A couple of weeks ago the Friends of the Chicago River volunteer canoe guides spent a beautiful day on the North Branch of the Chicago River and the Skokie Lagoons. We took turns practicing canoe rescues in the event that a guest dumps. We then paddled south towards the North Branch of the Chicago River and enjoyed a beautiful day on the river.
A Friends of the Chicago River group GoPro selfie on the Skokie Lagoons
Trip begins on the Skokie Lagoons
I first captured a video of a rescue. I was too far away to adequately capture what goes in to making a rescue, so I will revert back to the video I took last year.
After we each got a shot at practicing our rescues, it was time for a GoPro group canoe selfie. Thanks to utilizing the GoPro app on my iPhone, I started taking pictures every two seconds for about 30 seconds and lead photo on this post is the best picture out of the bunch.
Then it was time to paddle across the southern section of the Skokie Lagoons and head to the North Branch of the Chicago River. It was a perfect day to be out on the water with just a breeze and a comfortable temperature in the mid 60s. I think the pleasant day is well captured in the below video.
Onward to the North Branch of the Chicago River
Once we cleared the dams, we made it into the North Branch of the Chicago River. This section of river is one of the best adventures you will find in the Chicago area. I cannot believe last year was the first year I paddled this stretch. I made up for lost time as I have now paddled it four times, and I will paddle it at least one more time this year.
North Branch of the Chicago River just south of the Skokie Lagoons
A Tom Judge sighting on the North Branch of the Chicago River
As soon as we entered the North Branch, I changed the GoPro setting to time lapse photography set at a five second interval. The river is at its most scenic after the leaves come out later in the summer. For a comparison of these photos, check out the post below, which captured the river in August. I hear it is also nice in the fall. With so many trees along the river, I can imagine how it would be spectacular during the fall color change.
Discovering unexpected Chicago River canoe adventures
Chicago River guides gathering under a bridge on the North Branch
I also did a little time lapse video. One section we had a downfall and had to drag all the canoes overs the trees. I had the GoPro going on time lapse during this section. The video below I took on time lapse and then slowed it down on editing to make a slow motion like effect.
Here is another video of just straight time lapse:
I then went back to taking time lapse photos. In one picture a deer stared at use from the water’s edge. I tried to stare back with the GoPro on my head on a head strap. The GoPro does not take good wildlife shots as it has no zoom capability, so take your wildlife photos with something else.
Can anyone spot the deer in this one? Its head is sticking between where the two deadfalls meet
While most of this stretch is rather wild, there are also sections where you remember you are in an urban setting like when you go under power lines or under an interstate
Under the bridge on the North Branch of the Chicago River
Scenery so nice, I need two pictures
North Branch of the Chicago River
Come join us on a North Branch of the Chicago River trip or on another paddle. Check out the Friends of the Chicago River event schedule for a future paddle opportunity.
Adventure on!
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