Devil’s Lake paddle and hike at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Sunday, September 17, 2023

We will meet at north shore boat landing at Devil’s lake State Park on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at about 10:03 AM. The north shore boat landing is on the north side of the park just off of DL no car shuttle is needed for this paddle but you do have to have a WI state sticker to get in the park.  After we meet we’ll decide what we want to do first.
Devil’s lake is a 360 acre lake with bluffs on the east and west sides that stick up some 500 feet off the lake. Jeff Reuter will be hosting this paddle for more info call me on my cell at 815-494-8502.
For the hike bring comfortable clothes and hiking shoes with non-slip soles and hydration because it can be hot on the buffs.  For the paddle participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s), PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet Hydration/drinking water BYO Lunch, BYO Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Members of Stateline paddlers and guests welcome
Members of Prairie State Canoeists and guests welcome

Sugar River Paddle, Yale Bridge Road to Two Rivers Forest Preserve or Macktown, Saturday, August 26, 2023

We will meet at Yale Bridge on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at about 9:07 AM. The canoe launch is north of Sugar River Forest Preserve as shown in the map below. We will shuttle at 9:37 and try to be on the water 10ish.
The lower Sugar River is a winding river for moderate paddlers. It is usually a somewhat slower current however it is at higher water levels it can be stronger. It is has a sand bottom with some tree dams to go around. The section of the sugar we will run is from Yale Bridge Road to Two Rivers Forest Preserve. The trip will be all down river except for the last 1500 feet going upstream on the Pecatonica River to the take out in Two Rivers Forest Preserve. Bring a lunch or snack as we will be stopping on a sand bar along way if we can find one. I will go over a few pointers about paddling on a river just before we put in for the beginners if we have any.
The short trip will be 7.6 miles or about 3.5 hours weather permitting of course. If you want to do a longer trip you can also paddle to Macktown that is about 16 miles.  Jeff Reuter will be hosting this paddle for more info call me on my cell at 815-494-8502. Here is a map of where we will be.
The usual rules apply including but not limited to: Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s), PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet Hydration/drinking water BYO Lunch, BYO Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Members of Stateline paddlers and guests welcome
Members of Prairie State Canoeists and guests welcome
I will also attach a map below

Pecatonica River Paddle, Two Rivers Forest Preserve to Rock Rover Boat Launch in Rockton, IL, Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Pecatonica River Paddle, Two Rivers Forest Preserve to Rock Rover Boat Launch in Rockton, IL, Tuesday, July 4, 2023 We will meet at Two Rivers Forest Preserve on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at about 9:27 AM. The canoe launch is north of Harrison, IL on Harrison Road. We will shuttle at 9:37 and try to be on the water 10ish.
The Pecatonica River is a winding river for moderate paddlers. It is usually a somewhat higher current however it is at lower water levels right now. Bring a lunch or snack as we will be stopping on a sand bar along way if we can find one. We will also stop at an ice cream shop in Rockton just before the take out as well. I will go over a few pointers about paddling on a river just before we put in for the beginners if we have any.
The trip will be 10.5 miles and will take about 5 hours weather permitting of course.  The extended weather forecast is mostly sunny in the morning and becoming partly cloudy and highs around 90 degrees.  Jeff Reuter will be hosting this paddle for more info call me on my cell at 815-494-8502. Here is a map of where we will be.
The usual rules apply including but not limited to: Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s), PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet Hydration/drinking water BYO Lunch, BYO Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Members of Stateline paddlers and guests welcome
Members of Prairie State Canoeists and guests welcome

Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park, Saturday, June 24, 2023

Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park, Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Do not worry this will not get canceled, people have already committed to going to this paddle.
We will meet at the launch site at 4th St (Route 213), Beloit, WI in the back parking lot of the Beloit Bicycle Company, just north of the Rock River at 9:43 am.
For a shorter trip, if there is interest, we can run a second shuttle on the other side of the river to stop at Macktown FP.
It is about a 6.5 to Macktown and 13 mile trip to Riverside Park.
The car shuttle will leave at 10:13. This should allow us to be on the river at 10:43.
We will stop for lunch at the Rockton Dam that we have to portage around.
The long term weather forecast calls for mostly Sunny, high 91°F.
The usual rules apply including but not limited to:
Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s),
PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water
Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet
Hydration/drinking water BYO
Lunch BYO
Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Hosted by Jeff Reuter (815-494-8502)

