It is the middle of July and I feel that the summer is going too fast! Every season is different and presents its challenges and opportunities. I just got done reading an email for a customer who took her Grandchildren on the 3 hour trip where they experienced blue herons guiding their way, saw several cranes, and an American Eagle! How is that for making memories with your grandkids! It is emails like that that make what we do all worth it!
This season the river has been mostly low and running slowly. This has been good as we don’t have so many “oh shit moments” however several folks have had to endure slow trips and in some cases had to get off the kayak to drag through a few low spots. One weekend we launched folks from Otsego towards the Trowbridge Dam to find some better river conditions only to have the last group on Sunday say they hit bottom in a few places. We thank you for understanding.
Today we find ourselves back in a better weather pattern producing rain over the last two weeks and that has made a world of difference …. just in time! Bookings on Wednesday and Thursdays for team/group trips are in full swing and the weekends are selling out!
What is front and center to me is how the staff that I have the privilege to work with has stepped up to the job at hand this summer. J.J. and Elly are our leaders who graduated from Otsego High School this year. They are both off to college in August and are such solid kids I can’t tell you enough about them. They have taken on training Gracye, Maddie, and Sam who are wonderful additions to the team. They have taught them well and if you have kayaked you will know it is my team that makes the difference.
As we hit the peak of our season I want to invite everyone to let us know how we can make your time with us work the best for you. If you have a child and you need a rope just in case they get tired just ask us. If you have an older person in your group who may need some help just ask us. If you have never kayaked and need some help just ask us. If you are alone and have not one to kayak with, just ask us. It is your memories and experience that we want to foster on the river!
We look forward to seeing you soon on the Kalamazoo River!
