Trip Report Les Cheneaux & Drummond Island -- Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team Campfire

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Subject: Trip Report Les Cheneaux & Drummond Island

Author:
Government

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Date Posted: 12:46:59 09/07/04 Tue
In reply to: Government 's message, "Les Cheneaux this weekend?" on 21:57:09 08/31/04 Tue

SATURDAY, I paddled from Petoskey in search of the wily Salmon that were (incorrectly) rumored to be roaming the shallows. Plan B was a search and rescue operation for the more-sedentary Petoskey Stone of local folklore. After a brief search I secured an adequate specimen that now unofficially resides in my aquarium. Waves calm to 1 ft. Excellent open water paddling weather. Water temp WARM.

SUNDAY, I paddled w/ Gail from Holland and Brian from G.R. (non-FBET). We practiced deep water rescues and paddled the Cheneaux's from Gail's cabin to Hessel for lunch. Waves calm to 1 ft. Decent scenery. On return trip we ran into locals throwing a lakeside party. The live band invited us up for some (free) beer and food. Nice. Evening paddle was to have dinner on GOVERNMENT ISLAND, but the group decided to not attempt the final 1-mile open water crossing when we noticed heavy fog rolling in from L Huron and the skies drew dark as Hades. We returned under cover of darkness. Water temp WARM.

MONDAY, Brian from G.R. ditched, leaving Gail and I to explore. Plan A was to paddle the bridge walk, but forecasted strong south winds and T-storms left us heading for the N. side of Drummond Island. We launched from the township park and headed for Harbor Island via hopping several islands. Wind was ~15 knots sustained, waves 1 ft. After considerable deliberation we attempted the final crossing from the mainland to Harbor Island, over a mile. Harbor Island was very nice and well protected from the wind. RETURN TRIP: ARRR, TWAS' THE WICKED WITCH OF THE SOUTHERN SQUALL! Wind built to 20 knots sustained for return trip, waves to 2'. Return trip was into the wind and at times across the wind/wave direction. As we neared the mainland the t-storms appeared out of the west. No lightening or rain, but *very* threatening skies. After more deliberation, I towed Gail the final 2-3 miles to the car. ~5 minutes after we arrived on land the storm hit.

POTENTIAL FUTURE TRIP IDEA: circumnavigate Drummond Island. It'd be about the same distance as the St. Marys trip, a little longer. More exposure to waves, less exposure to mosquitoes.

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
Tip to avoid traffic backup at bridge	Government	12:52:11 09/07/04 Tue