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2008
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Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
Maquoketa River, Maquoketa Caves State Park
An exploratory trip on the Maquoketa River system in east central Iowa hopefully with
members of Saukenuk Paddlers. We'll decide whether to paddle the North Fork, South Fork
or Maquoketa depending on water levels. The Maquoketa is well covered in Paddling Iowa.
We'll do this as a basecamping trip from Maquoketa Caves State Park which is a popular
destination in itself. This is not a large park and so reservations may be in order and
can be made by phone or on the 'net beginning 3 months in advance. Mary and David will
provide a group breakfast Sunday morning for paddlers who let us know in advance that
they are interested. Other lodging options in Maquoketa include a Super 8, Comfort Inn,
Decker Hotel and Squier's Manor - a romantic B&B.
In addition to the caves at the park, other worthwhile area attractions include the
Hurstville Lime Works and interpretive center and the awesome Banowetz Antique Mall.
Please contact David Stjern (home: 217/546-6474; office: 217/544-2703;
or via email at DStjernLaw@sbcglobal.net.
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Mackinaw River
Route 150 bridge near Goodfield to Mackinaw Fish & Wildlife Area
Sunday April 27
This is a nice paddle, with tree-lined banks along much of the route. Depending on water levels, we should have nice
gravel bars for breaks. Pack a lunch and snacks. We also have the opportunity to see some nice wildflowers, especially
bluebells, and nesting geese as well as other birds. This trip is suitable for beginners, but bring a "dump bag" of
extra clothes. With the flooding this winter, there is the likelihood of encountering downed trees where we've never
seen them before.
We will meet at the Route 150 bridge at 9 a.m. Take the Goodfield exit off I-74. Go north to Route 150. Turn right. The
put-in is on the southwest side of the bridge.
I'm easiest to contact via email - which I check every night. You can call me at work during the day,
309-820-3240, but I might not be able to talk long. Please contact me so I know who is coming and how to contact you if
there are any last minute changes.
-- Lenore Sobota
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April and May pickup trips!!
If you're interested in paddling on any Saturday, contact Gene Grider at Gene Grider via email or
at (309) 359-8684.
Or if you're interested in paddling on any Sunday in April or May, contact Marilyn Black
via email or at (217) 935-8603 if you
would like to paddle.
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May 31 - June 1st - Two days of paddling on separate Illinois rivers - Your choice!
David Stjern for Prairie State and Float Prothero for Mackinaw Canoe Club will be leading
a weekend of paddling in Central Illinois, on Saturday paddling the Kickapoo from Kickapoo
Creek County Park to Rocky Ford (page 51 of the Illinois Gazetteer). We'll meet at 9:00 am
at the putin. And on Sunday we'll paddle the Sangamon River from Irwin Bridge Road
(Gazetteer page 60 or Sangamon River
3 in Svob's Paddling Illinois). Sunday we'll pull out at the picnic area for Lincoln's
New Salem State Historical Site and if you've never done so, it's a great opportunity
to tour the historic village where Old Abe came of age. Paddle either day or paddle both days. Some
of us will be overnight camping at New Salem on Friday and Saturday nights where they
don't take reservations but they have 200 campsites. Contact either David Stjern via David's email or Float
via Float's email.
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Mackinaw River Clean-Up and Cook Out - June 21st ~
We will meet at 9:30 at the DNR for the Mackinaw River Clean-up and end at Dee-Mack Bridge (Paddling
Illinois page 93). If we have too little water, we will still clean up around bridges, so mark the
date if you want to help the Mack. We are also planning a cook-out after cleaning up. Plus, we have a limited
number of IORD T-shirts available to us (thanks to Tom Rowen). First to sign up will get a shirt.
Everyone welcome! If you think you would like to attend this event, make sure to email me, so I can
keep you updated on changes. Contact Amy Funk via email.
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Illinois River Float with Ken Powell June 28, 2008
If you haven't attended one of the last two year's paddles on the Illinois River, you've missed something pretty
wonderful! Plan on it for 2008!
The Mackinaw Canoe Club will again tame (enjoy) the Mighty Illinois River. You will be seeing many sights as we go through
Peoria, pass paddle wheels, and cruise along the river walk. You will enjoy hearing different sounds as you float under six
different bridges. As soon as they open the bottom lock gate, you will feel amazed by what you see as you pass through.
This will be a leisurely 5 plus hours/11 mile trip. We will be stopping for lunch under the trees at Wesley Road River Park.
Bring your lunch or there is a restaurant/bar at the park. The lockmaster stated there will be no horseplay at the dam
and everyone will be wearing a pfd. Ladies we especially invite you! Last year we had over 31 boats. This year we are going
for 99. This is one trip you'll be glad you attended! Yes, you see Chinese carp jumping around your boat! Yes, you may keep
them! Yes, this will be an easy, fun, and awesome trip! We plan an early start. We will need many pick-ups to take us back
to put in. Meet at the *new* put in spot, Poplar Park; we plan to have boats on the beach at 7:00 am. At 7:30, we
will shuttle cars to the Mendenhall Road boat ramp, Bartonville. Please contact Ken via email or at (309) 694-2832
or Gary Heinz via email or 309-633-0746.
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Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
Current River, Big Spring Campground near Van Buren, MO
Intermediate
A base camping exploratory trip, possibly with members of Prairie State Canoeists,
from Big Spring campground which features the largest spring in Missouri and one of the
largest in the world. We hope to paddle the Current from Powder Mill to Big Spring, about
15 miles each day although shorter distances may be available. Mary and David will
contribute a main course for a communal dinner on Saturday night to all paddlers who let
us know in advance that they are interested.
Please contact David Stjern (home: 217/546-6474; work: 217/544-2703;
or via email at DStjernLaw@sbcglobal.net.
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"Canoeing takes only a few simple tools, a few refined movements that
require a short time to learn and a lifetime to master, and a willingness to be a joyful
apprentice to your craft for the remainder of your days." - Gordon Grant
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