Exploring an underwater crucifix in Petoskey with Scuba North.
WAYS TO EXPLORE THE BAYS Epic escapades on NoMi waters
By Rachel Pasche During the heat of summer, there’s no relief quite like cooling off in one of northern Michigan’s many bodies of water. From clear creeks and rivers to the magnificent Great Lakes, this area is one of the best for splashing around during the summer months. While swimming and boating on these waterways is endlessly entertaining, some companies offer other options for whiling away the hours in the water. This summer, take your explorations to the bottom of the lake or gain an aerial perspective. Scope Out Shipwrecks with Scuba North The Great Lakes are home to an array of historical shipwrecks, and you can explore them through Scuba North. This diving company takes people on guided dives of some of the coolest wrecks in the Great Lakes, offering an entirely new way to experience the water. Their excursions offer an exciting perspective of historical sites, ones that are “generally well preserved due to the cold water temps and lack of salt … many wrecks from hundreds of years ago are still in very good condition, almost as if they could sail again tomorrow,” according to Josh Ritthaler, the operations manager at Scuba North. Some of the most accessible sites are in Grand Traverse Bay, such as a ’70s Ford
Pinto and a few recreational boats that are just off Haserot Beach on Old Mission Peninsula. Those who want to dive a little deeper can check out the waters near the Manitou Islands, where larger freight ships and other boats have sunk over the years. Divers can expect to encounter some marine life, including small mouth bass and possibly even the occasional freshwater jellyfish. (Don’t worry, their sting can’t be felt by humans!) Before diving, you will need to be scuba certified. Scuba North offers classes in the summer and winter, including a 5-day “Learn to Dive” course in the summer that gets you certified in under a week. For more information, dive into their website at scubanorth.com. Kayak the Chain of Lakes with Paddle Antrim Paddle Antrim is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, northern Michigan’s only state-designated water trail. This system of waterways consists of over 100 miles for paddlers to explore, spanning four counties and winding through the quaint lakeside villages of Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids. Kayakers of all skill levels can find a route on the trail, whether you’re looking for a quick excursion or a full-day expedition. The trail is divided into two segments: the Upper Chain and the Lower Chain, split by a dam in Bellaire. The Upper Chain is a series
14 • aug 01, 2022 • Northern Express Weekly
Paddling the Chain of Lakes is the perfect pastime (and workout) in any season.
of smaller lakes without much wind or waves, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a more leisurely experience. The Lower Chain can be more difficult, as the trail goes through both Torch and Elk Lakes, where wind and larger waves are often present. According to Deana Jerdee, the executive director of Paddle Antrim, “The majority of people we have encountered are looking for a short, half-day, relaxing paddle, and
we usually recommend paddlers check out the Upper Chain if that is what they are looking for.” The water trail is a flat system, which means paddlers can paddle in either direction without worrying about a current. This also allows for some out-and-back paddle options. “Paddling between the villages is also popular, from Ellsworth to Central Lake or Central Lake to Bellaire,” Jerdee says.
