Whacker Update 8

Ben shares a pic of the Backwhacker / Bushwhacker start - let the joust begin!

Updates: Thanks everyone for calling in, I hope I got the information correct -

Todd adding a bit more mileage as he gets turned around on the portage; by 4:50PM he made it to the US 27 bridge and going to push it to dark.

Trevor and Craig making good time; 12:20PM they were working up the Chippy River.

Bruce called in and said he had a great trip; ended up doing the 1/2 Whacker, lots more down fall then he expected by Cesar Landing - Bonus!! Bruce got to see a week old fawn on rivers edge.

Got a message this evening from Mark; It appears he is dropping out do to be ill. He's been battling a cold and its got the best of him; still in great spirits, pulled out at the Nature Center. Jack and Jack pushed forward on the Pine for a couple more hours, then camping for the night.

Looks like Bob completed the 1/2 Whacker 11:07AM - Nice effort Bob.

Whacker Update 7

Todd Cesar started the portage about 7:50 this morning! Go Todd Go!!

Here is a link to some photos - Click here

Whacker Update 6

Dan S and Charlie P put in this morning for the 1/2 Whacker paddling the Green Monster - One of Verlen's epic canoes; Green Monster - click here

Charlie wrote a song about Verlen's adventures; here is a live version at the memorial dedication.

Whacker Update 5

Whacker Sprint Results (10 miles)

8:17am Start.

Finish times:

George S 10:19am
Mike S 10:20am
Jason K 10:41am
Tony P 10:45am
Carl C 10:54am
Randy M 11:04am
Chris M 11:04am
Steve B / Lynn L 11:06am
Troy G 11:44am
Sarah G 11:54am
Ryan G / Jake G 11:54am
Glen S / Cole T 12:18am

Nice effort Ladies and Gents!! ~ Kathy Lischkge Reporting

Whacker Update 4

Mark Jack and Jake SPOT 6:41AM

Splish Splash ~

Mark called at 6:49 AM, it would appear a rock garden took Jack by surprise and he went for a swim, nothing like an early morning dip in the pond to wake you up in the morning; Already in the 60's so they dumped water and kept pushing onward. They're a couple miles down the Chip already hoping to turn the corner and make the Pine. Mark Reporting

Out of the Mist~

The Jet (Ben) hit the Chippewa Nature Center at 11:46 PM. Nearly missed the canoe launch in the dark and drizzle, but found it and is now putting up his tent since he couldn't talk me into picking him up in the middle of the night. Hoping to stay dry and get some sleep once the coffee and Snickers wear off. Quote of the night "OK, I gotta go sleep now. Can you bring food and dry underwear with you tomorrow?" Emily Reporting.

Nothing like taking your canoe for a walk~

Mark dropped me a quick message at 9:40 PM that they completed the portage and are going to bed down for the night, looking for a big push tomorrow. Jake Jack and Mark are all traveling together, everyone in good spirits.

Kathy Lischkge has called but we keep missing each other due to bad cell coverage; she's out there checking on people as they make their way around the course.

Missed the time of the call~

Carl Cole called to say that Todd Cesar is around two miles from the portage and will grab some ZZZ's before portaging; sounds like he is doing well. Cesar legacy - click here

Whacker Update 3

Mark shot me a message that he thinks he got his SPOT working; here's a snip-it as he makes his way up the Pine River, he is traveling with Jack and Jake.

Whacker Update 2

Just got a call from "Bennie the Jet" (what a name, he loves it...trust me!) He was at the Alma portage and having a great day. Lots of log jams, getting out of the boat to start but now moving along pretty well. He's loving the borrowed Sea Wind, says his skin on frame would have been shredded up by noon.

His updates tend toward "Nice river, great day, having fun" Feel free to embellish as necessary :)

Emily Algera - (Whacker Backer)

Factoid

Nestled in a deep river valley and flowing predominantly through the Manistee National Forest, the Pine River answers the call for the Bush Whacker;

The navigable portion of the Pine is approximately 67 miles in length; At base flow, the mainstream of the Pine River averages two feet in depth. It has an average gradient of 12 feet per mile, sheesh that IS an uphill paddle!

Whacker Update 1

The boys hit the river around 8:15am; Mark, Todd, Jake, Jack and Douglas are on the Back Whacker (bushwhacker in reverse) - Pine River section - Jack "the current is tougher then it looks, son of ##%*&^ it's a !!%&%$ ##!!!$" Or something like that.
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Dan Smith Reporting

and they're OFF!!

Two out of three SPOT's ain't bad; not sure why Manitou's SPOT isn't working? Hopeful that the boys will check in and update the Capt'n on their adventures, I've been known to take creative liberties to keep the story colorful.
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Keeper moving....