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IPC Letter from Chuck Burns Winter Club Activities        ***Items of Interest to MCC Members*** Illinois Paddling Council Newsletter Article Chuck Burns, Mackinaw Canoe Club IPC Representative We have at least two excellent candidates for water trails in central Illinois - the Mackinaw River and the Sangamon River. The Mackinaw is a prairie stream which begins in Ford County (east-central Illinois) flowing through three glacial moraines in central Illinois before joining the Illinois River near Pekin. The Sangamon, which begins near Bloomington, is historical linked to Abraham Lincoln. Its westward flow joins the Illinois River near Beardstown. The Mackinaw has the distinction of not being dammed its entire length. The Sangamon, through dammed in places, is long enough at 241 miles, that it can be paddled in fairly unobstructed stretches. Both the Mackinaw and the Sangamon flow through wooded corridors for the most part, and offer bird watchers and nature enthusiasts a rare treat in this part of Illinois. My first steps in the development of water trails will be the collection and documentation of trail logistics relating to these two rivers. The members of the Mackinaw Canoe Club, local civic groups, commercial interests and others should provide the information we need to offer local and visiting paddlers the necessary details on access sites, travel and directions, eateries, overnight accommodations, liveries, equipment, and supplies. After developing our information base, we look forward to putting together a promotional brochure/booklet/pamphlet that we will distribute. The Mackinaw and the Sangamon, in my opinion, represent rare gems waiting for discovery by paddlers. The lack of numerous technical challenges in these streams is more than made up for by the beauty and diversity of the natural surroundings. As things stand now, the members of the Mackinaw Canoe Club represent a substantial resource of information about the area. IPC members are welcome to make inquiries, consult our web site, and bring their friends to join in the fun of paddling central Illinois. Winter Club Activities We've added winter activities in 2005/2006 and again 2006/2007. Contact us if you would like to lead one of these club trips or would like to suggest different places to spend some time at.