[Southsider2k12]

http://gapersblock.com/tailgate/2009/06/pa...-the-puddle.php

Tue Jun 02 2009
Paddle Around the Puddle

Anyone with a sea kayak, muscles and a free weekend on June 13th and 14th might consider dragging their boat and a sleeping bag down to Burnham Harbor for a two-day trek along Lake Michigan's south shore to Michigan City. The journey offers kayakers a chance to witness nature's beauty juxtaposed with the shore's impressive industrial monoliths.

The trek will stop every five or eight miles at public access points to allow paddlers to join, or leave the group. Kayakers will camp Saturday night at Marquette Park and be treated to food and entertainment. A party awaits those who paddle into Michigan City on Sunday.

What is unclear is how Chicagoans would get back to the city, but there are tips and the event registration here.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=86374.47

Lake Michigan paddle expedition starts Saturday
MICHIGAN CITY - A two-day paddling expedition travels from Chicago to Michigan City this weekend.

On the inaugural expedition of the Burnham to Marquette Water Trail Expedition, paddlers will learn about the history and ecology of the region at educational programs at some of the region's lakefront parks. Experienced paddlers are welcome to join in and depart at any stop in the trail. Designated intermediate and advanced segments are mapped out and are online at www.nwipa.org.

The public is free join at designated stops. Reservations are required for participants. RSVP online at www.nwipa.org or call Dan Plath at 879-3084.

The expedition begins with launch from the Burnham Harbor Area at 9 a.m. Saturday, after an opening ceremony and safety talk beginning at 8:30 a.m., at 1362 S. Lynn White Drive, Chicago.

The expedition has a campout and presentation in Marquette Park in Gary at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, at 598 N. Grand Blvd. in the Miller neighborhood.

At its conclusion, paddlers are invited to a party at Millennium Plaza in Michigan City from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Other stops include 63rd Street Beach and Calumet Park in Chicago, Whilhala Beach in Whiting, Jeorse Park in East Chicago, Lakefront Pavilion in Portage, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Lakeview Park in Beverly Shores.

The event is a Burnham Plan Centennial project of Northwest Indiana Paddling Association and Illinois Paddling Council as well contribution from partners across the Bi-State Southern Lake Michigan Coast.