I’ve got to admit it’s getting better
A little better all the time (It can’t get no worse)
I have to admit its getting better, it’s getting better
Since you’ve been mine (Getting so much better all the time)
– beatles

“Paddling is more fun when you do it in a group.”, says the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association. (“You don’t say!?” ask the ancient Romans in the audience.) Well, I say whatever tips your canoe! One thing is sure, we certainly need folks like the NWIPA who are visionary enough to take on the task of nurturing environmental restoration projects on the southern bow of Lake Michigan. Not to mention promoting the area as a sea kayaking destination. It’s certainly not a place most of us would likely have on our list of top paddling places.

Let’s be honest here, the area just south of Chicago, the legendary “Gary, Indiana” and beyond, has never had a reputation as a beauty spot. 100 years of industry, neglect and environmental blindness left the bottom of Lake Michigan a place to drive by, not a place to stop. Even on the Lake itself the reputation, fair or not, is that all the “YUK!” from the rest of the lake settles right there, at the bottom. Of course for the folks living in the area they know that while there are certainly areas in need of work, it’s not nearly as bad as the reputation. The folks at NWIPA have been working their duffs off to make some changes. Not just to the enviroment but in how we see it as well. This year with the inauguration of the Bi-State Southern Lake Michigan Water Trail, they have a chance to show off their hard work.

The NWIPA is holding a paddle June 13th & 14th of this year. For this two day event paddlers will launch in Michigan City and paddle along the Indiana coast line in 6-8 mile sections. Paddlers can of course jump in or out at any point. Along the way paddlers will be introduced to public access points, past projects and future plans for the area. Paddlers will make an overnight stop in East Chicago and then continue north completing the journey in downtown Chicago. You can find more details here.

Not only is this a great way to learn more about the new water trail but I have a feeling it’s a great opportunity for paddlers with great lakes experience who maybe have not tried longer days on the water or overnights before now to get a feel for it while in the comfort & relative safety of a big group.

Related Posts:

1. The summer trail
2. Cover the Empties
3. Missing Paddler – Lake Michigan
4. Ryan’s Place
5. Back To Point Beach