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Traverse Area Paddle Club

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Trip Reports

Nov 11 Pine, Dobson to Low Bridge

Published on 11/11/2010
WHAT:  The Pine, Dobson to Low
WHO:  Sara, Jocelyn, Angie, Ian, Bob, and Jack  (and the dog, Max)
BOATS:  4 solo canoes and 2 kayaks

They heaved the canoe over the logjam and up the steep sandy bank only to be confronted by impassable thickets.  They paused, regathered themselves for the task ahead as they knew failure was not an option.  The slime oozed to the surface of the congealed mass of sand, root, and moss as they foraged through to the bare glimpse of an opening that gave hope to the continuance of their journey.  And only five more to go!

Well, it coulda happened that way.  But as they say in the reality based world, it didn't.  Despite considerable trepidation over the recent windstorms and expected blockages on the Pine, it was pretty smooth sailing on a beautiful day.  The water was low and the waves were high as we splashed our way through one riffle after another.  Slate ledges appeared that had not been seen before and numerous rocks were dodged (and bumped) but it was really no sweat.

Everybody seemed to know what they were doing and our little caravan of six slinked and slid along together enjoying the high banks and bright sun on a balmy (?) November day.  We stopped at the first sandy bank after Peterson bridge for lunch where oatmeal (the national food of Scotland) was discussed in detail without (mercifully) its colonic consequences. 

After lunch we picked up the pace a bit and blew through the riffles until the water quieted down before the old Stronach damn which is the last bit of rush before take-out.  As we loaded up our gear everyone marveled at the day and Bob wondered if this was the last trip of the year.  Sara summed up the day by saying:  "this was the perfect group."  And we won't know if it's the last trip of the year until next year.

Jack