Travelers’ checks

The United States Geologic Survey maintains a water gauge along the Grand River to monitor stats such as water levels and water-flow volume. With the USGS mobile website, it’s easy to keep track of what lies ahead on the water.

Packrafts aren’t cheap — Alpacka sells models ranging from about $600 to $2,000. But they can be rented. As of now, there aren’t any outfitters in Ohio that specifically offer packrafts for rent. There is, however, one company that rents them globally.

“We ship them all over the world,” said Rob Smith, who along with his brother, Jared, formed Packraft America: A Web-based packraft rental biz that has shipped as far away as New Zealand, Smith said.

“Get on our Website and rent one,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun!”

Smith said the rentals start at $40/day plus shipping and he’ll offer 10% off if this article is mentioned. Visit www.packraftamerica.com for more details.

Lake Metroparks has seven tent-camping sites available for reservations. The two riverside sites are Riverview Park, which is just up river, and in sight of, the highlevel Route 528 bridge over the Grand River in Madison Township. The other, more secluded, riverside site is in Leroy Township on Baker Road. Camping is permitted at these two parks is permitted from May 1 to Nov.30 and only when the river level is four feet or less at the United States Geological Survey’s gauge on Walnut Avenue in Painesville. More information and reservations are available at www.lakemetroparks.com/camping/tents.shtml.

For more information about packrafting, visit the American Packrafting Association’s Website at http://www.packraft.org/. Alpacka Raft LLC also offers a wealth of information about packrafts and packrafting at www.alpackarafts.com.