn, Linda P, Linda W, Marlene and Lois.

The outing began a little bit later than we had planned, since everyone got stuck in the road construction on M-66 north of Mancelona.  There were flagmen who controlled the traffic, limiting passage to a handful of cars at a time, but we were all in touch via cell phone, so it wasn't a big deal.  We ended up launching at about 10:10, and were off the river by 12:45.

Until we took a short break at Webster, we were the only ones on the Jordan, except for two fly fishermen near the power line.  Though the day was warm (high in the mid 80s), the air was very comfortable while we were paddling downstream.  There were a few twists and turns, but generally it was easier than usual.  It appears that the outfitters have removed several of the obstacles that impeded our passage earlier this season.  We had some maneuvering to do, but nothing that was tricky.

My favorite part of paddling the Jordan in the summertime is the smell of fresh cedar trees.  I just keep wanting to inhale!  Jocelyn found some wildflowers, and we spotted a great blue heron who escorted us for a mile or two.  We noticed a lot of cans sitting on the riverbed, mostly after Old State Road.  Hopefully there will be a bunch of people who will be wielding spears when the Jordan cleanup occurs in a couple of weeks.  Grabber sticks will not really do the trick in such fast current.  Perhaps walking in waders is the best method for getting all those cans up.

We adjourned to the Iron Skillet for lunch and laughs.
Report by Lois
Photos by Jocelyn