It all started with a Facebook exchange that can be summarized as thus:
“How come Granite Falls can’t do something like that?” queried Paula Soine.
“We can,” said Nicole Zempel.
And so originated, “Paddling with Paula.”
Though the summer will soon wane, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the river, and Paula Soine wants to be your guide.
“This effort is about creating an opportunity to help people recognize the many local recreational opportunities available to them while connecting them to the parks and rivers,” explained Chamber of Commerce Director Zempel, who will assist in the organization of the first Paddling with Paula. ”There is a growing awareness and focus on our parks and rivers which has been most exciting to see,” she said.
You say you have no kayak? No canoe? Well have no worries. For this community river outing all of the necessities will be provided for all ages and all experiences levels by river issue all-stars, Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) of Montevideo.
Together, Soine, the Chamber and CURE are collaborating to put on the community paddle that puts-in at Wegdahl and meanders down the Minnesota River to the take-out in Granite Falls. It’s an easy-going ride that’s great for beginners, but has enough scenic beauty and wildlife to keep any nature lovers attention perked. A run-in with mallards, wood ducks, eagles, herons and hawks is the norm.
The all-ages river outing is scheduled for August 24 at 5:30 p.m. Community members will meet at the dike road public access located west of the softball field where they will be shuttled by bus to Wegdahl. The trip will take a little over two hours and end back at the public access. Cost is $10 for adults, children paddle for free.
Look for future Paddling with Paulas the following two Tuesdays, August 31 and September 7, as well. To reserve a space for any of the trips call Nicole Zempel at the Chamber of Commerce at 564-4039.
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It all started with a Facebook exchange that can be summarized as thus:
“How come Granite Falls can’t do something like that?” queried Paula Soine.
“We can,” said Nicole Zempel.
And so originated, “Paddling with Paula.”
Though the summer will soon wane, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the river, and Paula Soine wants to be your guide.
“This effort is about creating an opportunity to help people recognize the many local recreational opportunities available to them while connecting them to the parks and rivers,” explained Chamber of Commerce Director Zempel, who will assist in the organization of the first Paddling with Paula. ”There is a growing awareness and focus on our parks and rivers which has been most exciting to see,” she said.
You say you have no kayak? No canoe? Well have no worries. For this community river outing all of the necessities will be provided for all ages and all experiences levels by river issue all-stars, Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) of Montevideo.
Together, Soine, the Chamber and CURE are collaborating to put on the community paddle that puts-in at Wegdahl and meanders down the Minnesota River to the take-out in Granite Falls. It’s an easy-going ride that’s great for beginners, but has enough scenic beauty and wildlife to keep any nature lovers attention perked. A run-in with mallards, wood ducks, eagles, herons and hawks is the norm.
The all-ages river outing is scheduled for August 24 at 5:30 p.m. Community members will meet at the dike road public access located west of the softball field where they will be shuttled by bus to Wegdahl. The trip will take a little over two hours and end back at the public access. Cost is $10 for adults, children paddle for free.
Look for future Paddling with Paulas the following two Tuesdays, August 31 and September 7, as well. To reserve a space for any of the trips call Nicole Zempel at the Chamber of Commerce at 564-4039.
