The Great Mississippi River Adventure 

Day 4

Winnibigoshish is evil!

Stats

36 miles traveled in 9:38 hours

River mile start:1247

River mile end:1215

River mile today:32

River mile total:126

Averaged 3.7 mph (including lunch break and portages)

Burned 2495 calories

Kayak: Y & H Quest

Temp at launch 33 degree, at recovery 73 degrees

Today was the day of the great crossing of Winnibigoshish. I  had measured out every possible path, prepared for no wind, some wind, and bad wind. I used my sturdy and speedy sea kayak.  I  launched at 7:30 in order to avoid the wind. Winnibigoshish said "psych!"

At 7:30 the air temp was 33 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm sure the water temperature was 33 as well since there was still ice on the lake a week ago.  As soon as I left the put in I started feeling the wind. Oh oh. It took me 1/4 mile to assess and decide a course of action. Ain't no way I'm paddling straight across, 7 to 11 miles, in this wind. I  chose to skirt around the western edge of the lake in order to avoid the big waves, and eventually garner protection from the southern coast. It took me 2 hours to paddle 8 miles to the far side.

It took me forever to paddle north with the shore protecting me from the wind(1.5 hours). As soon as I turned southeast I was hired with high winds and white caps. It took me 90 minutes to paddle a mile and a half. It took me 5 hours to travel 18 miles because of the wind. 5 hours of constant paddling. Pain. Below is the only picture I took of that lake.

From the Winny dam it was a smooth paddle for 20 miles. Once again I had a 6 eagle escorts. 

Another day in the books! Also, I've paddled 120 miles so far!