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.
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Welcome Back Otter!
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Foggy Sunrise
From the North Branch of the Muskegon River, just above the US31 bridge.
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Bypass Beauties
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.
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They’re Back
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.
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Bypass Ascension
Geese taking off from the Muskegon River’s Northern Bypass.
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Long Foggy Chute
The Muskegon River has many connecting and often intersecting passages between the North and South Branches. So many that older fishermen call the lower flats, The Web.
Most of these passages have enough twists and turns that they seem to have occurred naturally. A few are suspiciously straight enough to suggest human engineering. Were these maintained for the movement of labor during the lumber era? Or, later, power line installation? If any readers know, please weigh in.
Of all the branch connectors, one of the longest and loveliest is the Long Chute. Its South Branch entry is a bit upriver from Sheridan Landing; it joins the North Branch just above the US31 bridge.
The Long Chute rarely has boat traffic, which makes it a quiet and contemplative paddle. On this foggy morning, it was especially so.
After turning up the North Branch a short time later, the rising sun began to burn off the fog.
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Nysinyd Sunrise
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.
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Turkey Time
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!
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Shy Guy
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.
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Bike Trail Buds
From a walk along Muskegon’s rapidly eroding Lakeshore Bike Trail.
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Cloudy Horizon
The Muskegon River bank highlighted by lovely morning clouds.
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River Rorschach
A gorgeous cloud formation during a Muskegon River sunrise.
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July 28, 2018
After launching below the Cobb stack, a quick trip downstream to Muskegon Lake, then back up the North Branch.
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Magnificent Morning
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.
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Last Run
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.
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Ice Breaker
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.
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Purple Friday?
First light on the Muskegon River this morning.
Sure beats shopping.
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Newaygo Bridge
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.
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Long Shot Long Chute
Looking west down the Muskegon River as the sun rises to light the gorgeous autumn leaves.
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September Sunrise
Sunrise from one of smaller chutes off the Muskegon River.