Heavy winds kicked my butt as I left last nights campsite at the Gower families property. They are River Angels and happened to have 2 trees that made setting up my hammock easy. They sent me off with the best banana bread ever and it was a true blessing having something to eat taking my mind off what lay ahead! 20 miles was 19.99999 too long today. The winds whipped the Mississippi River into 2-3’ wind swept swells smashing the nose of my boat, spraying me with water over and over as I crawled slowly into the headwind with no place to hide from the wind.
I tried moving from island to island but crossing the main river was impossible,
The swells hitting the side of the boat just made it worse. Just made the beating more intense and the task miserable.
I passed a super friendly mom & daughter enjoying lunch on the river. The 5 minute chat improved my attitude and let my arms recover just long enough to keep grinding.
20 miles down river I found a camp site at a state park with a working bathroom. It’s a simple site that apparently has cottonwood trees…. They are making it snow. The cottonwood is everywhere!
Everyone else in the campsite has a motorhome except for me. The weekenders walk past my hammock and snap photos of my boat. The weekenders with dogs are always the first to stop and talk. Then the ask questions, take photos etc. As dinner came, the first sign of generosity came in the form of snacks, then the burger, the vanilla shake, the drinks etc.
It was all appreciated and delicious! Note to self, don’t eat your dehydrated food at 4:45pm…. Just be patient, it will happen! As I ate everything offered, I might need to go paddle tonight just to burn some calories!
I’ll be back on the water tomorrow, hoping for a lot less
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