July 4th is just around the corner

June came and went so fast this year that it is hard to believe the 4th of July is just a few short days away. The past week was no different. Had some great weather and even greater guests.

Borchers was privileged to host the Woodhaven church groups return for a visit and float to Burtons landing last Friday. This is a fun group and a pleasure to work with. The trip ended with an amazing BBQ which we were excited to participate in. We also were able to witness the groups baptism of 3 young members right there on the banks of the Ausable!

The area has received a fair amount of much needed rain the last couple of days bringing the river levels up to prime conditions. This added with the fantastic weather forecast has us excited about the upcoming holiday weekend. In addition we are pleased to have three new tandem kayaks added to the fleet of boats we offer for rent. So far we have received great reviews of their comfort and manueverability on the water. The picture below is a proud Mark and Ryan after completing the new rack to hold these boats.

We look forward to seeing everyone on the river this weekend and wish everyone a fun and safe 4th of July!

Your Borchers Crew

Fun in the Sun!

Amazing! The only way to explain the weather we have had here in Grayling the past week. Sunshine and temps in the 8o's with more in the forecast. The river is in great shape and

We have been having all kinds of fun getting folks down the river and have been visited by folks from as far away as Oklahoma. Also the B and B has been buzzing with guests who have been spending the warm evenings riverside.

Would also like to mention the newest addition to our crew. Her name is Mercedes aka Cede. She is our new official greeter!

Hope to see you all soon!

Your Borchers Crew

Dads & Grads

The Borchers Canoe Crew is anticipating a perfect week-end for Father's Day! The weatherman has promised that a few rain showers will clear by Saturday noon and Sunday will be 84 and sunny.

The Dawson family is planning a trip.

Dads take your kids, kids take your dads, everyone head down river this week-end.

This past week-end, Borchers had a group of 5 canoes for a Father & Son camping trip, along with one brave daughter.

Borchers is proud to announce the graduation of three of our staffers from
Grayling High School.
Go Vikings!

Headed to Michigan State this fall to study communications,
Alex has been on staff for three years.

Ryan graduated in the top ten from Grayling High School.
He plans on spending his first year of college at Kirtland studying criminal justice.
Ryan has also been on staff for three years.

John graduated in the top ten. On staff two years, John will head to Michigan State
this fall to study pre-med.Borchers prides itself on the finest staff in the business and these three young men are an asset to our team and to all of the activities they are involved in.

Alex, Ryan, John: We salute you!

The Fox Brigade

It has been our pleasure this past week to provide canoes and shuttle service to the Fox Brigade.

Jack along with Alan, Kevin, Bill and Sheldon arrived on Tuesday as the lead party for a three day camping, canoe trip.

After spending the night at our B&B, the brigade headed down river to set up base camp. They spent the next three days canoeing from Grayling to Mio.

Mark and I were delighted to be invited out to their camp Friday night. Their camp cook, Bob, is no ordinary chef. When we arrived, we were treated to Beef tenderloin that melted in your mouth. Not only was the food great, but these are all great guys. Many are involved or have been involved in Boy Scouts of America. Some of these men have been taking an annual canoe trip together for over 30 years. A few were first timers. The conversation and Jack's presentation of this year's award were highly entertaining.

They talked about past trips on other rivers and future plans. We hope that the AuSable River and Borchers Canoe & Kayak will be one of the highlights that they talk about and return to in the years to come.

It is a sad day at Borchers. Our hearts ache with the loss of our precious Ellie. We only had her for a year, but she filled our lives with delight. We will miss the way she cocked her head with a question, the way she pranced across the yard so proud of herself, the way she danced herself silly to get a scoop of ice cream and most of all her "family hug".

She loved "adventure" and unfortunately headed out on her own and was hit by a car.

We will all miss our lovable, Aussie-Dorable Ellie.

Schools Out!!!

Today was the last day of school for the kids here in Grayling and it is now time to relax and enjoy summer.

As a grand finale to the school year we were treated to a visit from Mrs. Casey's 5th grade class as well as Mrs. Gabriel's 7th grade students. The day was absolutely perfect and both kids and parents arrived at the landing sporting smiles.

According to Mrs Casey, "we all had a great day on the river. Just two tip overs. The kids swam- brrr- at the canoe campground and were excited about seeing any wildlife. We're so lucky to have the river in our 'backyard'. Your crew was respectful, cheerful, and efficient."

The days are surely getting longer and the temps warming up nicely during the day. Seeing more and more camper boats head down river too. Looks to be another promising week of canoeing and as the old saying goes; a day on the river is better than one in the office!

Take care,

The Borchers Crew