It was a perfect day for a paddle on the Huron River. The FOWL summer water event attracted a number of members and some neighbors of our generous hosts, Robert and Linda Wheeler. We agreed to paddle up stream even though the current was up following the heavy thunderstorms this week.
Conveniently, the wind was at our backs making for a gentle paddle.
We were stopped by a log jam across the main channel south of the turnpike overpass. Even a portage at this point was impractical. We chose to explore a side channel that looked blocked at first glance. We were able to get around several fallen trees and continue up stream, but not without incident. Alan’s canoe tipped in the narrow channel while climbing a riffle. I tipped my kayak trying to help. Things spilled into the water.
No one was harmed and the water was refreshing. We continued up the main channel where the current was steadily increasing. Progress became a challenge so we stopped and all rafted together for a casual water-powered drift back. Our conversation turned to the ubiquitous damselflies that would fly in tandem across the raft and even perch for a moment within arms reach. We talked in detail about their mating behaviors and anatomy.
Time passed quickly while the current did all the work. We shot back through the narrow channel and meandered back to the serene launch area at the Homer Page farm where we had started several hours earlier.
We snacked on cookies and watermelon that Alan had so thoughtfully prepared. I was shaken when I realized that my binoculars were missing. I assumed that they left my kayak when I fell out. I blamed my carelessness for the foolish loss. After kicking my butt and wallowing in self-loathing all the way home, as I was rinsing the mud out of the kayak I found the binoculars wedged under the seat. Hooray!!! All’s well. As I continued the cleaning I discovered that I had picked up a hitchhiker along the way. In that brief moment when my kayak was turned sideways, a crayfish jumped in and joined the flotilla. So instead of coming back from the river with less than when I stared, I actually came home with more.
Thanks to all who participated. Thanks for the memories.
Labels: damselflies, events, invertebrates, recreation, water
