The Great Mississippi River Adventure

Day 29

The 1000 miles paddled look

Stats

50 miles traveled in 12:00 hours

River mile start:359

River mile end:309

River mile today: 50

River mile total:1032

% complete: 43.5

Average 4.1 mph (locks, breaks, lunch)

Burned 2000 calories

Kayak: Y&H Quest 

Temp at launch 62degree, at recovery 81 degree

This morning I crossed the 1000 mile mark on this trip. Yesterday I crossed into Missouri. I was sad to miss the junction. 

About 2 miles from lock 20 a barge passed me. This meant a 60 to 90 minute delay while they locked through.  Up until then I had been paddling at 5.3 mph. On the good news side, I made friends with a couple of locals.

Don't worry, they're just water snakes and I  didn't harass them. But if you're planning on ringing the bell at lock 20 that's where the snakes are.

This morning the eagles were being playful as well as grabbing fish from the water.

The wind started about mid morning and kept up all day long. I'm going to feel it tomorrow. 

Back to the barge that screwed up my day...after I locked through 20 I had to wait a couple of minutes for him to get out of the way. After that I kept up with him for a couple of hours. Yes I was falling behind but I only have 2 horsepower vs it's 6100. 17 miles later, when I got to lock 21, once again I had to wait for the same barge. Only for 50 minutes this time. Because of the way boat launches are spaced I had to choose between a 36 mile day or a 50. I went for 50. Because of the barge delay I ended up on the river for 12 hours vs 10. 

I pulled out at Hannibal, home of Mark Twain.