MI: Canoe Trip with Greg Forbes
July 25, 2009, 9:00am–3:00pm
Pere Marquette River - near Baldwin, 9117 S. M-37, Baldwin, MI, View Map
Description
We are excited to again have Dr. Greg Forbes, CFI MI advisory board member and local biology professor, lead a leisurely day-long canoe trip on the Pere Marquette River (just south of Baldwin). The trip will be about 4.5 hours long and will be a leisurely pace suitable for most ability levels. Families are encouraged to attend (an early take-out is also available for about a 3 hour trip).
- Kayak and canoe rentals are available or you can bring your own boat - see below for rental and permit information. Reservations should be made individually for this event.
- We will meet at Baldwin Canoe Rental in Baldwin at 8:45 a.m. and launch promptly at 9 a.m.
- Carpools will be arranged based on reservations.
Do you enjoy camping?
Come up on Friday (July 24th) and camp along the river with other CFI members. We have a group campsite reserved and have room for a couple more tents. Contact Jennifer for camping information and availability.
Please RSVP
We want to be sure we don't leave anyone behind so please RSVP to Jennifer Beahan if you will be joining us for the canoe trip and if you are interested in camping. When you RSVP please note if you are renting a canoe/kayak or will be bringing your own boat. Jennifer's contact information is below.
Additional Details
Rental and permit reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure you will be able to get a boat!
Canoe/ Kayak Rental Information
Canoes are $48, Kayaks are $38 and Tandem Kayaks are $53. Price includes bus transportation from take-out site back to vehicles.
Reservations should be made individually by contacting Baldwin Canoe Rental at 1-800-272-3642. Remember to mention CFI/Center for Inquiry when you make your reservation.
Permit Information for Personal Boats
If you will be bringing your own kayak or canoe you will need to call ahead to the USFS Baldwin Ranger Station to get an advance permit, as walk-up permits will not be available the day of the event.
It is $3 to reserve an advance permit. There is also a $5/person fee for bus service back to your vehicle (payable to Baldwin Canoe Rental). Please make sure to let us know if you will be bringing your own boat so we can make appropriate arrangements for bus service, etc. We will make arrangements for the shuttle of private boats.
Permits should be requested for Pere Marquette River from M-37 to Bowman's Bridge.
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station Contact Information:
231-745-4631
650 N. Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304
Things To Bring (and Not Bring)
- Bring an extra change of clothes for after the trip. Bring extra clothes and personal items in a waterproof bag that can be tied into the craft.
- A lunch to be eaten on the river - in a cooler or waterproof bag (no styrofoam coolers are allowed and glass is not recommended).
- Water bottle(s)/ beverages (see below regarding alcohol).
- We will paddle regardless of the weather so plan accordingly.
- Wear river shoes, sandals or an old pair of sneakers. Flip-flops are not recommended, as many are lost in the river.
- Please leave pets at home for this trip. Dogs are allowed on the river, however it is not recommended and they are not allowed on the bus provided by Baldwin Canoe Rental.
- Baldwin Canoe Rental discourages the consumption of alcohol while paddling. However, they do allow up to 4 cans per person, per trip. It is unlawful to operate a watercraft while intoxicated (remember, no styrofoam coolers are allowed and glass is not recommended).
- Fishing is not recommended while canoeing as the river moves along quite rapidly and most of your time is taken guiding the canoe.
- Tubes are not allowed to be taken on canoe, kayak, or rafting trips. Tubes move too slow and are not allowed to be tied to other watercraft.
- You may bring your own life jacket(s) if you prefer. Canoe rental includes your choice of life jackets or safety cushions; everyone must have a cushion or a jacket. Children six and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on the river. Life jackets are recommend for all children.
Cost: See above
Contact: Jennifer Beahan, , 616-706-2029
