Marathon canoer to paddle length of the St. Joseph River
02/25/2003

HILLSDALE (AP) – A marathon canoer hopes to raise awareness of conservation and recreation issues this spring by paddling the entire length of the St. Joseph River.

"I see the problems here with pollution from runoff, overflowing from water treatment plants, people dumping stuff in the river," said Pat Sawyer, 35.

The South Bend, Ind., man plans to begin the 210-mile trip at Hillsdale on May 29, the Hillsdale Daily News reported. He hopes to finish June 1 in St. Joseph, where the river empties into Lake Michigan.

The trip will take Sawyer through more than 20 cities in Michigan and Indiana.

His wife, Nancy, said they are inviting organizations from cities along the river to get involved in the project. She said they will encourage visitors to clean up the river or to paddle along with her husband.

"We’re trying to tie in the historical aspect with conservation and the beauty of the river," she said.

Pat Sawyer, who has been racing for six years, trains four to five times a week year-round on the river. He said he wakes up at five in the morning to practice before heading to work as a bricklayer.

"It’s my daily vacation," he said. "I see the river waking up."

The couple’s four children are involved in the hobby, cheering for dad and paddling with him at times.

"They’re used to him participating in races and preparing for major paddles," Nancy Sawyer said. "They’re excited."

The trip along the river will be far different from any race, Pat Sawyer said.

"I wanted to see if I can do more than win a medal," he said. "I have a love of the area."

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©Midland Daily News 2003