Drive to Wellston to canoe on the Little Manistee River. The book said that this is an intermediate river to canoe. The Little Manistee River is fun to try. Pine Creek Resort on R55, just west of Wellston rents canoes and kayaks for both the Manistee and Little Manistee Rivers. The manager explained the vagaries of the stretch of the river from 6 mile bridge to 9 mile bridge. Many have come to challenge the river and have failed. Even experienced canoeists, who have conquered the Pine River at high water levels have succumbed to the Little Manistee river.
The current was pretty reasonable. Even though the river is only about 30 feet wide, there is quite a lot of deadfall, i.e., tree logs and branches fallen across part of the river. Of course, they are not on the same side, but crisscross like a labyrinth . As we paddled down the river, the pace of the current increased along with the deadfall and the amount of curves. After swamping the canoe three times, we cried, "Uncle". Rather than risking life and limb, we gave up the battle and walked out of the river, up the bank and to the truck, which was still two miles downstream. Did we have fun? Yes. We had a blast!
Did I mention the salmon? The Little Manistee River is a spawning bed for Lake Michigan salmon. It was exciting seeing them swimming under the canoe, then jumping in the air and skirting along the banks of the river. These were not small fish either. They were about two feet in length and pretty fat. The canoe provider had mentioned that they sometimes jump in the boat. We now believe him.
We returned our gear: paddles, life jackets, etc to The Pine Creek Livery. No one snickered at us or chastised us for leaving the beached canoe. Other parts of the Little Manistee River are more forgiving, as is the Big Manistee River.
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit www.jmpelley.org.
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