Rollin’ on the River

This week I did something new – took my first canoe trip down the Au Sable River, near Grayling, Michigan.

The day had a less than auspicious beginning, looking a tad gloomier than we had planned. This set our departure time back a bit.

But, with picnic in tow, we headed to the canoe livery. As we were leaving the parked car, I realized that my diamond necklace – which hasn’t been off my neck since Rick gave it to me for Christmas – was broken and the pendant part was missing.

Serious angst.

How we found it in white limestone parking gravel, I’ll never know. All I could say was “thank you” to the necklace gods.

After a brief moment of panic when I cut my toe open tripping on the steps, we were off!

I needed canoeing lessons from Rick!

I kept getting carried away by the scenery, none of which ever photographs as well as the original!

I was most grateful for our picnic, about a third of the way through the 17-mile course. Time for a rest.

Turkey sandwiches, ginger snaps and Tab. Does it get better?

The view from the picnic area was lovely.

The porta potties were definitely a welcome relief!

Then back on the water.

I almost ran us into a – well, it was bigger than a branch. More like a limb. Now I know why they call it “limbo” – I did a backbend on the canoe seat I never would have imagined I could do! (Steering is not something that is intuitive to me!) But there were so many pretty moments, I couldn't stop looking around (versus straight ahead).

Finally, we made it to the landing. I was actually sorry to see the time end.

While we waited for pick-up, two lost dogs hung out. They decided they wanted to take a nap in the pick-up van; it took food to coax them out.

The big one was especially sweet.

Then back to the house, where the Gypsy asked, “Where’ve you been?”