The Great Mississippi River Adventure

Day 17

Stats

30.94 miles traveled in 6:57 hours

River mile start:832

River mile end:800

River mile today: 32

River mile total:541

% complete: 22.8

Average 4.4 mph (lock, breaks)

Burned 1913 calories

Kayak: Y&H Quest 

Temp at launch 49 degree, at recovery 50 degree

The wind abated, mostly. The rain lessened, mostly. And the temperature rose, some. At first the water was smooth and inviting, but then the winds came up and the skies started misting the earth. I was bundled up and mostly dry. But the wind and cold water was tough on the hands holding the metal paddle. Eventually the wind abated again and I just paddled the rest of the day in a light mist.

I paddled through lock #2. Not as big, but cool nonetheless. 

On the wildlife front, my eagle escort continued today. I think those birds love me! Later in the day I thought I saw a female moose swimming across the river. By the time I got the Camara out she was pretty far off. 

Ending at River mile 800 means I have 800 miles left to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi. It also means I have 1800 miles to "0" mile on the Mississippi. The gulf is 30 miles further.