Bistro Newsletter

Michael & I spent last weekend on our annual Winter Paddle down the Pine River. The Pine is near Cadillac, it is one of the cleanest fastest rivers in lower Michigan. Ten of us rented a large log cabin very close to the river. The cabin is set on 60 acres, has a pond, snow shoes, hot tub, firepit, pool table and a well appointed kitchen.

Although my favorite part of the trip is the actual beauty of the river in the snow, the house is perfect for our group and makes the trip one of my favorite destinations. Cooking, drinking wine, playing games and laughter are my favorite activities after all, and the house allows us to gather perfectly. Everyone brings a meal or an assortment of snacks. Our meals included Grilled Veggie Platters with multiple yummy dips, Mediterranean style Haddock, an authentic Goulash cooked by an authentic German girl… Charcuterie, Breakfast Strata, Quiche, Homemade Gravlax and Apple Cake. We certainly didn’t starve. Nor was I ever thirsty!

We rent our rafts through Pine River Paddlesport Center. Jacob and his beautiful hound Hoxey shepherd us down the river and make sure we’re safe. This year we had an early run so we could not lollygag as Jacob had more runs in the afternoon. Our three boats cruised down the river, occasionally bouncing off the sides of the snowy bank or getting stuck on a log or boulder. It snowed while we were paddling, which was absolutely beautiful, so calm and peaceful. The float is about an hour and a half, and you have the option to hike back to your car or drive back with Jacob in the big van with the boats. I cannot recommend PRPC enough, Michael and I have been their customers for at least 15 years. You can tell how much Jacob and his family love the Pine. I couldn’t agree more.

Click on the photo gallery to see the beauty of the river (and some good chow).​

Cheers,
Sharon