The weather is perfect, the motivation is high and we headed out the door.
I took a few minutes to do a gear check for whitewater paddling because today I would start the river in a sit on top creek boat with a dry storage (a plastic virtually indestructible plastic boat designed for bashing trees and rocks), be in shallow water and always be ready to walk away from the boat on a unknown river.
Sam and I drove to the headwaters, both quietly enjoying the adrenaline of what was to come. The actual start of the adventure.
When we parked, two older gentlemen walked over and struck up a lovely conversation about the trip, the planning and what was to come. They offered to take a few photos of the start and walked back over to the river with us.
As I got ready to go I thought about how this is very much like the Baja 1000. To complete strangers the concept brings wild adventures and the ability to be free for just a second while they take part at the starting line. It was really a memorable experience looking at those two older gentlemen, living vicariously through the adventure of Sam and I.
The water is cold, clear, flowing and perfect. The sky is blue, not a cloud to be seen. The temperature is 65degreed, and the silence as I ducked under the walking bridge is deafening. For the first time in a long time, I am alone.
The creek starts very shallow, 12” deep sometimes less with just enough current to speed along at a pace that required a proper paddle stroke to miss the ever winding banks.
Soon the flow flattens to a smooth pace cutting past the swamp grass on both banks cutting a deep but narrow path that has more curves than the windiest of roads.
The turtles, small little turtles in the clear water are the first to say hello. They aren’t like the Texas turtles who sit sunning on the logs, these little turtles spent time swimming, diving and using the current like masters to get from one place to the next.
The fish, the fish fisherman dream of have started showing up all over. Some of the walleye are so large I thought that they were small logs on the bottom. They sat absolutely still until I would glide past and with 1 or 2 thrust would be gone in a second.
My first bald eagle of the trip is a curious bird who swept in for a closer view of the bright yellow floating fool. It then caught the lift of an invisible current to rise 100’ to a nest perched on top of a huge pine tree. It seemed to settle in while I passed by and disappeared into the distance.
The last, but most memorable animal of the day was a beaver who must have been right on the shoreline sunning as I paddled past. It must have woke up in time to panic and start slapping the water so loud I assumed a bear was going to attack me. I think I tried to climb out the front of the boat about as fast as it tried to get to enough water to disappear!
We both survived the incident, we both had a great story to tell the family that night over dinner, lol.
This section of the river is a lot of fun to paddle with stunning views, sounds and memories that will only been enjoyed by a select few on the planet.
As I hit the takeout Sam is ready to go. When it comes to planning, tracking and accountability Sam is the best in the business. Knowing he is taking time out of his life to help me accomplish this task is mind blowing and also a huge relief knowing I am not alone!
