One of the goals and purposes I set in this trip was to meet local paddlers and experience local paddling destinations both on and off the route. With plenty of time to reach Portage by the 29th, I have every reason to take every opportunity to explore local waters that are not necessarily on the route. It was that spirit that had me paddling “the wrong way” on the Fox River last weekend and that had me riding home with Bob (known as Wisconsin Bob to his friends in Florida) last night.

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Two of over a dozen boats in Bob's fleet.
Bob lives in the Waupaca area which is known for its locally famous chain of lakes. This series of small interconnected lakes is a very popular destination for paddlers from all over the area. Unfortunately it’s also very popular with motor boaters as well, thousands of which crowd the waters on nice weekends making it not as pleasant for paddlers as it could be. Because it was mid week we thankfully didn’t have to worry about crowds.

After breakfast we got on the phone to rally some of the local crew to see who was up for a paddle. Mark and Terry were up for the adventure but wouldn’t be able to catch up with us for a few hours so Bob and I decided to do a warm up run on the Crystal River giving the others time to catch up with us. The Crystal is actually a river I had paddled in the past. Actually the distant past it startled me to think it had been over 20 years since my family camped with some friends in Waupaca and floated the river in canoes. Like so many things you see as a child, the river didn’t seem as big as I remembered it. In fact, relative to where I’ve paddled, it was pretty darn tiny. Just the same it was a fun run through pretty stretch of water making for a great way to start the day.

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Bob showing his moves on the placid, shin deep, Crystal River
Once we returned Bobs whitewater boats to their racks we re-armed with Greenland style kayaks and paddles to add a little extra excitement to our adventure on the Chain of Lakes. Waiting for us at the boat ramp at the top of the Chain was Mark and after exploring one of the lakes Terry caught up with us. With only three miles to paddle from one end of the lakes to the other, we took our time exploring the nooks and crannies that we found as well as taking time out to practice a few rolls.

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Like so many great days on the water, we ended this day at a local eatery and enjoyed a sandwich while telling stories about trips past and planning trips for the future.

Previously posted phone update

Jake is out of internet contact once again.  Since he is a little ahead of schedule he decided to take the day to explore the Waupaca Chain of Lakes with new paddling friends.  He hopes to be back on the route tomorrow. 

Also, details for his arrival in Portage have been ironed out (at least for now).  Check out the home page for more information.
 


Comments

Lyn Stachovak

08/21/2010 7:31:38 am

I think you got out of the Waupaca/New London area before all the wind, rain and lightning hit... I don't know if you were out of the storm tho. Hope you weren't hit too bad by it.

Mom

 

Al Benton

08/21/2010 9:23:39 am

You've probably heard this before but others may see it this way:

"Unfortunately, it's also very popular with kayak and canoe paddlers as well, hundreds of which crowd the waters on nice weekends, making it not as pleasant for "motor" boaters as it could be."

Paddling is a great sport and I admire and respect it very much, especially you and your amazing, very successful "project". No disrespect intended, just pointing out an interesting contrast to your comment.

 

Luke Stachovak

08/21/2010 3:42:20 pm

Al,
Really? People in kayaks and canoes make for an unpleasant boating experience?

Please explain how that is?

 

Jake

08/21/2010 7:25:23 pm

I wasn't saying that motor boats are a bad thing just that on weekends paddlers could probably fair better on a different body of water that is less crowded, choppy, noisy, and outright dangerous for paddlers.

 

Al Benton

08/21/2010 11:17:53 pm

Jake, thanks. I know you wouldn't be intentionally negative (except when folks use pepper spray in small towns).

Luke, I love both sports, will be power boating on the Mississippi tomorrow and paddling on the Huzzah next weekend. The reverse of Jake's comment struck a nerve with you much the same as the original did with me. That's it.

 

Mark

08/22/2010 8:14:57 am

I love the Waupaca Chain on weekdays but avoid it on weekends, with my motorboat and my kayak. There are so many great places to paddle that aren't busy.

One nice little benefit of the powerboats is surfing waves with the kayak on the chain. I caught a couple of nice ones Thursday.

 

Luke Stachovak

08/22/2010 9:21:27 am

But Al, you are missing the point. How does a kayak or canoe "bother" a person on a motorboat. Your comment didn't "strike a nerve" with me. I wanted you to explain HOW a kayak can bother a motor boat? Since many kayakers read this blog maybe you could educate individuals as to how they can SHARE the waterways we have.

 

Deborah Wolter

08/22/2010 10:27:58 am

Luke, I am a solo canoeist, mostly sticking around in no-wake lakes and rivers in Michigan, and have never owned a power boat. But knowing that most people do not want to harm others, I can see that small kayaks and canoes are hard to see from a fast powerboat, especially if there is a lot of chop. It scares them to suddenly almost run into one. Plus I've noticed that many actually do want to keep their wakes down so as not to knock over a smaller boat. That's why both of my kids have bright yellow and orange lifejackets and kayaks and we all stick along the shorelines.

 

Al Benton

08/22/2010 11:19:55 am

Mark, we see quite a few wake-boarders doing that on the Mississippi. Last year we saw a kayak catching wakes behind a cruiser, looks like fun.

Luke, I get the point. I really don't think I need to explain (but do have an example). My purpose was to reverse the implication that the original comment suggested. It's word for word except for reversing the types of sport boating ( and has the opposite implication).

Some of the smaller streams and rivers in Southeast Missouri offer great places for kayaks and canoes and it is becoming more popular every year. We're going next weekend. Local residents along these same rivers have been power boating the same waterways long before paddling became so popular. For the most part there's mutual respect between them and paddlers make space for the jet drive outboards to cross wide, shallow shoals when they hear them coming. However, we have witnessed intentional blocking of shoals by paddlers to protest their presence, not allowing the jet drive boats to pass. They must remain "on plane" while crossing these shoals. Paddlers need to respect their need to pass and make way for them rather than blocking them.

 

Al Benton

08/22/2010 9:41:16 pm

Folks, I have a difficult time expressing myself. I didn't present that very well. Let me try one last time, if I may.

Ok, I don't agree with the reversed comment and can't answer Luke's question, except in my example. Luke, answering your question had nothing at all to do with it. I merely wanted Jake (and others) to know how it sounded if it were reversed. It does have some alarming implications both ways. The reverse one may (probably did) raise eye brows for paddlers much the same as the original one got my attention.

Dang, I'm not sorry for posting the comment, I felt that was appropriate to say something, but please accept my apology for not making myself very clear.

I wish I could be at the celebration Sunday but will be enjoying the Huzzah River. I will plan to be in Grafton, IL as you complete the missing leg of the Project later this fall and look forward to meeting you. You have many followers in this area and we'll celebrate all over again upon your arrival at Grafton Harbor.

 



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