Michigan Challenge - Tuesday cont...

Paula and Janet have been on the move scouting for paddlers; presently they are in Grayling waiting on Toby's arrival; they will hang there for the day to see Ben and his dad off tomorrow.  Follow Ben's progress here:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0UD3jqfz5WmdLYyKRBONnis7U86kOtccE

Michigan Challenge - Tuesday

Mike and Justin (son and grandson) meet up with Bob below the Mio dam; Bob sporting a Kruger design Monarch; Mike and Dave sporting a Croizer C2.

Bob demonstrates the double pole method poling up the Ausable; same muscle groups when cross-country sking; check out the bow wake, pushing a lot of water. Yes this is tough, especially when you are having 16 hours days.

Toby at Cook Dam; Spoke with Toby yesterday, he is really enjoying this trip, taking it all in en getting the most out of his adventure. I think what is interesting is that Toby is on a 6 day trip and besides his cart being at the ready it looks like he is out for a day paddle; no gear in site.  Now that's quality packing.

Mark with the big wheel portage cart set up; it's a modified pull-boy heavy lifter with 16 " wheels; raises the canoe higher for more clearance and allows for the pull-pole in the front to be horizontal to the ground.  I've never added it up but if you include  2 UFC and multiple Michigan Challenge events from the bushwhacker to the shore to shore, I would guess Mark has around 500 miles of portaging with this configuration.

Manistee 150 cruise.

Mike Lynn Michael and Ashley putting in at the M72 bridge for the 5 day cruise to the Insta-launch Campground.  What is so great about the Michigan Challenge in you can race, cruise or challenge yourself in so many different ways; the key to the event is making it to the Campground by Saturday for the festivities.

More challengers will; be putting on later in the week, most-likely Wednesday. we will keep you posted as adventure unfolds.

Monday... long day on the river

Mark poling his way up the AuSable River - Michigan Challenge ( Shore to Shore route) 2012

Toby called in and said he is having a great time; Some of the most difficult up hill paddling he has ever done but enjoying every minute of what Michigan has to offer.

Toby on one of the many portages - Michigan Challenge (Shore to Shore) 2012

SPOT TRACKING

Toby
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0FnBzjtkgOZZ9NETfErU5UVRVrQN6xhRq

Jack
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0H8lXu9b5zDHcUrfgICXXD4u0hy2RTEje

Mark
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0G2hQKAHRLAnAbcV2LLzLRptxdGjjhc7D

Mike
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0yRa4IQpqmDnW9AZQkKkBav9sp7G191my

Bob
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=06A1VoqojT9pdQCpdsvXUZKNP8CF1WjR5

Michael
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0g5asxqzUezcN3vmqLNxcNbffSG33HHPT

Royd
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0Uj01BWtttjvK5hZ3poRbC3hi5Pj23ML7

Michigan Challenge - Monday updates

 Jack and Sandy taking a much needed break 4:00pm Sunday

Mark called in this morning figuring he would have a full day of paddling before making the portage at Grayling; Chasing Bob appears to be Mark's new hobby; gonna have start calling Mark " The Shadow "

Only one call from Royd who is on the outside and making good time; looks like he is just starting to make the corner north by northwest.

Sandy and Jack are pushing on - a tad sore and for Sandy who has not paddled the AuSable before, texted  - "Holy River" ; Now not sure if it is cause of it's beauty or difficulty.

Dan Smith "our man in the field" reports:
Got a call from Jack Sunday night at 10:00 pm. They were both doing well but very tired after a 16 hour day. He is happy with their progress but did say that cruiser is a lot of boat to handle compared to the Sea Wind. Sandy has been doing all the stearing from the front and doing a great job. He said they havent went back wards not even once.
 

The plan for Monday is to get as close to Grayling as possible. A big plus if they could make it to Grayling. They have about 34 miles to get their and that would be a big day. Good job to both of them.

Michigan Challenge - tandem boat

Jack and Sandy before heading out on the Michigan Challenge (shore to shore); big adventure, lots of challenges and a whole lot of fun.

Michigan Challenge - solo boats

Bob, Bud, Mark and Toby starting across Michigan in the Michigan Challenge (shore to shore route) First up the AuSable River then down Manistee River. A beautiful day (any day on the river is a beautiful day!)
 
Royd called in paddle sailing the outside route (tip of the mit); looks like he found a sweet spot to camp North side of Thunderbay. 

Everyone looks to be on the move.

Michigan Challenge 2012

Michigan Challenge 2011 photos 

This weekend is the start of the Michigan Challenge; 4 distinct routes around or across the state of Michigan by canoe, kayak, sail or rowing craft.

This will be a week of adventure for participants and a whole lot of anticipation for those left on shore waiting and wondering. Group paddlers and individuals are of their own resolve, some are racing some are cruising, one thing for sure, Michigan is the perfect venue for this type of event.

Come on Down!!

The finish is at the InstaLaunch Campground and Marina on the east side of the river just up river of where the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee. This is a great venue to hang out, plenty to do in the area too; historic Manistee is a jewel of a community.

SPOT TRACKING:

Toby
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0FnBzjtkgOZZ9NETfErU5UVRVrQN6xhRq

Jack
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0H8lXu9b5zDHcUrfgICXXD4u0hy2RTEje

Mark
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0G2hQKAHRLAnAbcV2LLzLRptxdGjjhc7D

Mike
 http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0yRa4IQpqmDnW9AZQkKkBav9sp7G191my

Bob
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=06A1VoqojT9pdQCpdsvXUZKNP8CF1WjR5

Michael
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0g5asxqzUezcN3vmqLNxcNbffSG33HHPT

Royd
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0Uj01BWtttjvK5hZ3poRbC3hi5Pj23ML7