Canoemobile 2012: More than just Michigan City, IN

Michigan City, Indiana

Long time no see! It has been a busy, busy week in Michigan City. So busy in fact, that we have had no time to update you all on our adventures. We had an exciting week, serving over four hundred and fifty people at the beautiful and incredibly friendly Michigan City marina in Washington Park.

At first glance, the marina with its numerous high docks and budget busting yachts, did not seem like the ideal location for our big canoes, but after a quick walk around and test paddle down Trail Creek with Dan Plath and Nicole Messacar, we began to notice the beauty and learned a lot about the area.

We spent the better part of a day learning about Michigan City’s rich history of the area and came to really appreciate the uniqueness of Trail Creek and all of its winged inhabitants.

Over the next three days, we were able to show each of our participants the beauty andshare some history of the area during our tours of Trail Creek. Our route began in the marina where we loaded each of the kids.

After exiting the marina, we headed into Trail Creek, paddling away from Lake Michigan. During the paddle, the students enjoyed looking at the birds, jumping fish, lighthouses, the railroad and draw bridge, and even the old World War II lookout tower that now sits in the middle of the Michigan City Zoo grounds.

The first day provided excellent paddling conditions with sunny weather, however, we did experience first hand the power of Lake Michigan as the wind picked up during the day bringing with it large gusts and white caps on the great lake. (maybe the awesome pic of the boat in front of the light house) Earlier in our trip, Dan Plath had mentioned something about two local women that had recently completed an amazing feat. We later found, and were fortunate enough to meet, Amy Lukas and Mary Catterlin, both Beverly Shores natives, who had just finished a ninety-three day circumnavigation of Lake Michigan in an eleven foot dugout canoe that Mary herself spent four years digging out. They were kind enough to share their homecoming and take a few pictures with us for the Wilderness Inquiry history books. These are two of the coolest chicks you will ever meet. Check out more of what they dealt with and discovered on their journey here on their blog.

After a beautiful, windy evening with Amy and Mary, we unfortunately woke up to a little rain and overcast skies on our second day in Michigan City. However, the rain did provide very calm waters, which were appreciated by the all the Boat Captains. The gray weather continued throughout the day but the students didn’t seem to mind at all. One of the groups was lucky enough to see both the railroad bridge and the drawbridge open up! (picture) We also had our public paddling event on Wednesday evening and were happy to have some paddling enthusiasts and first timers join us in a pleasant evening paddle. (picture) We were all super excited when both Mary and Amy joined us for a short, but sweet, paddle around the marina and Trail Creek.

Our last day in Michigan City was full of gorgeous weather, enthused participants and heartfelt goodbyes. The whole Canoe Mobile Crew is grateful for and humbled by how wonderfully friendly and helpful everyone was during our time in Michigan City. Everywhere we turned there was someone ready to give directions, lend a hand with gear or recommend their favorite local restaurant for dinner. It is places like this, full of people like Dan, Nicole and Gene, and all the dedicated teachers and volunteers from the schools and programs that we worked with that make this whole crazy Canoe Mobile work. So cheers, Michigan City! We look forward to seeing you next year!