Pine River Time Control Plan

Pine River Paddle Trip

PRE-TRIP:

TRIP DESCRITION: The Manistee River is an alluring river tucked away near the heart of Michigan, spanning a total of 166 miles. It is a spring fed river that is surrounded by parts of the Manistee National Forest. It is a notorious spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. For those canoeing it can be an ideal multi day escape to nature, with the river flow staying at an even class 1 rapid level throughout. The paddling is moderately easy though never with a dull moment between the dynamically flowing river and the occasional boulder those in the canoe will have to be ready for anything. The trip starts at Hodynpyle and over the course of two days will end at the Tippy dam. The accumulated amount of paddling will span 12-15 miles though it will be split up over two days, with the majority of paddling done on day one. Camping will take place on Government Island, with a tranquil overlook of the river. 

TRIP DIFFICULTY: Although the current moves right along, the Manistee requires beginner to intermediate paddling skills with awareness and ability to avoid strainers and below surface obstacles (stumps, rocks).  There are occasional rock gardens and strong currents to navigate which could potentially be challenging for the beginner. In addition, the length of canoeing on Saturday could be potentially challenging for beginners as there is about 5 hours of paddling.

ABILITY AND SKILLS REQUIRED: Paddle Stokes, Canoe Rescue, Water Reading and River Dynamics Awareness, Camping and Boat Packing (optional).

RECOMMENDED SEASON: Mid-April – Late October.  Fall cannot be beat.  Spring may bring many down trees and strainers, high water, and possibly bugs.  Summer is busy and permits are required between Memorial Day and Labor  Day through Recreation.gov. 

TRIP DETAILS (POSTER/SIGN UP SHEET):

·         What and Where: Canoeing the Pine River

·         When:

·         How Many: 2:12

·         Cost/Venmo: $25

·         Contact Person/More Info:

·         How to Sign Up: Sign-ups, on Excel sheet

Trip Promotion (Who and How): Posters, Emails, Word-of-mouth

Trip Sign-Up/Communication/Equipment List (Who and How:

Rations Purchasing/Packing (When): Thursday @2

Trip Outfitting (Leader Meeting Time): Thursday @3

Trip Group Outfitting (Group Time/Who): Thursday @4

TRANSPORTATION:

__Cargo Van

__12 Pass Van

__Personal Vehicles

MEAL PLAN:

Classic Lunch

·         Torts

·         Peanut butter

·         Jelly

·         Honey

·         Jerky

·         Cheese sticks

·         apples

Pesto Pasta

·         Pasta

·         Pesto

·         Chicken

·         Parmesan

·         Oil

·         FD Veggies

SUNDAY

Classic Breakfast

·         oatmeal

·         walnuts

·         dry fruit

·         choc chip

·         bananas

Classic Lunch

·         Torts

·         Peanut butter

·         Jelly

·         Honey

·         Jerky

·         Cheese sticks

·         apples

SNACKS/DESSERTS

DRINKS

SPICES/OIL/OTHER

·         trail mix's

·         granola bars

·         fruit snacks

·         steak strips

·         electrolyte packets

·         Coffee

·         Teas

·         hot chocolate

·         Salt

·         Pepper

·         Hot Sauce

·         Garlic Salt

·         Italian

·         Red Pepper Flakes

TRIP BUDGET: 

ITEM

EQUATION:

TOTAL:

PER PERSON

Food/Groceries:

$4 x #meals x #people

$150 

Gas

Total Miles/10mpg x #vehcles x $3.80pg

$150 

Van Rental:

$80 per 24 hour mini/$120 per 24 hour van

N/A 

Sites/Permits:

Ranges $15-$50

N/A 

Firewood:

$20

N/A 

REAL COST: 

$300

$25

ITINERARY AND SCHEDULE (TIME CONTROL)

SATURDAY:

8am     Depart Grand Rapids

10am   Arrive at Hodenpyl Dam, unload and shuttle to Tippy Dam

11:30   Begin Paddling

1:30 Late Lunch and Swim

2:15 Canoe

4:30 Arrive at Red Bridge River Access

5:30 Arrive at Government Island

SUNDAY

7am  Awake, break camp, and eat breakfast

9am  Leave Government Island

11:00 Take Out at Tippy Dam, eat lunch, and shuttle vans

12:15 Load Boats and Depart for Grand Rapids

2pm  Return to Grand Rapids

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN:

Hospital: CADILLAC HOSPITAL: Munson Health Care, 400 Hobart St., Cadillac, Mi, 49601, 1-231-876-7200