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Kayaking Merit Badge Kickoff

07 September 2020, 11:00 - 13:30

Kayak the Rogue 

Welcome a new series of caches along the river.

Welcome to the Rogue River.  Headwatered in southern Newaygo County, the Rogue River meanders for over 42 miles, eventually draining into the Grand River in Belmont, MI. Originally named the Rouge River, the Rogue received its present day name during the 19th century when a Wisconsin mapmaker accidentally misprinted the name. Used as a frontier waterway by local tribes and traders, The Rogue River also played a pivotal role in the transportation of lumber during the heyday of the Michigan lumber industry in the late 1800's.

The Rogue River is designated a "Country Scenic" river under the State of Michigan's Natural River Act, draining an estimated 234 square mile watershed. In the city of Rockford, The Rogue River is bi-sected by the Rockford Dam and is generally referred to as the upper and lower Rogue, with the latter being all waters below the Rockford Dam. The upper Rogue is well known as an excellent trout fishery and is used for all float and canoe trips. The lower Rogue, which is the waters south of the Rockford Dam, is a popular destination for anglers during the annual Steelhead and Salmon runs during the spring and fall months.

Its slow moving current and shallow depth make the Rogue River ideally suited for a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and of course geocaching!

Over the course of this about to be released series, you will learn what it takes to earn the Scouting Merit Badge for Kayaking!  Scouting merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 120 different areas of knowledge and skills.  Much of this knowledge and skills will stay with a Scout for the rest of their lives.  Are you Scout enough to earn this badge?  We'll soon see!  The caches are expected to release on Monday, September 7th to give you some time to solve them.  They're aren't intended to be difficult, but will provide you some basic information about Kayaking that Scouts need to know to complete the merit badge.

The event is designed to provide a means for us to gather and work through the series at the same time.  The CO will participate to make sure that caches are found and logs are signed.  Pack a lunch!  We'll try to find a quiet spot along the river to enjoy the nature.  During the warmer months the river can get quite crowded.  There is a local kayak outfitter for you to rent a kayak or canoe, if you don't own one.  The launch site is on their "normal" schedule.  Search for "Rockford Kayaking" and you'll come up with them.  Do make arrangements in advance!  You may earn credit for attending the event, even if you don't join us for going down the river, although we hope that you will join us!

 

NOTE:  There is limited parking at the launch site.  Tubing or casually caching down the river should land you in Downtown Rockford in about 2-hours.  It is recommended you park in town and car pool to the launch site.   

 

Captain's Log: River date - August 16, 2020.  The day was gorgeous and the river in fine condition, or so we thought.  Being later in the year, the level of the water was considerably less than when I had gathered my waypoints.  It was still easy going, until we hit one portage.  A large tree across the river.  Hopefully, by this event that tree will be open, but the threat always exists.  In the event of inclement weather, the caches will be published, but the event will be cancelled.  Watch for announcements as the date draws closer.  This is the Upper Section of the Rogue, which is much less technical than the Lower Section.  As you approach Rockford, the current almost stops.

Captain's Log: River date - August 28, 2020.  Not realizing that the starting location was in the Rogue River State Game Area, and fordbidden to hide caches or hold events, I had to quickly change things up.  The event start site is now the finish, and we'll still carpool up to the river start.  It is HIGHLY recommended that you drop your kayak at the start and leave your vehicle at the finish.  I will be stationed at the start to supervise the kayaks, since this is a very public launching area.  There will be no log to sign, so if you're planning to show up for the smiley and bid us a fond farewell, please continue to do so.  Arrive early enough so that we can hit the river around 11am.  It's about 10-15 minutes to get from downtown to the Lanuch site.

 

Disclaimer: You are under no obligation to hunt this cache. You do so at your own risk. Like any outdoor sport, it carries the risk of unforeseen hazards. Use your best judgment with the environment and conditions. As conditions and cache locations may vary, it is the responsibility of the searcher to be familiar with the conditions in the area to be searched, to adequately prepare for those conditions, and to conduct oneself safely and responsibly and remain within his or her personal abilities and limitations. When and if you find a cache, you are under no obligation to touch it, reach it, climb to it, dig for it, pick it up, or even open it. Open it at your own risk. Individual Geostash and GPS cache sponsors assume no liability for events, which may occur, related directly or indirectly to your searching for a cache.


When:
Monday, September 7, 2020, 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM
Where:
Garden Club Park
33 Courtland Street
Rockford, MI  49341
Additional Info:
Category:
Geocache Event
Registration is not Required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Always check the cache page for updated information.

Log your "Will Attend" early to ensure that you do not miss out on announcements, updates, and messages.

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