Paddle this...

Big trips can be hard on gear. The S2S and a tad more was brutally hard on paddles, especially with the up hill slog on the Au Sable.
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As Manitou trys to get his head around a trip report; he mills around the shop getting some Kevlar around some tattered paddles.

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Stay tuned as a trip report is coming... It's a definite maybe.

No wimps allowed...

Paddling pair surpasses goal in 490-mile journey across Lower Peninsula - more...

MC2 bid you Adu

I'd like to send a huge Thanks out to everyone that supported, followed or looked in during our semi epic journey across and around Michigan these past few weeks. We had a great time during our travels and we hope you all were able to glean at least a small inkling of the joy we found in our wilderness travels.
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I always consider myself fortunate to have the skill, ability and family support be able to take excursions like this one and having folks like y'all interested in it makes it even that much more special. So many of you have expressed your excitement in our journey and we are grateful for all of your positive thoughts, prayers and wishes.

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Mike and I are both working on trip reports that we will have complete and posted in the next few weeks, please check back for “the rest of the story”.

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This photo shows a good view of the brick patio that surrounds Verlen's statue. You can still purchase an engraved brick to be placed in this patio as we are still looking to raise a few thousand dollars to pay off a few outstanding bills for the VKM. Brick Form - click here

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If you are inspired by our journey and would like to get more involved in future Kruger Adventures please don't be shy. Get in touch with us and find out how you too can get out and have your own epic journey in this beautiful place we call home!

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The Best to Everyone, the Best to All !!! - ManitouCruiser

More adventure...

The Capt'n is in the house!! While we wait for Manitou to give me the 411 on the Grand S2S and at tad more; I give you a couple of vids from my paddling exploits down in Belize - Click Here

Mike finishes Shore 2 Shore & More

Mike arrived at Thompson Field at 9:15 pm amongst the cheering from family & friends. The beers were flowing and and the stories flying as the trip was discussed. Wow, what an accomplishment... 15 days and 490 miles!

Kathy L.

The Home Stretch

6 PM: Mike just left my house (just above Weber Dam) and is going strong. He's pumped at being so close to the end of his journey. He says thanks to Gary for the seat cushion, it's working like a charm. Lets cheer him to the end!

Kathy L.

Mark finishes at Thompson Field at 4:00 AM

Mark was very worn out at the finish, said he really struggled to lift his Seawind at the last portage at the Portland Dam. The water is quit low and made for some slow goings. He is elated to be done and celebrated with a couple beers. He said the bed in the van was calling his name, wanted to get a nap and was anxious to get home to Michelle. He'll get back with us on the stats of the trip after he's rested a bit.
Mike is rested and paddling much lighter with the surprise visit from his cousin in Lowell last night. His plans are to press on and finish this evening...he's guessing around 11 pm. Way to go!!! The end is in sight!

Kathy L.

Mark plans to finish in early morning hours

Mark called as he was leaving Ionia and said he should arrive around 2 am at Thompson Field in Portland. If there's any night owls out there that would like to join me in welcoming him back...I'll have some cold beer there.

Mike made to Lowell tonight. He said his tailbone is very sore and is stopping every few hours to walk a bit and rest it. It's slowing him down, but still plans on getting in Sunday afternoon.

Kathy L

Cold night

Mark called in and said he failed miserably at paddling through the night...it just got too cold. He was back on the water at 7 am just below Ada. He says it's a very foggy morning. Sounds like Jack Murgittroyd will be joining him today in the journey up the Grand.

Dan Smith sent some pictures from Thursday morning meeting up with Mike & Mark in Grand Haven. Steve Willard was with Dan and they picked up a few things from the guys and to see them off on their last leg of their journey. Dan wrote: They'll be finishing their journey at the canoe landing where the Verlen Kruger monument is. He will be looking over them when they come up that river, and I might add would be very proud!!!

Mike checked in at 9:30 am, he just cleared the portages and huddles in Grand Rapids. He said it's a huge relief getting those behind him. He plans to camp in Saranac tonight. He's really enjoying the sunny weather, he said the weather gods has blessed him on this trip!

Kathy L

Beautiful autumn evening

Mark checked in at 8:30 pm, figures he's about 6 mi. ahead of Mike. Beings it such a beautiful night and he feels strong, he plans on paddling through the night and hopefully pull into Portland tomorrow evening. He wants to finish well ahead of the big kick-off Saturday :-).

Kathy L.