L&M Small Craft Coastal Explorations: Ypsilanti Urban Challenge 2014

Memorial Day weekend with no plans; what to do? We called Jack. He was planning a solo trip on the Pine River, but he was persuaded to try an outing on the Huron River.

We called it the Urban Challenge. Portage 1.5 miles from our place to the Huron River. Paddle downriver to Ford Lake, then upriver through the fast water in downtown Ypsi, portage three dams up to Geddes Park in Ann Arbor, then back down for a total of 20 miles. Take out at the Corner Brewery.

We put in at Forest Street near the Corner Brewery. We headed downstream to Ford Lake, then back up. There is some fast water through Downtown Ypsi, and we knew that Jack would enjoy paddling up it.

We hit our top speed heading downriver through Ypsi; 9.5 mph (blue line). You can see the steps of the three dams in the elevation profile (red line). The river would sure be exciting if those dams were not there!

There is a nice eddy under the arch of the Michigan Avenue bridge.

Lauren had to paddle harder while I was taking pictures so that we didn't go backwards.

The first dam was at the old Peninsular Paper building. The water was very fast below the dam. We were going backwards for a bit. We didn't want to fail with all the fishermen watching. I pulled out the pushpole, and gave us the extra help we needed to overcome the current.

Superior Dam is next, only 1.5 miles upriver.

There are some giant houses on Superior pond. It was a perfect day. It was warm and sunny. The leaves had just fully emerged on the trees, and spring flowers were blooming. It was the first real summer weekend.

A strange fountain spewed clear water into the river, with two chairs for spectators. Maybe they were pumping water out of the nearby construction site.

E.T. phone home.

We portaged Dixboro Dam onto Geddes pond, where lots of people were enjoying the water on paddle boats, inner tubes, and in canoes and kayaks. We had to paddle until the GPS read 12 miles so that we could get 20 in for the day. Past Geddes pond, the river kept getting steeper and faster, so the last half mile was difficult. Finally, the GPS read 12 miles.

What are they doing to that inflatable dinosaur?