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Trip Report - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/Sault Ste. Marie

  • September 09, 2019 4:17 PM
    Message # 7872078
    Deleted user

    Trip Report Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
    August 11 – 17th, 2020
    Trip Sponsors: Julie Sinclair/ Jim Sprandel

    Report filed by Julie Sinclair

    Adventure Team: Nate Strong, Kevin Dogan, Suzy McCain, Karen Kyle, Julie Sinclair, Duane Garloch, Jim Sprandel, Dave Ellis, Mariann Davis, Theresa Kulczak, Martha Gitt, Linda Decker and Jim Heichelbach


    Trip Overview: The HCKC Sea Kayak fleet traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising. There are 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, 15 miles of towering sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, lighthouses, lakes, streams and forest trails. Weather conditions were excellent during our stay. We camped at Bay Furnace Campground, which is part of the Hiawatha National Forest.

    Trip Highlights:

    Day 1 – (Map) We launched from Miners Beach and paddled to Chapel Beach and back. Highlights of the day included viewing the mineral stained sandstone cliffs along the shoreline and viewing the famous Chapel Rock. Oh yeah, we missed the cliff collapse that occurred here the day after we paddled by.

    Day 2 – (Map)  We launched from Sand Point Beach to Murray Bay. Highlights included paddling to the East Channel Lighthouse and around to Murray Bay. Highlights included paddling over the shipwreck of the Bermuda, a 150-foot wooden schooner.

    Day 3 – (Map) We launched from Presque Isle Park in Marquette and explored the shoreline of Middle Bay. Highlights include the black rocks, various coves and sea caves.

    Day 4 – (Map) We launched from Bay Furnace Campground and paddled to the West side of Grand Island. Mariann built her famous rock and driftwood man on the beach.  

    Day 5 – (Map) We launched from Little Beaver Lake to Spray Falls. Highlights included tranquil lake paddling and some creek stomping down to Lake Superior. Some were brave to paddle into the larger water falls. Martha Gitt got some great photos of the group from high above.

    Day 6 -  Launched from Au Train Bay Roadside Park to Au Train Point. Highlights of this trip was the split in the group with some paddling is small sea caves (Map) and others traveling up the Au Train river.

    Additional Picture Links:

    Last modified: September 13, 2019 4:31 PM | Deleted user
  • September 13, 2019 4:38 PM
    Reply # 7879997 on 7872078
    Deleted user

    Report filed by Linda Decker.

    Sault Ste. Marie Report --
    Trip Sponsor:   Angela Hensley
    Submitted by: Linda Decker

    Sault Ste. Marie August 17-20

    This 4-day trip was an optional add-on to the Pictured Rocks trip the prior week. Seven paddlers participated. The sponsor/lead was Angela Hensley, a club member that lives in Sault Ste. Marie

    Paddling Day 1: St. Mary’s River

    We crossed the St Mary’s River and entered the Canadian Locks, which dropped us 21 feet before the gates opened. We were challenged in our crossing back to the US side by the 7 kt current in the river as well as, building winds throughout the day. Freighter traffic in the shipping channel was an additional consideration.


    Paddling Day 2: Gros Cap Canada

    The group crossed the International Bridge into Canada and launched at Gros Cap Marina which is a facility on the Lake Superior Water Trail. As we paddled West, we had 2 1/2’ waves and considerable wind. The conditions improved in the afternoon and we paddled further up the coast. 


    Paddling Day 3: Les Cheneaux to Narnia Lake Huron

    This area is known for dolomite mining. The unique shoreline is Cedar Pine Forest and rock gardens formed by huge dolomite boulders.  The highlight of the day was when we entered a small hidden cove and landed in a wooded area the locals call “Narnia.”  We explored the enchanting forest that had large boulders covered with thick moss, gnarled exposed tree roots, wildflowers and thick ferns. On the return trip we circumnavigated an island and played along the shore in the rock gardens.


    Area Side Trips That Some of the Group Made Included:

    The Iroquois Light House, Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Shipwreck Museum, Tahquamenon Falls and the Overlook of the St Mary’s River


    Last modified: October 23, 2019 11:37 AM | Deleted user
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