Shipyards & Mill Creeks, Grand River

 

The Grand River has many tributaries and inlets of various sorts. On the west side of the river near the Grand River church, there are two inlets/creeks that I’ve wanted to check out for a while. These are the Shipyards and Mill Creeks. There’s excellent access to the Grand River at the MacDougall bridge on the SE end towards the church. Names like Shipyards and Mills Creek suggest that this area contributed to the shipbuilding industry of the 19^th century. Some research is required.

My paddling track, 6 km (WD12)

After launching, I headed to the mouth of Shipyards Creek for a complete shoreline paddle. There wasn’t enough water to paddle up the creek segment towards route 12 – maybe on a high tide in the spring. Before paddling out of the inlet, I encountered a small flock of Yellowlegs. Usually, you see one or two, so seeing a group was great.

Grand River catholic church

 

Access to river, R12 bridge

 

Then, I went under the bridge and did a shoreline paddle of Mills Creek. Again, the water was too shallow to paddle the narrow creek toward Route 131. It looks like 500m should be navigable at high tides. In Mills Creek inlet, I observed the usual pair hanging out together – a bald eagle and a belted kingfisher.

Greater Yellowlegs	R12 bridge near church
Bald Eagle	Belted Kingfisher

These two inlets/creeks make a nice protected paddle, so I will be back – hopefully during higher water levels.

Grand River view