For decades, the westernmost passage between the Muskegon River’s North and South Branches was called the Cobb Connector.
With the recent demolition of the eponymous Cobb Power Plant, a new name for the passage seems to be in order. Any suggestions?
Whatever the moniker (Wait. What? Chandler’s girlfriend?), here are some images from a paddle south through the passage.
The Whatever Connector is a lovely easy paddle. If you are interested in an early morning tour, please let me know.
For many years, this tree on the Muskegon River has been a favorite perch for hawks, ospreys, and eagles. But for some reason, probably food availability, the herons have recently taken over the joint.
An all-too-routine low water grounding of the boat left it facing sunrise backlit branches filled with spider webs.
As a long-time practitioner of work avoidance, shooting some pix offered obvious advantages over dragging the kayak through the foot-deep muck.
Upriver from Sheridan’s Landing early on the morning of July 30.
Just upstream from the US-31 bridges over the North Branch of the Muskegon River.
After a seeming absence of many weeks, otters have returned to the lower Muskegon River.
Judging by the photo of the pregnant female, the local population of these critters should continue to grow.
The Muskegon River has a lovely off-map bypass that allows you to paddle from just above the 31 bridge to Mill Iron. This both keeps you out of the agonizingly low water on the North Branch and affords you a view of the gorgeous flora.
The two adult eagles that appear to rule the lower Muskegon River have returned from their annual summer vacation.
Neither the fish nor the Osprey seemed at all welcoming.
The sun rises over the Nysinyd Chute of the Muskegon River on June 13, 2020.
As long-time visitors may remember, Nyisnyd is an acronym for “now you see it, now you don’t”. It’s apropos in that as summers progress, the chute becomes impassable and often seems to disappear altogether.
This Muskegon River Turkey Vulture is not at all interested in this passing paddler.
Perhaps this bodes well for my longevity? More likely, this bird is smart enough to sense that I’m too old and gnarly to be tasty – even to a vulture!
With so much flooding on the Muskegon River this spring, paddling across what would usually be woodland floor was easy. So much so that a oft used acronym in trip notes from those months was LITW, shorthand for Lost In The Woods.
During one of those LITW excursions, while desperately searching for any recognizable landmark, a raccoon quietly watched my passing with little concern and absolutely no offer of directions.
The Muskegon River bank highlighted by lovely morning clouds.
One of the most reliably gorgeous sunrise paddles on the lower Muskegon River is to head upriver on the North Branch between the Causeway and US31.
Even so, this foggy June morning on that stretch was exceptional.
From what now seems to have been the last paddle for a few months.
Without the sage outdoorsy wisdom of Tony Kroes, it would have been over even sooner. His suggestion of some NRS cold water stuff added at least 4-6 weeks to the season – and will allow a much earlier start in the spring.
A late fall paddle up a quiet clear passage.
You find yourself surprised by loud noises just behind you on each bank – very much like two animals moving through the brush on each side.
After looking around for the critters, you realize that you’re hearing your own boat’s wake breaking the surface ice formed several feet off each bank.
First light on the Muskegon River this morning.
Sure beats shopping.
What a wonderful Saturday – a warm and lovely day that was perfect for paddling with pals.
After a leisurely trip from Croton to 6 Mile and a fun lunch at Newaygo Brewing, this was the view looking downriver as we all headed home.
Looking west down the Muskegon River as the sun rises to light the gorgeous autumn leaves.
Looking upriver from the Mid-Michigan Rail Bridge early Tuesday morning.
Twice in the last week, these gorgeous birds have been seen keeping actual eagle eyes on Muskegon River kayaks, canoes, and especially small animals.
