Johnny Panther Quests. Ecotours

Sweat Running Off My Elbows!

JPQ Captain — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:02:02 +0000

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Open House is September 11 & 12. It is like having a key to the zoo that weekend. The area is opened to scouting and exploring. A few years ago the water was very low, and the temperature was very high. I walked up the channel pictured all the way to an eagle's nest that used to stand out there. When I got back to the boat, I looked like I'd been feathered by all the seeds stuck to me. The weather has been smoking hot lately, and with the humidity, it doesn't take much to get me soaked. I am trying to get into the habit of staying better hydrated. It sure feels like I have more energy when I do. There's lots to be done, but as I pondered in the shade, I remembered that afternoon out in the Flats. Looks like I might make it back to the open house this year. I wonder what kind of adventures and memories await...

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Smelling the Roses in the Shiawassee Flats

JPQ Captain — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:36:52 +0000

I was looking at my posts lately and realized aside from the images they were pretty emotionless. It is easier for me to upload images to FaceBoook and YouTube than it is to this site anymore. Hopefully those that view this will continue to click on the links I post. I really am a visual kind of guy. Though I may not be a professional, I have some crappy images of some incredible views. I dropped off some guests early the other night in the backyard of the Montegue Inn. We had run our standard trip, then I blew their hair back to Zilwaukee looking for freighters. It was shortly after 8pm, so I decided to chase the sunset back into the refuge. Boy am I glad I did! Here are some good old still images of that evening. It was dark as I idled back to the marina. The frogs and herons were croaking, and a large beaver greeted me at the dock. I spent over two hours on that little cruise. Spent is the wrong word, I experienced it! I was reluctant to return. I got an email from a friend today that talked about living your dreams. These are visuals of some of mine...

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Torch Lake Tubing

JPQ Captain — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:15:15 +0000

Here is a link to a short video. While on a Torch Lake recon I dragged freinds and family from the north to the south end of Torch Lake, nearly 17 miles! They still wanted more. Topped of with burgers and dogs at the sand bar, it was a full day. I still had to go to Elk Rapids and back! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAZcZR1NgHI

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

More "Dam Trip" Linkage

JPQ Captain — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:51:08 +0000

Here is a link to one of my favorite tributaries on the "Dam Trip" west of Oscoda. I am not sure which is better, the adventure walks or the boat ride. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyq2Cs57qok

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Sunset Linkage

JPQ Captain — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:48:58 +0000

It's long, it's mine, and it'll put you to sleep. Another link to an incredible evening in my playground. I love sunsets. Sunrises are good, sunsets are better. Here is a link to video shot last night. Please bare in mind I am not a professional videographer and the images do not do justice to the evening experienced. Eagles, beaver, does, fawns, and sandhill cranes made up a panarama of wildlife and euphoria. I hate it out there, I don't know why I keep going back (dripping with sarcasm)! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR0NDD67R3w

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Image Links, Recons, and Blessed to Be Surrounded by Beauty

JPQ Captain — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:25:27 +0000

I have a hard time loading images on this blog so I am trying to attach links and see how that works. If this works out well, or if it doesn't let me know. I would love to share the visual images of some of our adventures. Though they don't do the real thing justice, I think you will get the idea of how beautiful Michigan is! Torch Lake Recon http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davison-MI/Johnny-Panther-Quests-Adventure-Trips/47151562001?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=203465&id=47151562001 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203468&id=47151562001 The "Dam Trip" http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203468&id=47151562001#!/album.php?aid=203474&id=47151562001

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Torch Lake Recon

JPQ Captain — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:53:35 +0000

We went up and explored Torch Lake last weekend, awesome as always. Images and details coming soon.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Beaver On My Birthday

JPQ Captain — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:53:13 +0000

Here is a link to a boat ride through the Shiawassee Flats on an incredible day. We had the rare opportunity to watch a beaver. In the old days I saw many, but now not so much. I've been Johnny Panthering for many years now and it never gets old. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_59gAcA1s0

Original post blogged on b2evolution.