Canceled, Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park

Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park, Saturday, June 17, 2023.
We will meet at the launch site at 4th St (Route 213), Beloit, WI in the back parking lot of the Beloit Bicycle Company, just north of the Rock River at 9:45 am.
For a shorter trip, if there is interest, we can run a second shuttle on the other side of the river to stop at Macktown FP.
It is about a 6.5 to Macktown and 13 mile trip to Riverside Park.
The car shuttle will leave at 10:15. This should allow us to be on the river at 10:45.
We will stop for lunch at the Rockton Dam that we have to portage around.
The long term weather forecast calls for 50% change of rain, high 80°F (we all know that could change).
The usual rules apply including but not limited to:
Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s),
PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water
Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet
Hydration/drinking water BYO
Lunch BYO
Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Hosted by Jeff Reuter (815-494-8502) 

Rock River paddle Oregon to Grand Detour

The trip is on, Saturday May 27, 2023.  The water is somewhat high, but not in flood.  I recommend at least a little moving water experience if you are joining us.  Bring your own canoe or kayak, paddle(s), PFD(and wear on water), Lunch, hydration, and dump bag.

We will be arrive at East Park by 09:40 and car shift at 10:00 am.

Adults sign in at the launch on waiver sheet, and minors must be accompanied by responsible adult.

“See You On The River” (Slogan from Mark and Mary Morral)

Turtle Creek Spring Paddle, from O’Riley Road to Sweet Allyn Park

Saturday May 6, 2023, Maripat and I are doing Turtle Creek for sure from O’Riley Road to Sweet Allyn Park.

Meet 9:37am at O’Riley Rd. put-in (at 5310 S O Riley Rd, Darien, WI 53114). Car shuttle at 10:07am. FYI: O’Riley Road bridge is out where crosses the Turtle Creek.

The usual rules apply including but not limited to:

Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s), PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water

Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult

Adults must sign in, on waiver sheet

Hydration/drinking water BYO,

Lunch BYO

Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing

Contact: This list, e-mail to jreuter@pobox.com, or Jeff Reuter cell phone at (815)494-8502

Trip Report for Turtle Creek

Trip report: Saturday 15 April 2023

Today, Monday 17 April 2023, I rolled out of bed at 06:04 and looked out the window. There is a light covering of snow on the lawn. Going down stairs I looked at the dial thermometer on the deck, and it read 28° F. Just two days ago, it was partly sunny and in the eighties.

Friday, Maripat called me and asked if I wanted to paddle Turtle Creek, east of Beloit Wisconsin the next day. After checking with my bride of almost fifty-four years (The anniversary is Wednesday.), I said ‘sure’. At that point in time I was the first to sign on, and Maripat was going to call a few other regulars. We agreed to meet at the take out at Sweet Allen Park in Shopiere as both our vehicles can carry two boats, by transferring one we would start with the boats at the launch and a vehicle at each end and not leaving boats unattended.

Being early in the season, we decided to wear wet suits in case of upset in cold water. From traffic, stop lights, or poor planning, I arrived two minutes late, and found Maripat and Jeff waiting. To simplify car shifting, we moved all three boats to my truck, leaving the other two at the take out. I am the only one with rack space for three sea kayaks.

There was nobody else at the O’Riley Road launch when we arrived, and I parked I a place where my truck would not inconvenience anyone arriving later, and be difficult to block in. While we were preparing to launch, another truck with a fishing boat and three people pulled in. Taking care not to slip on the muddy shore we launched without incident and began our trip.

The water was higher that we usually see on this stretch of the creek, but still in the banks and flowing fairly fast. Other than fishing boat, whose occupants were more efficient than we were in getting on the water we saw one other fishing boat before the lunch stop. We did see the usual amount of birds including many geese, a few Great Blue Herons, unidentified ducks, King Fishers, and many red winged black birds. As to four legged wild life, we saw three deer near the South bank at one point, and at another point a swimming critter that was either a river otter or a juvenile beaver. We did not get close enough for a positive identification, but it was likely a beaver as they are more common there.

Approaching the lunch stop at Route 140, we saw the land teeming with people and kayaks, plus two men standing in the water fishing.. There must have been more than a dozen boats. We hung back a few minutes as there were a couple of boats launching and we wanted to give them plenty of room and thought there would be more places to pull our boats ashore.

