Grayling, Michigan

4th. Of July, 2005!
1:45 P.M. EST...we started our one-day vacation driving towards Grayling. It was a great experience especially for us, since Pratibha and I were planning to 'canoe' for the first time.

The headwaters of the Au Sable River (20 miles north of Grayling) is considered "holy water" to fly fishermen. But when it comes to canoeing, the river begins at the dock of Penrod's Au Sable River Resort.

Here the river widens along its meandering course, is not as choked by brush, fallen tress, and seemingly impassable as upstream. Waist deep water and an easy current for the first 25 miles make for a relaxing float for beginners (like us), families, and nature lovers.

For the quiet, careful canoer, a surprise awaits around every bend. It might be a deer standing chest deep in the tall grass, a blue heron standing statue-like in the shade of the willow boughs, or a pair of frantic ducks scared up, wings pumping and orange feet on waterspouts.

So, in a nutshell it is adventure, fun, and a memory waiting around every bend and is a feat for every nature connoisseur . Check out Penrods, folks!