Kayaking in Michigan by Elwyn Draper

Michigan is the fifth state in which I have resided. I met my wife here
thirty-two years ago and settled down in West Michigan. As the children came
along, we enjoyed taking them to the beaches of Lake Michigan. As they grew
older, we began camping at many of the marvelous state parks in Michigan and
across the country. While they were in high school and college, our
activities revolved more around our motor boat behind which we water-skied
or tubed in a variety of Michigan’s magnificent lakes.But now that the kids are grown, my wife and I have discovered yet another
wonder of Michigan – its rivers! After water-water rafting in Idaho and West
Virginia, we tried tubing, canoing, and finally kayaking down some of this
state’s rivers. Three years ago we bought our own kayaks and absolutely
revel in the joy of paddling.

The Rogue and Flat Rivers offer some decent paddling opportunities, and
their proximity to our home is a plus. But to really enjoy nature, one has
to go north. We have paddled down the well-known rivers, like the Pine and
Au Sable, but we have recently found a little-used river in the middle of
the state.

Paddling down a river on a warm, sunny day is a delight that few have
experienced. Putting our boats into the water and floating through quiet
forests, we have seen deer at the water’s edge, spotted a bald eagle soaring
overhead, watched the great blue herons as they keep a safe distance in
front of us. Woodchucks hustle into their shoreline homes, and we’ve even
spotted a beaver dam.

Looking down into the clear water, we often see schools of fish darting out
of our way or lurking in a hole in the river bed. Mallard ducks,
kingfishers, turtles, and all sorts of other wildlife are seen in their
natural habitat. We thank God that He has allowed us a peek into His great
creation.

Then come the rapids and the occasional small waterfall. Our excitement
builds as we maneuver around the larger rocks and splash through the white
water. The exercise is good for us, the views of nature are amazing, and the
adrenaline rush of kayaking through some exciting water is marvelous. No, it’s
not the same as rafting down the Snake River or through the Grand Canyon,
but it’s all right here in our backyard. And we can go do it all again on
just about any summer weekend. And best of all, it’s free!

That’s why we enjoy living in west Michigan.