Where's Manitou and RiverRunner...

Check out the pictures in the drop box >>>>>

As the Shore 2 Shore team push up hill on the Ausable, a couple of lilly dipp'n duffers seek refuge at the AuSable Inn; not one to call foul, but come on boys paddles up!! OK OK...

.

As usual I spoke out of turn; the plan is to push off tomorrow with the"clock running". Manitou and RiverRunner are on a mission to make the dedication for Jerry Cesar and push on shortly there after, hence the delayed start to their event by one day. Tic Toc...

They want to limit their non-paddle time, so accommodations for the evening are down by the river with the AuSable Inn owners offering up tent space.

I think I smell steaks on the grille?

And they are off...

Todd Cesar applies heart felt decal

.

The Shore 2 Shore team paddled out in windy but mild conditions in the late afternoon light; They pushed up the Au Sable River a bit and found a great place to camp.

Under a full moon fire raging, the Shore 2 Shore begins to take meaning. Chuck Amboy sets the bar and delivers. Shore 2 Shore decals which become a focal point of the journey are now displayed proudly honoring Father / Grandfather Jerry Cesar;

A dip of the paddle to Chuck Amboy; the best gift of all is the one that is unexpected; you rocked this one my friend, the message that Todd left me was nothing less then one of sincere appreciation and gratitude.

Twas the night before...

I hate to call foul on the night before; but Busch Beer: I should have sent over a growler from Tyranena Brewery .

"The planning is over the canoes are ready and so are the paddlers. A few beers the night before, It don't get no better then this." - Dan Smith

Adventure week!

Deck layout on Manitou's Sea Wind

They're everywhere they're everywhere!! Kruger Canoes entered in the Watertribe NCC to the Midwest Shore 2 Shore. Should be an adventurous week on the web for Team Kruger.

.

We'll try to do a highlights reel and keep you updated on all the happenings. Grab your coffee and bagel and settle down - Let the adventures begin!!

.

ready set GO!!

Canoeing Elders Honored

Our expeditions that start this week will be dedicated to the memory of both Verlen Kruger and Jerry Cesar, two great explorers that help show us the path of modern day adventure. Jerry will be inducted into the MCRA Canoer's Memorial Monument on Sunday, September 26th at 2pm along with many other great paddlers. This date conveniently falls on the second day of our trip, only 20 or so miles upriver from Oscoda. We will pause for the dedication services and then continue on upriver afterwards.

Larry Rice did a fantastic story for Canoe and Kayak Magazine about the Jerry Cesar story a few years back. Spirit Journey to Tip Top Mountain

History of the MCRA Canoer's Memorial Monument - http://miracing.com/monument_history.html



If this ain't high adventure I don't know what is!

The run down

Many of the legends or myths relating to the origin of fire are vivid and dramatic, and while they vary in detail there appears to be a similarity in many of the episodes that form the fire-origin story - We give the gift of fire; "May your voyages be safe, may your gear stay dry - amaze your Neanderthal friends with a flick of a Bic."
.

On long journeys the stashing or hording of goods has become common since the dawn of time; Take Napoleon Dynamite, the cache of tater tots in his pants pocket became quite the envy of his fellow students during a late afternoon class. Managing hunger important to all voyages.

.

The cache as it is called gives the voyager the opportunity to replenish certain items which are of great value for comfort safety and sustainability. Efficiency is key when racing; much better to have what you want stashed on river's bend then hitching a ride to town looking for a napkin.

.

Fire brings people together; as do hats. Three very unique individuals Murgy, Todd and Jerry; three very different hats. The hat, cap, millinery, headpiece, helmet, chapeau, bonnet, lid, bean pod are a very important piece of gear on long voyages. Protection from the elements are an important part of any trip planning.

Voyager Mike Smith

will be taking on the Shore to Shore 473 mile paddle across and down Michigan.

But before he goes, he rallies the future of paddling. Brook Emma Madison and Allison take a spin in the newly refurbished Project Lakewell 26 foot trading bateaux. Nice effort on the restoration Mike!!
.
Mike on the upcoming Kruger Shore to Shore.
.

I'm, getting pumped up about this canoe challenge. I love the planning stage of every trip, break out the maps and color me gone.

.

Great article on the event at: Mlive.com

What the...........

Q. What's up with these trips, are they races or what?

KC. Well , yes and no, it's totally up to you.

We like to call them Challenges, consider this to be a Personal Challenge, how well can you perform with limited outside help?

We are offering these routes to help encourage folks to get out and push their limits while taking advantage of the beautiful resources Michigan has to offer. There is a group of us that will be definitely “racing” while there will be another group taking it a bit slower, more of a “Cruise”. Since we are not making definite time restrains you can take as long or as short as you wish.

The guidelines ( http://verlenkrugermemorial.org/id37.html ) that we have set up will hopefully give you an idea of the spirit of the events. We wish to emulate the spirit in which Verlen often traveled, captain of his own ship, taking care of himself along the length of the route.

Autumn in Michigan is a very awesome time, the fall colors will most likely be bursting and with any luck we will have a few days of “Indian Summer” warming our faces and keeping the frost off our pumpkins.

Gearing up for the 2010 Kruger Challenges

Well kids, it's Autumn in the North Woods and you know what that means, it's time for another Kruger Challenge!
.
Last year we added the cross Michigan leg to the already grueling 100 miles in 24hr original Kruger Challenge. This year in true Kruger fashion we have added yet another leg to the 100 miler and Cross Michigan Challenge.
.
This year we have extended the reach of these great North Woods paddles to include a short 90 miles on Lake Michigan and a quick run up the Grand River to the site of the newly dedicated statue of Verlen.
.
More news, views and BS of preparations from the Team Kruger crew on the way!!!
.
Kruger Challenges - Click here

Grand River Expedition 2010