Four days ago we had four to six inches of snow here in southern Wisconsin. Today we had sun and fifty degrees. Just in time for me to check out the section of the Rock River we will be paddling Earth Day, April 22nd. That is spring in Wisconsin! The river is high and Mother Nature has cleaned her of litter so all that is left is to enjoy the paddle and fellowship. It was great to get back on the water. Join us if you can. You can still RSVP this week by email, wildseek@compufort.com. Gene Ott
Great Rivers (IL-WI) Chapter 2nd Annual Earth Day Paddle
- Thread starter Otter
- Start date
Paul Miller
Canoe Nut
Earth Day paddle update
What a day for a paddle.
Weather was warm and windy, to bad the wind was coming at us and not behind us. But the wind also brought the high 70's low 80's temps.
We had eleven boats enter the water with eighteen paddlers, three were wood/canvas, four strippers and one green land kayak. All of these boats were either built or restored by their owners.
The local newspaper announcement attracted five phone calls and brought two kayaks and a stripper canoe with 5 paddles to join our group. A great result when you add that one became a new member and a second may follow suit.
The guest paddler of the stripper mentioned that he began his boat with the help of his father and cut the cherry used for trim and access strips from their own property. Sadly his father died before the canoe was completed. The maiden voyage of this special canoe was on a Father's day. May it remind us all of great times spent with family and canoes.
The event started with coffee, donuts and conversation. Gene passed out the garbage bags and plastic gloves and off we went to paddle the river and hunt of non-indigenous items in and along the river.
Gene also provided us with a topographical map of the river with points of interest and questions to test our observational skills. Of course our youngest paddler Clair Okema won the prize for that event.
Equipped with grabbers, pokers and nets, the group proceeded down river collecting a great assortment of things, most interesting was the duck decoy, canoe paddle, and a soccer ball. You can see the pile of treasure along with the line of canoes pictured at the take out.
Food being an important part of any social event, a late lunch was had at the Jefferson Depot were canoe conversation could be heard from all corners.
Thanks to Gene Ott and all those who help him prepare this event and make it such a pleasant experience. Margaret was unable to join us but thanks also goes to her site selection and preparation.
Happy paddling,
Paul
What a day for a paddle.
Weather was warm and windy, to bad the wind was coming at us and not behind us. But the wind also brought the high 70's low 80's temps.
We had eleven boats enter the water with eighteen paddlers, three were wood/canvas, four strippers and one green land kayak. All of these boats were either built or restored by their owners.
The local newspaper announcement attracted five phone calls and brought two kayaks and a stripper canoe with 5 paddles to join our group. A great result when you add that one became a new member and a second may follow suit.
The guest paddler of the stripper mentioned that he began his boat with the help of his father and cut the cherry used for trim and access strips from their own property. Sadly his father died before the canoe was completed. The maiden voyage of this special canoe was on a Father's day. May it remind us all of great times spent with family and canoes.
The event started with coffee, donuts and conversation. Gene passed out the garbage bags and plastic gloves and off we went to paddle the river and hunt of non-indigenous items in and along the river.
Gene also provided us with a topographical map of the river with points of interest and questions to test our observational skills. Of course our youngest paddler Clair Okema won the prize for that event.
Equipped with grabbers, pokers and nets, the group proceeded down river collecting a great assortment of things, most interesting was the duck decoy, canoe paddle, and a soccer ball. You can see the pile of treasure along with the line of canoes pictured at the take out.
Food being an important part of any social event, a late lunch was had at the Jefferson Depot were canoe conversation could be heard from all corners.
Thanks to Gene Ott and all those who help him prepare this event and make it such a pleasant experience. Margaret was unable to join us but thanks also goes to her site selection and preparation.
Happy paddling,
Paul
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