Taken from June 2007 edition of Eddy Lines
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGANS CANOE & KAYAK CLUB
Lower Shiawassee River paddle
The day started out cool and comfortable as we loaded two
small recreational kayaks onto the truck for the trip out to
Holly and the annual Shiawassee River Holly to Fenton pleasure
paddle. Since this part of the river is very twisty with
many quick turns and obstacles to navigate, Sharon and I decided
to use short recreational kayaks instead of a canoe.
However, if all goes well, next year we may enter the race
that is run earlier in the day. Once we arrived in Holly and
got out of the truck to register we were amazed at how cold it
had become. While we were driving we naturally didn’t notice
the temperature change but we certainly did as soon as
we got out into the weather. Fortunately we had brought
along extra gear. The short pants and T shirt were quickly
replaced with fleece pants, warm shirt, fleece vest and jacket.
I would have liked to have had my Chota boots used for winter
paddling but did not even think about bringing them in the
morning.
At the registration table we met Nikki who was volunteering
for the event. Since she is recently from California the cold
snap had her wishing for the warmth of California , but she
kept on with her duties with no complaints. During registration
we also noticed Laurie in the staging area getting ready
to launch. After registering and receiving our free beer cup
bailers we unloaded and made our way down to the launch
area and got under way. As is usually the case, once under
way with PFD on and the physical exertion of paddling we
were soon heated up enough to start removing layers. The
river is a fun paddle. There are many technical spots that test
your paddling skills. The river is small and typically shallow
in most parts of this seven mile run, but offers many different
types of water from fast and narrow to the ponds that the beavers
helped construct. Headwater’s Trail did a great job of
marking the river so that you knew exactly where you were
and having spotters staged at all the difficult to navigate areas
such as the low bridges and to help line up boats for going
through the tubes at the railroad bridge. If you haven’t tried
this event before, bring a friend & get in on the fun next year!
Tom Brandau
Friday, June 15, 2007
Upper Shiawassee (N. Davisburg paddle)
Taken from June 2007 Eddy Lines
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGANS CANOE & KAYAK CLUB
Upper Shiawassee north of Davisburg paddle
On a pleasant Saturday morning Sharon and I met Mike Vlaikov to paddle the Upper Shiawassee north of Davisburg from Rattalee Lake Road through Rattalee Lake to the railroad bridge which crosses the river. Only a small culvert flows under the river where the railroad bridge crosses, much too small for any boat to get through, and we decided not to Portage over the railroad tracks. However, the paddle up to this point was just enough for the time we had for paddling that day.
The river had many tight turns at the start and was good practice for Mike in his kayak. In our canoe with steering in both the bow and stern Sharon and I managed to navigate fairly well. It was good practice for all of us.
This is very much a wetlands area and very grassy.
The river winds through the area with a couple of islands and small lakes scattered about. One island in particular not too far from the end of our paddle near the railroad tracks worked well as a landmark. Since it was higher than the surrounding area with some trees growing it stood out well from the grasslands. When paddling
the lakes seemed to suddenly appear from the grasslands and wisting river. We would then paddle to the far end seeking the continuing river that we knew would be there somewhere. Numerous muskrat dens were seen and a couple of muskrat, but no beaver. The water was surprisingly deep in the stream sections considering how narrow it was, and some small fish, probably trout, were seen. The fish were more in the beginning of the river near Rattalee Lake Road .
On our return paddle the trip seemed to go quickly.
We had the wind at our backs and even though we were paddling upstream the trip ended much too quickly. At the takeout there was a very green frog who seemed to like his picture taken and was just
hanging around right where Mike needed to come in to get out of his boat. With a bit of prompting the frog finally moved out of the way so that Mike could come in and pack up his boat and gear for the trip home.
Tom Brandau
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGANS CANOE & KAYAK CLUB
Upper Shiawassee north of Davisburg paddle
On a pleasant Saturday morning Sharon and I met Mike Vlaikov to paddle the Upper Shiawassee north of Davisburg from Rattalee Lake Road through Rattalee Lake to the railroad bridge which crosses the river. Only a small culvert flows under the river where the railroad bridge crosses, much too small for any boat to get through, and we decided not to Portage over the railroad tracks. However, the paddle up to this point was just enough for the time we had for paddling that day.
