The Great Mississippi River Adventure

Day 26

Stats

42.4 miles traveled in 10:27 hours

River mile start:593

River mile end:450

River mile today: 43

River mile total:891

% complete: 37.5

Average 4.1 mph (lock, breaks, lunch)

Burned 2221 calories

Kayak: Y&H Quest 

Temp at launch 58 degree, at recovery 82 degree

Today began early with hope for my 1st 50 miler! I woke up early packed up while the fast moving rain squall passed. I ate, carried my gear and boat to the river and put in by 7am (ps if you have an ultralight or specialty hull the boat ramp at the campsite isn't friendly). I started paddling at a 5.2 mph rate for the first 45 minutes. And then...the wind began...from the west...as I paddled west. There was no hiding from it. Every direction had a westerly component. 

Going through lock 15 was easy once I got there. The 25 miles to lock 16 were a slugfest. Paddling into the wind unceasingly. And then the moral breaker. At 7 miles from the lock I saw a 15 barge towboat coming up behind me. He caught and passed me 3 miles from the lock.  This would mean a 60 to 90 minute wait while he locked through in multiple stages. Let's just say my angry sailor voice could be heard over the wind. To make matters worse there was another 15 barge towboat in the lock finishing their lock going up stream. I  called the lock on the radio  ut no one answered.  Then to my surprise, the towboat that had just passed me called the lock for me and suggested that they let me lock as soon as the other boat cleared the lock. The lock master said he'd be fine if all the captains agreed. And all 3 agreed. Wait where did the 3rd come from? In my anger I failed to see another behemoth coming up behind me. This picture does not represent how close I was to all these barges.

This brings up another topic, the water conditions above and below the locks. The locks are attached to dams. Dams creat lakes. Lakes are wide open areas susceptible to the wind. If the wind is blowing the waves become big and they will torture you until you get in the lock. When you come out of the lock there will be waves and current and more waves. Big ones. Like ocean beach knocking kids down big. And the current is merging with the spillway water. Paddlers need to be cautious. 

I  did see an eagle today so the streak remains!

The day ended on an island with a smokey view of the sun(Canadian smoke again).

Lastly, I'm missing my friends from thebureaufashionweek.com as they perform the Miami fashion shows.