3rd Annual Chippewa River Float

It was off to the water this weekend for the 3rd annual Chippewa River float in Mt. Pleasant. Doke and I got our rowing in this weekend for sure. Both of us had Friday off so we floated on the Cedar River near Gladwin before meeting Mike on Saturday. We were expecting a casual, fishing float but the Cedar was an extremely large female dog. There was no let up on that river. It had a decent current, many rocks, many turns, and down trees crossing the entire river (see picture below). We had to do quite a bit of limbo dancing out there. One tree, however, took us down. That is such a crappy feeling of knowing you are going down and can't do a darn thing about it. We did plastic bag the vitals pretty well and didn't lose anything so besides a wet ass the rest of the ride, all was well. By the time the float was done, I was feeling it pretty well. That river doesn't give you much time for lollygagging.

Compared to Friday's float, Saturday on the Chippewa River was a cake walk. We did the kayak angle this year with the odd number in our party. They worked out great with just enough room available for our soda pop coolers. With the Central Michigan football team playing a home game that day, there wasn't a soul out on the river except us. Our 3 1/2 hour float became closer to five when it was all said and done but with the ideal weather, there weren't any complaints. Greg again was top fisherman. Besides one decent one he had though, there wasn't much on size out there.

A great time with some good people.

Trail Head

Ooh Wah, Chip Ooh Wah!

Well, I knew something weird was going to happen when the minute we crossed into Ingham county, the blue skies turned into a gray, thick fog. The fog eventually lifted, however, the Sparties sure seemed to still be in it during the game as the Chips and their faithful following took the victory. It was a classic Spartan loss and I'm sure George Perles was in the press box with a tear in his eye. It was just how he would have blown the game. I thought all Spartan fans were good, honest patrons until what Mark and I witnessed at our seats. I have never heard so much crying about this and that from others around us. This one guy I thought was going to need the defibrillator he had so many brain veins shooting out during one of his rants. Wow.

All was not lost though as it gave us football freaks a chance to get together and enjoy some pre and post game tailgate festivities. The Chips not only won on the field, they took home the prize for most original method to drink jungle juice (see pictures below). Kudos to Greg for keeping the CMU faith, even before the game as he was the lone Chippewa in a pack of Sparties. He had the last laugh I guess. It looks like we are back to hoping for a visit to the Liberty or Little Caesars Bowl here in East Lansing. I'm sure they are still sipping the victory cup on University Drive in Mt. Pleasant this morning as the couch ashes slowly burn down. Congratulations to the Chips. Ooh wah, chip ooh wah!

Trail Head

Happy Labor (Labour for our Canadian friends) Day Weekend

A beautiful sunset and a fierce looking moon was the setting tonight at Brighton Recreation Area. The pictured lake is Bishop Lake within the park. While I would normally take some action shots from the trail, the hobbit-like forest that runs about three miles within the trail was too enjoyable to stop for pictures.

The post ride was spent in the Sandhill Shelter looking off on the lake towards the west and a full moon to the east. Nice. To top it off, local resident Mark cooked us up some enjoyable Italian sausage. VERY SPICY!!!! But quite delicious.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Trail Head