Day 6: 07/21/10

That’s right, on today’s leg of the Expedition we covered 18 miles with 4 dam portages (read that any way you want to) – Portland Dam, Webber Dam, Wager Dam, and Lyons Dam – as we traveled from Portland to Lyons. In between the dams there was a lot of slow moving water. Most of us opted to run the broken out section of Wager Dam rather than portage (making it three rather than four). In my case, it was simply inertia. The Webber Dam portage took the last ounce of my interest in hauling my kayak around another dam. (Click on image to view larger version)

Arriving in Lyons marks the end of the Middle Grand River, and our entrance to the Lower Grand River. The people of Lyons did a great job welcoming us, feeding us, and making hot water and a flush toilet available. Throughout the trip we have been guided by people who canoe and kayak their local stretches of the river. Tomorrow begins an opportunity to introduce them to the Lower Grand and its beauty. By the time we get to Eastmanville, it will be like being on a different river again. Our wonderful Grand is really like having three different rivers because of the unique characteristics of each section.

Check out our schedule and when we’re coming through your town, come down to the river to see us paddle by. We are usually spread out a bit by mid-day – so you can enjoy about an hour sitting at the river watching some beautiful canoes and kayaks go by.

And the best news of the day, 130 miles under our belts and interest in the Grand River and the Expedition grows every day.