Author Archives: Joe Neely

Perch Fishing and Foghorns

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Joe Neely

We’re going out on the river tomorrow: ending up in Ionia. I just asked a guy at an AA meeting if he knew where that was. “Yeah,” he said. “I was in prison there.” I expect we’ll be eating lunch … Continue reading →

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Over the Dam, Through the Chute and Into Lyons

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Joe Neely

This and That Tuesday  July 24, 2018. Webber Dam to Lyons, MI. About 7 miles. Joe Writes . . .  We could call the stretch of the Grand River between Portland and Lyons ‘Bald Eagle Byway.’ We had numerous sightings … Continue reading →

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Sore Butts and Herons

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Joe Neely

Tom Writes . . . Holy 2018! June 22 and 23 – Jones Road to Webber Dam. Eagle, Michigan, to the boondocks between Portland and Lyons. We paddled two days in a row. First time we have been on the … Continue reading →

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A Tale of Two Welcomes

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Joe Neely

Joe Writes . . . Paddling the Grand, a bit short of Portland, we came upon a lovely oasis and an invitation to pause and rest. While ‘No Trespassing’ signs are common along the river’s bank, a homemade sign here … Continue reading →

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Our Mother Crosses Her Final River

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Joe Neely

Editor’s Note: in the last entry I wrote that one of the reasons we have not been on the river yet this year is because our mother was ill. She died on June 13.  Tom Writes . . .  Cassie … Continue reading →

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Posted on June 8, 2018 by Joe Neely

   

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No Motorcycles In The Canoe

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Joe Neely

  Tom Asks… Joe, my Skipper, my Admiral, can you afford to buy a Harley? If you would just buy us a good motorcycle, we could put said motorcycle in the middle of our canoe, in front of your stern … Continue reading →

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On Chasing Girls and Movie Stars

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Joe Neely

A Slice of Life Along the Grand in the Off-Season (Hurray, Hurray: Paddling Begins Again Soon) Joe Writes . . .  Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May God grant you  a first love to chase ’round the playground, a lifelong friend … Continue reading →

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Snapping Turtles and Olive Loaf

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Joe Neely

February 9, 2018 Joe Writes . . .  A belated Happy New Year. We are anxious to get on the river again, even to the extent of planning to paddle amidst the ice floes if we get a winter thaw. … Continue reading →

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The River Heals

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Joe Neely

December 23, 2017 Joe Writes . . .  Happy Holidays to all who care about rivers, woods and water in Michigan and all over this land. Be vigilant; these are perilous times. I was recently gobsmacked by the realization that … Continue reading →

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