July 01, 2020
Lower Platte River Tribute To Doug Barnes Report

Lower Platte River Cleanup Tribute

Doug Barnes (First Photo) was our go-to cleanup person on the Pine and Platte Rivers. His illness and
sudden passing, last year, was difficult for all of us, and he is sorely missed by all.

His wife and best friend, Lindy Barnes, intended to pay a loving tribute to her late husband this year, so a group
of her closest friends, along with Doug's son, Brian, met July 1st on the peaceful lower Platte River.

Lindy set sail on the calming ribbon, Doug's paddling gear carefully stowed into his favorite kayak. Ron Coyne
was entrusted with the honor of towing Doug's kayak, and he led our somber group of paddlers.

Eventually, one of Lindy's closest friends, Jackie Anderson (aka "Sassy") appeared poised to cheer us up. Stealthily
she and Ron C. secretly drew water into their weapons of choice. A hot day, the laughter of battle soon ensued.

Not to be accomplices in the antics of others, Lindy's son, Brian, had been busy helping some of us pick up the
small amount of trash found in the shallows. We didn't realize Ron C. was arming Lindy for a second onslaught!

Too late! Tepid moisture fell from the sky, and we became a victim of Lindy's antics. Brian wasn't spared the
vicious attack, and he was drenched with river, as the rest of us!

As we neared the end of our reminiscent journey, Tracie Lord and Jackie A. spotted some elusive turtles.
"Coach" Jackie guided Lindy's cautious approach, and, in the photo, Lindy's left paddle blade sticker
complements this amphibious reptile.

As friends, we are all witnesses of Lindy's love for her family, husband, and nature. She especially cherishes her
pets, daisies, turtles, and M&M's. The last photograph is of Lindy's teasing prior to our cleanup - we never
tire of her jovial persuasions.

Many thanks to Norm Fred of the Boardman River Clean Sweep for sponsoring our cleanups during this tumultuous
year. Also, much respect for the leaders and members of the Traverse Area Paddling Club, partners in Norm's
efforts to keep our waterways clean.

All the photos are here:

All the photos from this trip