The 2010 “Bayou to Dune Expedition” is seeking expeditioners. The
expedition will start at “High Bridge” on the Manistee River and continue down the river to Manistee, Michigan.
It will pass through the river channel in the City of Manistee and onto Lake Michigan. Upon
entering the big lake, we will turn south to Nordhouse Dunes and Ludington State Park. It will conclude
at Ludington State Park.
This expedition
is a "training expedition" and will allow participants to engage in the actual duties of expedition members
(Navigator, Sweeper, Scribe, etc.) and take part in the application of a variety of skills. Each member
will be given the opportunity to perform tasks for the position they chose. Instruction will be given upon
request. While participants will be given an active role in the expedition – there are no scheduled
workshops unless requested by the group or individual members. Expeditioners are encouraged to sign up
with a team mate (Teams of Two). Participants may also join the expedition as a passive
participant and not engage in expedition duties.
The expedition will begin in boreal forestland and pass through Bayou areas, small urban areas and urban waterways
onto an inland sea (Lake Michigan). Upon entering the open water, the expedition will experience sandy
beaches and towering dunes. While camping on/near the dunes, the expedition will continue overland to explore
more forestland and dune areas. The expedition will continue past the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse
to a manmade channel, dam portage and into a manmade lake. The expedition will conclude somewhere on Hamlin
Lake.
The Expedition will cover over
50 miles; approximately 24 miles of river, 3.5 miles of urban waterways, 20 miles of open water and about 5-10 miles of hiking.
Expedition Objectives:
Record Trip with video and still frame
Secure Two Campsites
Photos of Big Sable Point Lighthouse from the water
Narrate the trip in writing
Create a short documentary of expedition highlights
Provide training and advice for new members
Expeditioners should be familiar
with open water paddling, group rescue, wet exits. If you are not familiar, a Basic Coastal Kayaking Course
is recommended (2 classes offered by the Team on June 5th). Basic gear and specialized gear requirements will be provided to those who register.
Expedition Command Positions –
participants may register to fill the Expedition Command Positions.
Expedition Leader – Chuck Hayden
Expedition Pathfinder (Navigation) – Open
Expedition Sweeper (Rear guard) (2 each) – Open
Expedition Scribe – Open (Documents
the expedition through photography, video or other means)
If more than one participant would like to fill a position then we will divide that position.
Cost for the trip includes transportation
for put-in, take-out, camping fees, other expenses. Participants are responsible for their own food, equipment, vehicle
permit and transportation to the rendezvous on day one. Carpooling MAY be available from Grand Rapids.
When: To Be Decided
Cost: $105 per Individual
or $190 per team of two
Limited Size: The training expedition is limited. Registration will close at
10 new members.
Kayak Rental: Available