The river had many tight turns at the start and was good practice for Mike in his kayak. In our canoe with steering in both the bow and stern Sharon and I managed to navigate fairly well. It was good practice for all of us.
This is very much a wetlands area and very grassy.
The river winds through the area with a couple of islands and small lakes scattered about. One island in particular not too far from the end of our paddle near the railroad tracks worked well as a landmark. Since it was higher than the surrounding area with some trees growing it stood out well from the grasslands. When paddling
the lakes seemed to suddenly appear from the grasslands and wisting river. We would then paddle to the far end seeking the continuing river that we knew would be there somewhere. Numerous muskrat dens were seen and a couple of muskrat, but no beaver. The water was surprisingly deep in the stream sections considering how narrow it was, and some small fish, probably trout, were seen. The fish were more in the beginning of the river near Rattalee Lake Road .
On our return paddle the trip seemed to go quickly.
We had the wind at our backs and even though we were paddling upstream the trip ended much too quickly. At the takeout there was a very green frog who seemed to like his picture taken and was just
hanging around right where Mike needed to come in to get out of his boat. With a bit of prompting the frog finally moved out of the way so that Mike could come in and pack up his boat and gear for the trip home.
Tom Brandau
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Flint Journal - Shiawassee River Article
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Thursday, June 07, 2007
By Elizabeth Shaw
HOLLY TWP. - Well, it's official: I would never, ever have won the Holly to Fenton Canoe Race.
Two weeks after the third annual event on the Shiawassee River Water Heritage Trail, a group of us decided to explore the route.
It took the four of us three hours to paddle our kayaks along the seven miles from WaterWorks Park in Holly to Strom Park in Fenton - a far cry from the hour-and-a-half pace set by competitors during the May 20 race.
That's OK by me. My advice is to take even longer if you can. The view is worth the leisurely float.
The well-maintained waterway is a pleasure to paddle, fairly easy for beginners with its shallow, slow-moving water that's mostly clear of deadfall and other obstacles.
But there also are enough twists and turns to keep more experienced paddlers occupied, winding through an ever-changing panorama of backyard gardens, open marshlands and lushly shaded woods.
This year the upstream end has seen huge improvements, thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and REI Inc. of Troy.
Paddlers now start the route at WaterWorks Park by carrying their boats from the gravel parking lot across the new wooden Charles Harding Mott II Footbridge and down a groomed path to the easy canoe launch site.
I've been on stretches of the Shiawassee and Flint rivers where private landowners have refused to let volunteers clear fallen trees back to the shore, apparently in an effort to discourage paddling traffic.
Not so here, where friendly riverside residents seem to welcome the chance to smile and wave.
"Stay to the left going through the tunnel. The other side is all rocks," a homeowner warned as we drifted past his fence toward the metal culverts under Legrand Street, the first road crossing as the river heads north and west.
Further on through the village, another couple waved down at us from their backyard deck.
"The current picks up a little toward Fenton. It's not bad, but you wouldn't want to try paddling back upstream," the woman called out.
We were lucky enough to reach the railroad bridge just in time to meet a freight train roaring overhead.
"Hurry up! We're going to miss it!" my son Nate shouted, paddling furiously to reach the culverts. Just as he reached the bridge, the current caught and held his kayak as he tried to point it through the middle culvert. He was still turning his bow into the tunnel when my own kayak swept in and struck him broadside. Our laughter echoed off the sides of the metal tube as we glided through beneath the thundering train.
Some of the best things weren't on the map at all, such as a beaver dam completely blocking the river near the halfway point. Not exactly white water, but a fun challenge nonetheless. One at a time, we pushed out and over the top of it like a slide made of sticks, our kayaks neatly dropping down to the water about two feet below. (Not to worry: There's also a portage ladder for those who'd rather get out and haul their boats across.)
In a wide flooded marsh, a pair of swans stood guard over their cygnets as we slowly glided past.
It wasn't even hard to keep our weary shoulders working through the wide, weed-choked millpond at the end. All it took was the thought of iced tea and sandwiches awaiting us at the French Laundry just a few short blocks walk away.
Maybe somewhere else it's easy to take days like this for granted. But around here, it's only through the vision and hard work of individual volunteers that our waterways are slowly opening up into the recreational assets they deserve to be.
In this case, the ones to thank are the volunteers and donors of Headwaters Trails, Inc., a nonprofit group dedicated to the construction of a complete land and water trail network in northwest Oakland County's headwaters region.
