Sleeping Bear Sampler

Skill Level: Beginner through intermediate

Enjoy a weekend spent at my home on 40 acres of hardwoods along the beautiful Betsie River. This long weekend retreat will give you enough time to explore a number of our better local paddling opportunities. We will mix and match some open water paddling along the bluffs and dunes with some of the finest river paddling to be found in the area. Eagles, Osprey, mink, trout and bass are all resident members of the local wildlife population that we get to share our trips with. We can also see incredible dune faces and possibly even some shipwrecks viewable from the kayak on calm days.

Included are three comfortable nights lodging, several fine meals and all equipment. If you have an appropriate kayak for the weekend and would like to bring it you are welcome. You'll be able to swap stories over a glass of wine next to the fireplace or have a walk through the woods to the river when you are not out on the water. Warning label: You may have a lot of fun this weekend…that doesn't mean you can move-in…just know that up front.

* Note: Although we spend a little time on basic strokes instruction on this weekend, you may want to look to our Learn-to-Kayak B&B weekend if you are seeking a more instructional experience. What the heck, do both!

Day 1) After dinner Thursday evening arrival between 7-9 PM. Get acquainted and settled. Orientation for the rest of the weekend.

Day 2) Friday will find us gearing up for a trip along Arcadia bluffs and a fine beach picnic. If the big lake is a little moody, we have a fjord-like back-up destination complete with islands, Eagles and good fishing. Hmmm, can we go there anyway? Dinner BBQ here at Casa de Kayak followed by kayak videos, tall tales and good night's sleep.

Day 3) Depending on weather, we'll head north for a longer paddle to enjoy some dune and island views, maybe a shipwreck and a swim. We'll gather for dinner at a local restaurant/pub after we get off the water. Whether we're in soggy sandals or wetsuits, we'll be welcome for some great food and drink after a good day of paddling.

Day 4) After a fine Sunday brunch, we'll gear up for a sweet little river trip through the backyard to give you a little moving water experience and balance out a weekend of grand vistas. We'll turn you loose for home or other adventures at about 2 PM.

Stuff to Bring/ B&B Kayak Weekends

Paddling Clothes:

• Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit: for May/June/September/October, can be rented from our shop for $10/day
• Synthetic long underwear: polypropelene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms, can be worn under shorts too for a very comfortable if not very stylish ensemble.
• Fleece Jacket
• Paddling Jacket or rain parka: I have a few loaners.
• Water shoes or neoprene boots: I try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if your upside down.

Odds and Ends:

• One liter water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Anything alcoholic you may want with evening meals

Don’t hesitate to call 231-882-5525 if you have questions about any of it at all!

Cost includes professional guide/instructor, rustic river home accommodations, kayaking equipment (boat, paddle, PFD, skirt) and some very fine meals. Please call if you have special diet requirements.

Registration: A $150 deposit is required to hold your space. Reservation fees are refundable until 30 days before the trip. The balance is also due 30 days prior to departure. Space is limited to 6, so plan ahead...

Remaining dates for 2007: October 4-7 (Cost: $450/person, $800/couple; Children 8-13 half price )

Uncommon Adventures PO Box 254 Beulah, Michigan 49617 Toll Free: 1-866-882-5525 Local: (231) 882-5525 e-mail: info@uncommonadv.com