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Traverse Area Paddle Club

Remember: all TAPC outings are listed on our event calendar and are color coded using this scheme:

 

Small Inland Lakes   

Great Lakes   

Easy Rivers 

Intermediate Rivers  

Difficult Rivers 
Clean-up Trips 

Out-of-town Trips 

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Trip Reports

August 27 Little Manistee from Driftwood Valley to Nine Mile

Published on 8/27/2015

Seven of us paddled from just upstream of the Driftwood Valley Campground to Nine Mile Bridge on the Little Manistee. Because there were so few of us, we used a roadside pull-off to launch the kayaks which was much easier than carrying them down the stairs at Driftwood Valley. The flotilla included John Heiam and Lois Goldstein (leaders), Marlene Puska, John Gerty, Linnaea Melcarek, and Gerald and Susan Wilgus. The weather could not have been better with temperatures in the high 60’s and lower 70’s, a slight breeze, and bright sun. The river was running clear and the banks were filled with wildflowers – see photos.

 

This stretch of river has moderate current, but there are many obstacles to avoid, so you have to pay close attention to your paddling. No one had any problems making their way down the river, so it was a very relaxing day. In my opinion we are now starting the best paddling of the year- no bugs, low humidity, and beautiful vegetation. Get out and enjoy our rivers!

Report and photos by John Heiam
Lois and Gerry
  
 
John Gerty
  
 
Susan
  
 
Linnaea followed by Gerry 
 
  
Cardinal Flower
 
  
Jewel Weed
  
 
Great Blue Lobelia
  
 
Jack in the Pulpit
  
 
The hummingbirds loved the purple loose strife
 
 
Thistle that was over 7 feet tall