The group recently received $25,000 from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network to create interpretive signage, pointing out natural and cultural history as well as mileage and directions.
Right now, they're trying to raise $20,000 to buy a one-acre parcel on Fish Lake Road to build a mid-point canoe landing.
The much-needed landing will help keep paddlers off private land - right now there's nowhere to legally stop for a rest break - and offer a shorter option for those who don't have the time or energy for the entire seven-mile stretch.
The Riverducks also are always seeking volunteers to help keep the route clear of obstructions
Headwaters Trails Inc. meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the Holly village chambers, 315 S. Broad Street, Holly.
The Riverducks volunteer to help clear obstructions from the river several times during each season.
Donations are now being accepted for a new canoe landing at Fish Lake Road.
To volunteer, join or donate, visit www.headwaterstrailsinc.org or call (248) 634-3513.
Want to paddle?
Join the Fenton Area Paddlers for a Sunday float at 2 p.m. at the west end of Holly Mill Pond at Holly WaterWorks Park, on Broad Street north of Rose Street. Details: jmclark473@comcast.net.
Water wonders
First-place winners of the third annual Holly to Fenton Canoe Race were:
Expert Class: 1:20, Martin Spees of Flint and Jimmy Spaulding of Grand Blanc
Novice/Youth Class: 1:21, Tim and Kurt Marth of Holly
Kayak/Single-person canoe: 1:15:31, Ken Foss of Holly
Pleasure paddle: 1:51, Bruce Lowe, Ben Lowe and Ben Curtis of Holly
Thursday, June 07, 2007
By Elizabeth Shaw
HOLLY TWP. - Well, it's official: I would never, ever have won the Holly to Fenton Canoe Race.
Two weeks after the third annual event on the Shiawassee River Water Heritage Trail, a group of us decided to explore the route.
It took the four of us three hours to paddle our kayaks along the seven miles from WaterWorks Park in Holly to Strom Park in Fenton - a far cry from the hour-and-a-half pace set by competitors during the May 20 race.
That's OK by me. My advice is to take even longer if you can. The view is worth the leisurely float.
The well-maintained waterway is a pleasure to paddle, fairly easy for beginners with its shallow, slow-moving water that's mostly clear of deadfall and other obstacles.
But there also are enough twists and turns to keep more experienced paddlers occupied, winding through an ever-changing panorama of backyard gardens, open marshlands and lushly shaded woods.
This year the upstream end has seen huge improvements, thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and REI Inc. of Troy.
Paddlers now start the route at WaterWorks Park by carrying their boats from the gravel parking lot across the new wooden Charles Harding Mott II Footbridge and down a groomed path to the easy canoe launch site.
I've been on stretches of the Shiawassee and Flint rivers where private landowners have refused to let volunteers clear fallen trees back to the shore, apparently in an effort to discourage paddling traffic.
Not so here, where friendly riverside residents seem to welcome the chance to smile and wave.
"Stay to the left going through the tunnel. The other side is all rocks," a homeowner warned as we drifted past his fence toward the metal culverts under Legrand Street, the first road crossing as the river heads north and west.
Further on through the village, another couple waved down at us from their backyard deck.
"The current picks up a little toward Fenton. It's not bad, but you wouldn't want to try paddling back upstream," the woman called out.
We were lucky enough to reach the railroad bridge just in time to meet a freight train roaring overhead.
"Hurry up! We're going to miss it!" my son Nate shouted, paddling furiously to reach the culverts. Just as he reached the bridge, the current caught and held his kayak as he tried to point it through the middle culvert. He was still turning his bow into the tunnel when my own kayak swept in and struck him broadside. Our laughter echoed off the sides of the metal tube as we glided through beneath the thundering train.
Some of the best things weren't on the map at all, such as a beaver dam completely blocking the river near the halfway point. Not exactly white water, but a fun challenge nonetheless. One at a time, we pushed out and over the top of it like a slide made of sticks, our kayaks neatly dropping down to the water about two feet below. (Not to worry: There's also a portage ladder for those who'd rather get out and haul their boats across.)
In a wide flooded marsh, a pair of swans stood guard over their cygnets as we slowly glided past.
It wasn't even hard to keep our weary shoulders working through the wide, weed-choked millpond at the end. All it took was the thought of iced tea and sandwiches awaiting us at the French Laundry just a few short blocks walk away.
