[damn yankee]

I'm trying to plan to use up my vacation time this summer, (5 weeks! ), and after some web surfing, found that there's good canoeing up north. There's even a race from Oscoda to Grayling on the AuSable, that might be fun!

Anyone have any experience up there? I checked it out on the map, and it looks like there's plenty of camping along the river. The Rifle River looks like it's got some potential, too!

Any info would be appreciated!

 

[Intimidator]

I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I've been on both. The Rifle is a little more adventuresome, but I like the AuSable. We usually tie the canoes together and just sit back and drink the day away while floating down the river. The rifle is a little more challenging and it's pretty difficult to tie 10 canoes up together and still make it down the river.

If you're a "die hard" canoer, I think the Rifle would probably be better, but the AuSable has nice scenery. Hope this helps!

 

[Soo Sassy]

I agree with intimidator. I've done both and Rifle is a little more challenging. Either way, you'll have a good time.

 

[surfergirlck]

TOTALLY agree with intimidator!! i did the rifle last year...I HATED IT! supposed to be a fun 3 hr trip.... not so much. turned into a 6 hr debacle including rain, tipping, lost lunch.... at least the beer held out.

the ausable... now that's some fun floating!

 

[Amielou]

We do the Rifle every year, often several times a year. We satyed at all in campgrounds in Sterling/Omer area. We love the Rifle, we have aleast 10 canoes in our group every year that tie together and float down. It's a great time.

 

[hammer]

When I was younger, but not since I've owned a boat.

April - October.......boating ONLY.

 

[bobrob]

Little of the topic but thinking about I have never seen anyone canoe down Saint Clair river. Does anyone remember a long time ago they used to have what they called a float down it started in Port Huron and ended I think in Algonac?

 

[ThreeCrabs]

QUOTE(bobrob20 @ Mar 7 2004, 04:17 PM)Little of the topic but thinking about I have never seen anyone canoe down Saint Clair river. Does anyone remember a long time ago they used to have what they called a float down it started in Port Huron and ended I think in Algonac?
They still do something in floaties (like what raftguy has)............I wouldn't feel so safe doing it myself on that river.

 

[Intimidator]

If you do go on the Au Sable, Roscommon is a nice place to stay.

I did that float thing, but it wasn't from Port Huron. We went from Algonac to NCYC back in the 80's. Lots of fun!!

 

[cotty]

Forget the canoes and the tubing. Up just past standish is a place where you can rent these things called Drifters.
They're basically nylon mesh bags about 7 foot by 3 foot filled with packing pop corn. It's basically floating down the river on a lazyboy. A lot better than a canoe or a tub.

This is just my two cents and if anyone wants more information I can provide it.

 

[puppetshow]

QUOTE(Intimidator @ Mar 7 2004, 07:42 PM)If you do go on the Au Sable, Roscommon is a nice place to stay.

I did that float thing, but it wasn't from Port Huron. We went from Algonac to NCYC back in the 80's. Lots of fun!!
Used to float down from St. Clair to Algonac back in high school all the time!! it's alittle scary when the freighter's go by

 

[3crabs]

No way, the place to make a lscn trip would be white water rafting down the gully in west virginia. I think its a class 5 river. very intence. you set up a trip with camping in tents anong the river-the rafting companys provide the food pop water food beer camp grounds tents wet suits gear ect. you have to make resverations in advance. they only open the dams of the river for like two or four weeks a year somtime in sept? its the ultimate, the the only class 5 east of the mississippi. not for the weak or timid

 

[hammer]

How many years ago did we do that Rich?

 

[3crabs]

How many years ago did we do that Rich?

?????????? 10+ year ago i guess-looking for pictures to scan and post-not sure i know how

 

[hammer]

I have some pictures from that trip to scan.