The Great Mississippi River Adventure

Day 36

Stats

54.4 miles traveled in 9:18 hours

River mile start:40

River mile end:939

River mile today: 55

River mile total:1356

% complete: 58.7

Miles to go: 939+12=1051

Average 5.9 mph (breaks, lunch)

Burned 2311 calories

Kayak: Y&H Quest 

Temp at launch 75 degree, at pull out 90

This morning the humidity was very high. Everything was soaked which should be expected when camping next to a body of water in the summer.

The paddle started well. I was making good speed, even with the barges coming at me in clumps. About 20 miles from the confluence with the Ohio River the current seemed to slow down. Between the slow down and the heat the paddle became a chore.

As I was approaching the confluence a barge started over taking me. When we crossed under the bridge for route 62, the barge started making a left turn. This was concerning because I was to his left and even with the tow boat. The barges were long enough that they were going to block the entire River. So I stopped paddling and enjoyed the show. I  got to witness a Mississippi power slide. Once the barges were perpendicular to the bank, he cut the power and drifted. When he cleared the bank of the Ohio he put on full power and took off up the Ohio River. At that point I resumed paddling and was able to get to the IL-MO-KY intersection. 

Denean found a campground mostly on the river so she picked me up at the boat ramp in Columbus KY. She took me to a near by general store Beards and Roses. Rob and Rose are a couple of sweet people and Rose made me a special cup cake.

My friends the eagles were serenating from the shore. I guess they were singing me happy Birthday. 

Today had many milestones. The end of the upper mississippi river miles. The confluence of the Ohio River. The three state junction. The end of my 63rd consecutive around the sun. I'm sure there's something else special about today.