Disastrous Canoe Ride

Canoe rides can range from peaceful and relaxing to exciting and treacherous. Most people would not expect a canoe ride on a small lake in southern Michigan to fall into the 'treacherous' category. For several of my family members it did one fateful day.

The canoe ride disaster happened a beautiful Fourth of July weekend at one of our favorite campgrounds. My sister, brother-in-law, and oldest son drove out for the day. The campground provided rental canoes and my sister decided to rent one so everyone could enjoy canoe rides on the lake.

The disastrous trip happened when she and my oldest son (19 at the time) volunteered to take all of the 'kids' for a canoe ride. The rest of the adults stayed at camp thankful for the peace and quiet of no kids. All of the kids suited up in life jackets and departed on their lake journey.

We heard the children's voices and laughter before we saw the canoe glide down the canal towards us. Everyone waved and cheered as the canoe passed. It appeared my sister and son had everything under control. Ten minutes later, my youngest son (5 years old) raced up the bank soaked and crying.

Before he reached camp we saw my friends' daughter coming towards us and a few yards behind them, the two youngest children, my daughter and her friend, and last my sister. All were drenched and crying.

The canoe obviously tipped over. A mother's panic set in as I realize one member of the group, my oldest son, had not returned. I am sure the panic showed on my face because before I could say a word my sister, between sobs, said, "I think he's bringing the canoe back."

My brother-in-law went to help my oldest while the rest of us dried off kids, removed life jackets, and attempted to calm the kids. But my sister blubbered uncontrollably. It took a half-hour to settle her nerves enough to get her version of the story.

"I saw one of the girls reach over the side of the canoe for a lily. I could feel the canoe tipping so leaned the other direction. I leaned too far and we flipped. It's my fault!"

She took a minute to catch her breath and went on, "When I came up out of the nasty water all I could see were kids bobbing in the water. I started with the youngest. Grabbed him and tossed him on shore. Then the next and the next, I took 'em in order of their age."

She continued, "When I got to the oldest I started to reach for him but changed my mind and told him, 'Honey your on your own!' and wadded through muck and weeds to shore."

I understood as long as he was OK. My football player son stood as tall as her and out weighed her.

In the rotted decay at the bottom of the canal are a $100 pair of sunglasses (my sister's) and one new sandal (my oldest son's). Several pieces of clothing (light colored) had to be thrown out because the muck stained them beyond repair.

Thirteen years later not one of the members of the canoe ride disaster has been in another canoe. No one was hurt but the terror was enough to make them all not want to chance it again.

This story took place at Wildwood Acres Campground. More fun stories at Wildwood Acres include:

The First Fish Story - not your typical fish story www.associatedcontent.com/article/2128609/first_fish_story.html

First Camping Trip www.associatedcontent.com/article/2099063/the_first_camping_trip.html

Contact Information:
Wildwood Acres Campground
14508 Goose Lake Rd, Jonesville, MI 49250