I started my day at Lake City / lake pepin with delightful conversations with a group of ladies who have spent the last 10 years hunting for goodies at the 100 mile long garage sale around lake pepin?!  They make the loop hitting as many garage sales as possible and based on the traffic apparently everyone else does as well.

Lake Pepin was absolutely calm this morning, a completely different look than the wind swell racing across it last night.  As I hit the water, I didn’t really look at the map, I just knew down river would lead to another lock and eventually more river flow.  10 miles of flat water to start the morning was a slow slog, but I did get a chance to put on some random music and get in the groove.  

As the lake narrows, large canyon walls start to form leading towards the lock.  As I got closer to the lock, I began to see the tree covered canyon walls and am sure the colors looked amazing. As a colorblind person, normally it isn’t very impressive, but I’m sure it was fabulous!

The first lock of the day was super easy, and I soon found myself at the 25 mile mark, the current was an easy pace, consistent and organized.  The temperature was getting warmer so I decided to shed some clothes over a quick lunch.  I usually throw the fishing pole a few times at lunch just to make sure I take a good 20 minutes to lest my shoulders rest a bit. I caught a nice bass, grabbed a quick photo for my buddy Juan and let him go to get bigger. 

40 miles came and I decided I would stop for a quite bite at a restaurant in a small little river town.   The bartender had a shirt on from Port Aransas, Tx and was a snow bird so we talked Texas for a bit and then back on the water.

I started looking for a camp spot for the night, but every sweet spot had a sign that said restricted area for wildlife so I just decided to hit the next lock and as I waited I looked at the Map I noticed a campsite from a river angel who reached out.  After the lock opens, take an immediate right turn, and cut into the swamps winding your way around to the other side of the river.   After that interesting paddle I found a great campsite with hammock posts already in the ground right next to the river.  

Next to my campsite I met a great guy who rode his motorcycle with a sidecar to the river to sit on the bench and have a beer.  He was remembering old times and telling stories so I sat, and enjoyed the moment with him.  He was a Navy Vet who had been riding motorcycles for 60 years.  He was a great guy! 

Another good day on the water!