Maybe somewhere else it's easy to take days like this for granted. But around here, it's only through the vision and hard work of individual volunteers that our waterways are slowly opening up into the recreational assets they deserve to be.
In this case, the ones to thank are the volunteers and donors of Headwaters Trails, Inc., a nonprofit group dedicated to the construction of a complete land and water trail network in northwest Oakland County's headwaters region.
The group recently received $25,000 from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network to create interpretive signage, pointing out natural and cultural history as well as mileage and directions.
Right now, they're trying to raise $20,000 to buy a one-acre parcel on Fish Lake Road to build a mid-point canoe landing.
The much-needed landing will help keep paddlers off private land - right now there's nowhere to legally stop for a rest break - and offer a shorter option for those who don't have the time or energy for the entire seven-mile stretch.
The Riverducks also are always seeking volunteers to help keep the route clear of obstructions
Headwaters Trails Inc. meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the Holly village chambers, 315 S. Broad Street, Holly.
The Riverducks volunteer to help clear obstructions from the river several times during each season.
Donations are now being accepted for a new canoe landing at Fish Lake Road.
To volunteer, join or donate, visit www.headwaterstrailsinc.org or call (248) 634-3513.
Want to paddle?
Join the Fenton Area Paddlers for a Sunday float at 2 p.m. at the west end of Holly Mill Pond at Holly WaterWorks Park, on Broad Street north of Rose Street. Details: jmclark473@comcast.net.
Water wonders
First-place winners of the third annual Holly to Fenton Canoe Race were:
Expert Class: 1:20, Martin Spees of Flint and Jimmy Spaulding of Grand Blanc
Novice/Youth Class: 1:21, Tim and Kurt Marth of Holly
Kayak/Single-person canoe: 1:15:31, Ken Foss of Holly
Pleasure paddle: 1:51, Bruce Lowe, Ben Lowe and Ben Curtis of Holly
Friday, May 25, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Take-Out in Fenton = Strom Park
Strom Park at 299 South East Street, near the East Street Bridge.
Heavners Canoe will have a van and trailer to shuttle boats back
to the starting point at WaterWorks Park on Broad Street in Holly.
A dam is located on the other side of the bridge.
DO NOT paddle over the dam, the police station is only 100 ft away !
Heavners Canoe will have a van and trailer to shuttle boats back
to the starting point at WaterWorks Park on Broad Street in Holly.
A dam is located on the other side of the bridge.
DO NOT paddle over the dam, the police station is only 100 ft away !
Friday, April 27, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
MAPS - Race May 20, 2007
- WaterWorks Park - 602 South Broad St, Holly, MI 48442-1674
It's on Broad Street aka (Milford Road) in Holly
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
Entry form
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/RiverRaceregistrationform2007.PDF
It's on Broad Street aka (Milford Road) in Holly
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
Entry form
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/RiverRaceregistrationform2007.PDF
Monday, April 09, 2007
Registration for 2007 Race / Leisure Paddle
Advance registration is preferred for the May 20, 2007 Paddle
Entry Forms are available at :
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/RiverRaceregistrationform2007.PDF
Onsite Registration begins at 10:00 am on May 20, 2007
Waterworks Park in Holly, Michigan
Entry Forms are available at :
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/RiverRaceregistrationform2007.PDF
Onsite Registration begins at 10:00 am on May 20, 2007
Waterworks Park in Holly, Michigan
Thursday, March 29, 2007
May 20 - Leisure Paddle and Race
Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Event
a.) Leisure paddlers and families welcome
b.) Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Rental
who will be onsite that day with plenty of canoes for all that want to paddle
Maps
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
a.) Leisure paddlers and families welcome
b.) Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Rental
who will be onsite that day with plenty of canoes for all that want to paddle
Maps
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
Friday, January 19, 2007
Paddle Event - May 20, 2007
This years 7 mile race and leisure paddle
on the Shiawassee River will take place
on Sunday May 20, 2007 .
Starting Point - WaterWorks Park in Holly
TakeOut Point - Strom Park in Fenton, MI
New for 2007 :
A bridge and canoe/kayak launch
For detailed maps, pics and video
scroll down or check the archives.
on the Shiawassee River will take place
on Sunday May 20, 2007 .