Alas, only two launched, so we joined the crowd. As we were finishing eating the others began launching, a few at a time. I finished my lunch, then exceeded my planned calories, totally destroying my diet plans, with Maripat’s delicious brownies. Before we put on our PFDs, one of the ladies in another group took a picture of us with Maripat’s camera.

Successfully launching our boats without getting wet, we soon passed the groups that had launched while we ate though they had launched as much as twenty minutes before us. Sea kayaks are naturally faster than short wide recreational kayaks, and most of those people appeared to be relative beginners. I base this opinion on seeing the way they paddled, and some of them having their paddles upside down.

Within a half hour of launching a head wind rose, dark clouds moved into the sky over us, but there was still blue sky around the clouds. For the next couple hours we experience light rain, heavy rain, more light rain, and Sun shine for intervals of ten to fifteen minutes. The temperature dropped at least ten to fifteen degrees. Before lunch, I was thinking that maybe I would have been happier without my wet suit. That was no longer true.

We landed at the take out without incident, and Jeff drove me back to my truck while Maripat stayed with the boats. Not having to load my boat twice saved time and effort, especially as boats somehow gain weight at the end of the day. 

Overall, it was a good trip, and we had fun. The high water and fast current resulted in a few places where we had to pay attention to our paddling to avoid trouble, but nothing that would be a problem for an advanced beginner.

I have to compliment Maripat on her selection of the day. The mild variations in the weather were just enough to add interest to the trip, and we were never uncomfortable.

Turtle Creek Paddle, Sunday 6 November

Turtle Creek Paddle

Sunday 6 November

I am hosting my annual Turtle Creek Paddle from The Forest Preserve at O’Riley Rd. to Sweet Allyn Park at Highway “J”

Day light savings time ends , set your clocks back, or you will arrive early.

Meet at the launch site, a small forest preserve and canoe/kayak launch on O’Riley Road 1/4 mile east of the bridge. Meet at 09:30 to 09:45, car shift at 10:00

Take out is at Sweet Allyn Park at county highway “J”

Duration: about 6 hr If you need directions, ask.

(This year only) Some of the bridges are closed for construction. O’Riley Rd. and Highway “J”, were closed last time I knew. Highway 140 is open. If you do not know the area better than I do, and are coming from the South, you can cross at 140, and turn at the first intersection, Creek Rd.

Turning right, takes you to the put in. Bear right jut before crossing the new railroad bridge, and you will reach the put in a quarter mile past the O’Riley bridge.

Turning left, the next stop sign is highway “J”, turn left. And the entrance to Sweet Allyn Park is just before the bridge.

Paddle is open to members and guests of area paddling clubs. I am a member of three clubs, State Line Paddlers, Prairie State Canoeists, and Mad City paddlers. The invitation is to members and guest of all.

Those joining need to supply their own suitable Canoe or Kayak, Paddle(s), and PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and wear the PFD on the water.

Bring your own lunch and hydration, we will stop mid point for a break and to eat.

All adults must sign in on waiver sheet, and any minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

State Line paddlers has no professional leaders, and hosts merely arrange the place and time of the event. All paddlers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of any minors accompanying them.

Dump bags, water proof bags with dry clothing is strongly recommended.

It is late season, and water will be cold. Cold water immersion clothing is recommended.

Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park

Rock River paddle from Beloit to Riverside Park, Sunday, October 9, 2022.
We will meet at the launch site at 4th St (Route 213), Beloit, WI in the back parking lot of the Beloit Bicycle Company, just north of the Rock River at 9:45 am.
For a shorter trip, if there is interest, we can run a second shuttle on the other side of the river to stop at Macktown FP.
It is about a 6.5 to Macktown and 13 mile trip to Riverside Park.
The car shuttle will leave at 10:15. This should allow us to be on the river at 10:45.
We will stop for lunch at the Rockton Dam that we have to portage around.
The long term weather forecast calls for mostly sunny, high 66°F.
The usual rules apply including but not limited to:
Participants provide their own suitable canoe or kayak, paddle(s),
PFD/approved life jackets, and wear PFD on water
Minors must be accompanied by responsible adult Adults must sign in on waiver sheet
Hydration/drinking water BYO
Lunch BYO
Dump bag – Dry bag w/change of clothing
Hosted by Jeff Reuter