Map of Shiawassee River in Fenton and Linden

Click on map to enlarge

River races take place in Holly

By: Anna Troppens, Associate Editor
©Tri-County Times 05/24/2008

Holly - Douglas Lanyk, of Rose Township, doesn't usually get to participate in Headwaters Trails' Holly to Fenton Races and Pleasure Paddle. As a member of the organization, he's helping run the event. This year, Lanyk, who is vice president, was able to take his canoe along the route afterward, cleaning up any trash left behind (there was none) and checking for anyone who hadn't completed the course.

Lanyk's 90-year-old father, Louis Lanyk, (picture) was along for the ride in the same canoe. Louis gave the large canoe to Douglas 25 years ago. Louis taught Douglas how to canoe 41 years ago, Douglas said. His father hadn't been in the canoe for 25 years. "It was nice to get him paddling."

Thirty-eight total canoes and kayaks launched, carrying 47 paddlers. These included the afternoon Pleasure Paddlers. "It was a wonderful day," Douglas said. "You can't beat a day on the water." Participants enjoyed the diverse landscapes along the route and appreciated the trail work and race day support of the volunteers of Headwaters Trails. They spotted animals such as sandhill cranes, blue herons, turtles and muskrat along the way. "Normally, I see lots of critters out on the river," Lanyk said.

Wind was a big factor on the Fenton Millpond, the last mile and a quarter of the course. "It was warmer this year, but much windier," President Sue Julian said.Paddlers struggled against the 30 mph gusts to finish the course. "Nobody really appreciated the big breeze at the end," Lanyk said. Volunteers towed a couple of boats containing children, which were being blown around. But participants were happy. "Everybody I talked to had a big time, and big smiles," he said. "Even the people in the two canoes that tipped over were smiling at the end."

Ice Paddle on Shiawassee River

Hi All;

It was a great day for a paddle. Good weather and good participants. 7
of us set out at 11:40 from Waterworks Park in Holly. Brian, Tom, Mary,
Pete, Scott, Rodney and myself started on the grand adventure. The
River was high, about an inch from flood stage. Lots of waterfowl,
turkeys and herons were on the river. The poor ducks were starting to
nest and not appreciating the traffic 2 feet away. We found several log
jams, and 2 20"diameter trees in last falls tornado zone in the river.
With some good humor and a few groans we managed to portage or hop all
the obstacle. The 3 railroad tubes posed a challenge for 2 of our crew,
or maybe it was they were too hot and wanted a dip to cool off.
Watching kayakers swimming was interesting and unexpected. Aside from a
challenging stretch the river was clear with just a little ice around
the edges. The Fenton millpond was something else. The first half mile
was straight into a brisk wind. The second half Mile was still into the
wind but we were pulling our boats and walking on less than perfect
ice. Just the kind of event to make a good story about the day. To top
it off the first snow flakes were coming down just as we finished.

We'll be having a cleanup in April to get ready for the fun paddle and
race in May.

Good paddling;
Doug.

Ice Breaker Paddle

Hi All;

I'd like to organize a paddle down the Shiawassee From Holly to Fenton,
on Sunday the 16th of March. The river will be very high and the water
quite brisk. The end of the trip may have some Ice on the Fenton Mill
Pond, so we may have a short walk across the ice. I'd like to launch at
11:00 AM from Waterworks Park in Holly. It will be a 3 to 3 1/2 hour
paddle. Just in case I'm bringing a chain saw and other emergency gear.

Headwaters Trails Inc. is putting a down payment on the future public
access point in Oakland County. We have 7 months to raise the next 10K
to buy the property. So I will be doing a sales pitch as we pass the
property. I'll even throw in some goodies donated by concerned
business's.

Give me a shout.
Douglas Lanyk
248-634-4551
dslanyk@earthlink. net


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Canoe Video on Shiawassee

Autumn paddle on the Shiawassee River Oct 22, 2007
- launching from WaterWorks Park in Holly,MI
and traveling 7 miles of numerous twists and turns,
finally taking out at Strom Park in Fenton,MI.

We saw geese, ducks, swans and even a large green Bullfrog.
The video shows how the river quietly meanders about,
being narrow in some sections while widening out in others.
The transitions from forest to marsh and back again show
the diversity in the watershed ecosystem.

Canoeing in Color - Oct.6 - 1:00 pm

Canoeing in Color,
- co-sponsored by North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy
Come out and experience a wonderful fall paddle

Maps : see LINKS section (right hand column of blog)

MAP of Shiawassee River

Date : October 6th

Time : Launch at 1:00 pm in the water (arrive early to set-up)

Launch : WaterWorks Park on Broad Street in Holly, Michigan

Take-Out : Strom Park in Fenton, Michigan

Contact : Sue Julian e-mail ........ mailto:sjulian@provide.net

UPDATED INFO

Bring your own canoe or kayak or
call Heavner Canoes at 248-685-2379 to rent one.

Return trip transportation will be provided free.

For more detailed information
just call Sue at 248-634-3513.
An RSVP is appreciated by phone or e-mail at

Other Trip Reports from Paddling.Net

Shaiwassee RiverReport

Type: Destination Report
Nearest City: Linden, MI
Difficulty: Easy

Description:I put in at the Mill Pond in downtown historic Linden. I paddled east against a slow current. The water is clear and you can see many Bass and Panfish.
Leaving the mill pond you enter the river and can paddle about 2 miles. On this stretch of the river there is abundant fish and shore wildlife. There are very few homes at this time.
Once through the river you enter into Tupper Lake. The river picks up again on the east side of Tupper Lake and in a short distance you will be in Lake Ponehma. The trip back to the landing is enjoyable going with the current. Great after-work paddle or extend all day by exploring Lake Ponehma.
Accommodations:Restaurants and shops in Linden
Fees:None
Directions:US23 North to Silver Lake Rd exit. West on Silver Lake Rd. to downtown Linden. On the North side of main street is the mill pond.

http://www.paddling.net/places/showReport.html?1753

Shaiwassee RiverReport

Type: Day Trip Report
Trip Dates: July 2005

Nearest City: Durand, MI
Difficulty: Easy
Submitted by: Mike Willits

Description:I found a river close to home(45min from Highland Mi.)that reminds me of many rivers up north.Not many houses or people and lots of wild animals(Deer, Beaver, Turkeys, Mink, Ducks, Geese, Turtles, Fish, & on and on). I went on a 4hr trip with Cheff's canoe rental and can't wait to go on their 6hr trip. If you like an almost wilderness experience that's close to the Detroit area then this is it. There's even a campground(Walnut Hills) on the river. The people at Cheff's canoe rental were really nice they even get you into your canoe and started down the river(that's a first). I'm going the end of May 2006 and will update everyone.

Fees:$30 for a 2 hr trip and $1 for parking

Directions:I-69 to the Durand Exit, South on M-71 to Durand rd., South on Durand Rd. to Cole Rd., West on Cole Rd to Reed Rd., South on Reed Rd. to Walnut Hills campground.

Contact : Cheff's Canoe Rental : 1-989-288-7067
Walnut Hills Campground : 866-634-9782 (open 4/15 to 10/15)

http://www.paddling.net/places/showReport.html?1290

Map of Shiawassee River - Holly, Rose, Fenton- Michigan

New link Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail http://www.umflint.edu/resources/pdf/outreach/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf

CLICK on picture to enlarge

http://www.commerce-dda.com/media/od_study/Holly.pdf