9-28 to 9-30-2018 Michigan Paddlers Rendezvous

It's been several years since we were last able to go to the Michigan Paddlers Rendezvous, so we were happy to attend this year.  It's four days of camping and canoeing/kayaking some beautiful, fast-flowing rivers in the forests of northern Michigan, and usually the leaves are nearing their fall glory.  Paddling groups come together from all over Michigan and Indiana.  This year we didn't make the first day of paddling, the leaves had only just started turning colors, and it was cold (highs in the 40s, lows in the 30s) and somewhat rainy.  We still  had a lot of fun, though.

Friday Trip:

The Friday trip with our Indiana friends started at Dobson Bridge on the Pine River.

This guy (Stockpot) wasn't going to be left behind.

The lady standing gave up her boat this day so the dog could ride instead of swimming in the (cold) water. Of course, the
dog ended up swimming anyway.

Cara was bundled up with multiple layers, raincoat, waterproof pants, and rubber boots.
It may not have been pretty, but she was warm.

Lunch break at Peterson Bridge access point.

Saturday Trip:

Cara's shoulder wasn't up to paddling on Saturday, but Eric joined the trip of another group of friends from Michigan, and
the sun actually came out for the start of their trip.

This is a little play spot upstream of the putin

The Group is getting ready....These paddlers are from a Michigan paddling group called the Wolfpack

There is a really easy access and we were camped just a couple of miles downstream, so the shuttle is easy

Believe it or not this guy hit a log and it put a hole in his boat?  It was some kind of hard plastic that must have been pretty brittle.

The take-out at Low Bridge access point.

Saturday evening was the always enjoyable pitch-in dinner. 

The campfire ring and drink sharing/tasting table.