As we loaded up our boats this morning, I had doubts about how the day would turn out. It rained steady until our first take-out at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. But then the rain subsided and the sun came out making the afternoon paddle wonderful. (I know I’m getting old when the day’s weather is first on my list of important events.)

Today’s program by West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and Grand Rapids Whitewater at Sixth Street Park was great. I do wonder why the City of Grand Rapids was missing at the event. Since moving to West Michigan I’ve wondered why they only have small warning notices upstream from the Sixth Street Dam, and no buoys marking the dam. This, plus the coffer dams, presents a dangerous situation on the Grand River going through downtown Grand Rapids. I’m happy to report we all made it through the two coffers with no one getting wet. Safe is good.

Tonight’s camp site is owned by Bill Boynton, owner of the Grand Lady steamboat. He has made us feel at home in his wonderful Grand River location near Riverview Airport, and is giving us a boat cruise this evening. This is one of the nicest camping locations we’ve had on the Expedition. I hope Bill gets this site open to the public soon – it will be a great place to camp on the Lower Grand. And special thanks to ROTC for water support.

And today we found a message in a bottle. My significant other (back for another weekend of paddling with the group and doing very well – really – I’m not lying) found it in the water going through Kent County’s Johnson Park. Of course, we had to look inside and read the letter. Apparently Mason and Alexis are very much in love, and at age 18 know they have found their lifetime love. They included a photo with their love letter, which they put in the water on their 9 month anniversary last month and apparently set afloat on the Grand. So, if you’re Mason or Alexis and want to tell us where you put it in, that would be interesting to hear. Also, if anyone has an idea of what the heck I should do with the bottle (it’s now one more thing riding in my kayak) let me know.

Only two days of paddling remaining!