by Kathy Kremer

I moved from community work to academia for many reasons. One benefit is that in exchange for nine months of 60-hour work weeks, I have three months to pursue other passions – like kayaking.

This summer I had plans for short runs and 20-mile paddles in preparation for the Expedition. As a former distance runner (as my sons remind me, back in the day) I believed this training plan would certainly prepare me, and by mid-July my arms would be solid, my hands calloused, and my shoulder and neck muscles would be those of a 189-pound wrestler.

Alas, like many resolutions (OK, all of my resolutions) this one didn’t make it off the ground. But for the last two weeks I’ve been heading back to my favorite Ottawa County waterways with renewed determination. Or maybe it’s desperation.

Pigeon River is one of my favorite places. There’s free parking in Ottawa County’s Hemlock Crossing (home of their new Nature Education Center). At the other end, just east of Lakeshore Drive, is a (free) township sand launch. Or you can use the DNR launch (not free) across Lakeshore Drive. As a solo workout I go up and back, but putting in at Hemlock and taking out at Lakeshore Drive is a great family float.

The Grand upriver from Lake Michigan is very busy in the summer, but it’s quieter from Grand River Park near Jenison to just above Riverside Park east of Grand Haven. This is a 4-5 hour paddle, but you can take out upriver at Deer Creek Park near Eastmanville for a shorter paddle. This is my favorite stretch of the Lower Grand.
Give one of these waterways a try. I’ll be out there too.