By Dave Horst
A small but skilled group of kayakers launched from a tired, 50-year-old boat landing in Ashwaubomay Park July 20 and headed for the future.
Ashwabomay Creek now passes under a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge on its way to the Fox River. The bridge makes possible a rec trail on the west bank of the Fox, paralleling the popular Fox River Trail on the east side. The new trail will connect the Brown County Fair Grounds, Ashwaubomay Park and the National Railway Museum. A gritty industrial area that was a storage area for semi trucks and trailers now hosts high-end apartment living.
The boat landing offered a standard concrete ramp, this one with a carpet of lily pads growing in its center. With no competing power boats eager to launch, it was a smooth entry.
Only 11 kayakers took part in the Public Paddle from the park in Ashwaubenon to the mouth of the Fox. A 12th had to withdraw due to an equipment problem.
With the accumulated flow from all of our recent rains and a slight tailwind, GPS clocked the group at 3.5 mph as we passed through the downtown entertainment district.
Power boats churned up criss-crossing waves worthy of a crossing at Isle Royale.
Back on shore at the Green Bay Metro Landing, we dodged the big boats again to load our kayaks. We had traveled from history back to reality.
Next up is the Aug. 17 Appleton Locks Paddle through all four Appleton locks. High flows could change the route, so check NEWP.club for updates.