Expedition FAQ’s

Thornapple River Expedition 2012 Frequently Asked Questions!

If possible have someone drop you off with your gear at your starting point and pick you up at the end.  Overnight parking is limited.  Transportation will be available if needed for an additional fee.

Major things you will need – Camping Gear, Mess Kit including water bottle, Watercraft, Floatation device,

We’ve tried to anticipate every question you could possibly ask!  But if your question isn’t on the list below, then please email trwc@thornappleriver.org. Or ask us on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ThornappleRiverWatershedCouncil

1)    Will there be a tour of the headwaters?

Answer:  Yes, there will be a tour along with the opening ceremony.  Details will be provided as we approach the launch date.

2)    How can I register for the Thornapple River Expedition 2012?

Answer:  Registration information can be found on our website  http://thornappleriver.org/2011/12/thornapple-expedition-2012/     

3)    Can my family or group use more than one canoe or kayak?

Answer:  Yes, your group may use whatever number you require.  (We are not set up to haul boats for you during the day if you are not using them, however.)

4)    How much will it cost to be included in the group and register for the full river trip?  Answer:  The cost for the full trip is $150 for an adult and $100 for children 12 and under.  The charges include insurance, registration, meals, camping, and transportation of camping and personal gear (but not canoes or kayaks).

5)    How much will it cost per day to be included in the group and register for less than the full river trip?  

Answer:  The rate for adults is $35 and for children 12 and under it is $25 per day. The daily charge includes meals, insurance, and registration..     

6)    If I plan to camp overnight (instead of going to a motel or back home each night) will I need to carry all my equipment with me in my canoe?

Answer:  No.  Support vehicles will carry camping gear, so you do not have to carry your equipment in your boat.  You are limited to only 2 duffle bags of gear weighing 40lbs or less.  See the What to Bring, What Not to Bring list the GRE 2010 planners developed.

7)    Will camping fees be included in the registration, or a separate cost?

Answer:  All camping fees are included in the registration cost.

8)    What amenities will campsites have?

Answer:  This will vary by site. Many of the campsites are privately owned campgrounds, but others are public areas not usually used for camping. At a minimum, water, restrooms (may be port-a-potties) and place to set up a tent will be available. Showers, pools, and electricity are not guaranteed but should be available at Whispering Waters and Indian Valley (nights 3 and 4)

9)    When can camping begin? 

Answer:  The Camping procedure will be as follows: when you register for a day with us, you’ll be expected to camp the evening before your day of paddling. That way, you can have supper, register, get a good night’s sleep (we hope) get breakfast bright and early, pack all your gear, get the MANDATORY Rivermaster orientation briefing in the morning and start paddling.  Later, on your registered day, you’ll get a box lunch and when you get into the evening’s camp, all you have to do is pick up your gear from the Trailspotters truck and you can go home.

10)    Will meals be provided for registrants and will they be included in registration cost, or a separate cost?

Answer:  All meals during the expedition will be provided for those who register by July 1st. Each meal will be provided in part by organizations and communities along the way.

11)    How soon do you need to know which group meals I want to have?

Answer:  Your registration must be received no later than July 1st for purposes of organizing meals.

12)    Will there be any way to purchase meals on site later?

Answer:  We won’t have an answer for that because we don’t know how our host / support organizations will handle the food situation. To be on the safe side, if you’re not pre-registered, please be sure to bring your own sufficient food and beverages for the day.

13)    Will vegetarian meals be available?

Answer:  Meals will be provided by host volunteer groups at each stop.  While we can pass on any special dietary needs to the groups, we cannot assure that they will be able to meet your needs.

14)    How can I help while on the river?

Answer:  You can volunteer to help with educational activities, water quality monitoring, photography/videography, or many other areas on the river. Please send an email with your interests to trwc@thornappleriver.org, and we’ll match you with the appropriate volunteers.

15)    Will there be live entertainment in evenings, and if so, will there be a separate charge?

Answer:  At this time we do not expect that there will be a charge for any events that are a part of the expedition beyond the daily charge. However, it is possible that local communities may schedule other events in conjunction with the Expedition.  

16)    Will there be any additional activities for children?

Answer:  We expect there will be activities focused on children, but do not have a schedule at this time.

17)    I am not a fast paddler.  Will a slow paddler be able to keep up?

Answer:  The Thornapple River Expedition 2012  is not a race. It is a journey of discovery and education. There will be some long days on the river, but it should not be difficult for anyone to keep up.

18)    Will we be able to learn about environmental issues from experts during the trip?

Answer:  Yes, there will be a number of environmental professionals participating in several aspects of the expedition, providing lots of opportunities to learn about environmental issues. There will also be plenty of time to speak with these folks informally along the way.

 19)    Is there a map available? 

Answer:  Yes, there is.  Go to the Maps tab under the Links and Resources tab.  There you will also find an OR Code that you can add the link to your smart phone using a Bar Code App.

20)    Is there watercraft rental available? 

Answer:  We can not reccomend one but can provide some contacts by clicking on the names listed here.  Indian Valley Campground and Canoe Livery, Whispering Waters Campground and Canoe Livery and U Rent Em Canoe Livery all opperate on the Thornapple River