A picture is worth a thousand words, and certainly more than a few foul ones...
During the public debate over the Estabrook Dam, one pro-dam supporter got in the face of a friend of mine, and repeatedly screamed "You can't float a boat in that part of the river! (downstream from the Estabrook Dam)" while turning red in the face. He also stated this 'fact' at the March public meeting, and if I am not mistaken, was the one person who had to cautioned when I got up to speak.
Well... here is a toast to that water that nobody can canoe or kayak in. Picture taken in Early June 2009, downstream from Capitol Drive in the Milwaukee River. Flow rates about typical, @ 300-400 cfs.
They sure look like boats to me. Recreational kayaks to be specific.
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The person who said that to you is full of poop, Erik. I have floated that very section July- Sept when it is the lowest levels of the year and it is a easy float for anyone with a little bit of sense (which may exclude this person). These folks are scared of the change that is coming their way. I have heard that the impoundment is not being filled as of yet, let's hope that a thoughtful plan is being formulated for the restoration of this section of river.
ReplyDeleteErik(and your disciples), please do not base your opinion of the entire MRPA on that one individual. He made you mad. It was irrational. I remember; I was there; I was embarrassed too.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I doubt there will be any money for restoration or removal or remediation at this time, so it's all really a moot point right now anyway.
Scared? Hell, my body is so screwed up right now I can barely dress myself, much less get a kayak into the water under any conditions, so I could care less about the river anymore. Sorry for the rancor. You'd reprioritize too. Have fun fishing, anyway.
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteYes you are correct, I do not base or pass judgment on a group based upon the behavior of one individual.
This was just a tongue in cheek rebuttal. Really hope you feel better soon. I only had one incident with my back when I was in my 20s, but it put me completely out of action for weeks.
Here is wishing you well!
Well, I've been thinking more about this post and comments.
ReplyDeleteOne thing the man mentioned- which was something I had not previousy considered- was that with the dam in place, persons with disabilities would still be able to enjoy boatiing on the water in the impoundment. Cheryl Nenn had indeed said that kayaking would still be possible- just a different kind (as you know, more treacherous, basically; more wild, etc.) So now all these words are resonating quite a bit differently with me. I think there are a lot of different pieces to this puzzle.
To clarify, Ms Dynamite, the man I alluded to in that last comment was the one you stated was "full of poop."
ReplyDeleteThe thing that will change about the recreational boating is that instead of a still-water environment, it will be a river. Thus one must put in and take out at separate points, and a second car, stashed bicycle, or shuttle will be needed to get back to the put in. I do this often when floating rivers in a drift boat. I also have a little one man raft which I can actually fold up in a backpack.
ReplyDeleteCanoing and kayaking are often done with two persons in separate cars to facilitate the shuttle. Persons with a disability will still be able to participate, but they may need a second person along to help. Typical river situation vs. lake situation.
By the way, I spotted two otter cubs this spring on the Waupaca river. As we took our boat out and tried to avoid ticks, they were playing chase near the edge of the river. They were making a sort of happy peeping sound. lovely creatures!