By noon I was walking north on the Mississippi River. By 2 o’clock I was Adam’s apple deep in muck on the Mississippi River going precisely 0 miles per hour.
I don’t know what I imagined the start of the Mississippi River would be like. But I think most people would be surprised to find out it’s so shallow that I had to walk my kayak for the first mile or so. Simply an unforgettable experience.
Most people would be even more surprised to find out shortly after that the vegetation gets so thick that I couldn’t tell you where the river is. I couldn’t even move forward without getting into the water, kicking and clawing my way through the mud and the weeds (I stink).
Today was a good day though, a sunny day, a memorable day, but I didn’t get very far.
By around 4 o’clock I had travelled about 5 miles total. At that time I paddled upon an overgrown canoe camp site (Wanagan), and although it was earlier in the day than I would’ve like to have stopped, I made the safe choice and quit while I was ahead.
Whatever vegetation was behind me surely also lay ahead, and my fear is that it may be worse…
So I need to rest up.
I had the campsite all to myself. Maybe it’s the fact that there are no roads here. Or maybe it’s the biting flies that keep the people away…
Fortunately I’m heavily armed with 98% deet for just this situation. I was able to keep bugs at bay, and even started a fire which smoked out the rest.
Tomorrows a new day.
And you know what they say:
“No man walks into the same river twice. For he’s not the same man, and it’s not the same river.”
Was there to help you set the canoe in at the head waters. My boys thought it was awesome that you were doing it.
Was there to help you set the kayak in at the head waters. My boys thought it was awesome that you were doing it.
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