Starting Point - WaterWorks Park in Holly
TakeOut Point - Strom Park in Fenton, MI
New for 2007 :
A bridge and canoe/kayak launch
For detailed maps, pics and video
scroll down or check the archives.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Paddle on Shiawassee -- Jan 4, 2007
On Thursday morning Doug Lanyk and I decided to paddle the 7 miles from Holly to Fenton along the Shiawassee River. The weather was a mix of clouds and sun with a little wind mixed in.
Upon arrival at the put in next to WaterWorks Park in Holly we ran into 2 other kayakers ready to go. They had already staged their shuttle vehicle at Strom Park in Fenton.
The bridge construction is underway and hopefully will be completed in time for the 2007 race. The bridge will be a huge help allowing people to easily launch canoes and kayaks from a little peninsula in the river.
The Shiawassee has a large amount of marsh and wetlands that act as a sponge, moderating fluctuations in water levels. The beaver dams add another interesting component as the river finds new ways of winding between the trees.
The full 7 miles of river is open and easily navigated with the exception of a few spots where a tree or two had fallen. We didn't have to portage at all on Thursday. A wonderfull day on the river.
A late lunch at the French Laundry in Fenton was washed down with a few beers from their amazing selection of brews.
Headwaters Trails is ramping up to promote and host Roz Savage in her one and ONLY stop in Michigan for a speaking engagement Saturday March 24, 2007 .
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/Rozflyer.PDF
http://rozsavage.com
Upon arrival at the put in next to WaterWorks Park in Holly we ran into 2 other kayakers ready to go. They had already staged their shuttle vehicle at Strom Park in Fenton.
The bridge construction is underway and hopefully will be completed in time for the 2007 race. The bridge will be a huge help allowing people to easily launch canoes and kayaks from a little peninsula in the river.
The Shiawassee has a large amount of marsh and wetlands that act as a sponge, moderating fluctuations in water levels. The beaver dams add another interesting component as the river finds new ways of winding between the trees.
The full 7 miles of river is open and easily navigated with the exception of a few spots where a tree or two had fallen. We didn't have to portage at all on Thursday. A wonderfull day on the river.
A late lunch at the French Laundry in Fenton was washed down with a few beers from their amazing selection of brews.
Headwaters Trails is ramping up to promote and host Roz Savage in her one and ONLY stop in Michigan for a speaking engagement Saturday March 24, 2007 .
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/Rozflyer.PDF
http://rozsavage.com
Bridge Waterworks Park --Jan 4, 2007
Please click on image for larger picture
Expected to be completed in time for the 2007 race !!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Shiawassee River Put-In and Take-Out
Launch site at Waterworks Park in Holly and Take Out at Strom Park 7 miles downstream in Fenton
Please click on map for larger image and more detail
Please click on map for larger image and more detail
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Shiawassee River Race May 21
All the plans are in place.
Registration starts at 10am.
Let's go paddle and have some fun.
Registration starts at 10am.
Let's go paddle and have some fun.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Building Canoe Ladder over Beaver Dam
Doug Lanyk helping out with massive canoe and tools
to help construct the canoe ladder over the beaver dam.
to help construct the canoe ladder over the beaver dam.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
River free from obstructions
I paddled the 7 miles from Holly to Fenton on Sunday April 30 and never had to portage once. Doug Lanyk and others from HeadWatersTrails did an awesome job chainsawing fallen trees and removing obstructions in the river. During the trip I took about 70 pics and 10 short videos using my waterproof digital Pentax Optio Wpi. The pics and video will enable the DNR to see how the work was done i.e. preserving fish habitat, preserving vegetation, preserving beaver dams, etc. As soon as I figure out how to post very large video files, I'll provide a link for viewing.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Shiawassee River Paddle Event
MAY 21, 2006
Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Event
a.) Leisure paddlers and families welcome
b.) Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Rental onsite that day.
Maps
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
Registration on site will begin at 10am
but advance registration at a reduced entry fee is preferred.
Hosted by Head Waters Trails Inc.
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/whats_new.htm
Holly to Fenton Canoe/Kayak Event
a.) Leisure paddlers and families welcome
b.) Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Rental onsite that day.
Maps
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/ShiawasseeRiverMap.jpg
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/images/SE_Michigan_Inset_Map.jpg
Registration on site will begin at 10am
but advance registration at a reduced entry fee is preferred.
Hosted by Head Waters Trails Inc.
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/whats_new.htm
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