The Great Mississippi River Adventure

Day 25

Stats

32.2 miles traveled in 8:01 hours

River mile start:525

River mile end:493

River mile today: 32

River mile total:848

% complete: 35.7

Average 4.0 mph (lock, breaks, lunch)

Burned 1637 calories

Kayak: Y&H Quest 

Temp at launch 50 degree, at recovery 68 degree

Going into today we knew it was going to be a short day. Coming into the quad cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island) all the islands seemed to be private property or golf courses. In order to paddle past the area I would have had to paddle over 50 miles and gone through 3 locks. We decided that the best course of action is to camp after the second lock and not attempt the full distance. I stopped at a campsite called Illiniwek. This site is on the river with a boat ramp.

On the journey today I saw a windmill in Foster IL. 

The Clinton Showboat whatever.

The Buffalo Bill museum. 

I also saw another brewery on the river (well off the river but I could see it). That was a stop I wanted to make but I couldn't find a place to park my kayak.

Lock 13 went smoothly early in the day. Lock 14 not so much. First there was a large barge package in the lock. Then they weren't moving. When they did, another barge came up from behind me so I had to wait while they locked through. 

By the time I got to the campsite it was after 4 and I was frustrated.  So the plan worked out well.

While at the campsite my new found friend Bill Porter came to visit me. Bill and I served on the USS Ray SSN 653 but a few years apart. We happened to meet waiting in line to tour the USS Iowa SSN 797.

Today's eagle escort was barely there. I saw one eagle but he was being harassed by some small birds.

It was a short day but a good one. Let's see what tomorrow brings!