Day 9 (50 miles with time to dry out) 12/14/2009
Daily stats Start: 7:15 AM- Kimmswick Missouri Illinois Finish: 2:30 PM - Illinois Time: 7:15 Daily dist: 50 miles Total dist: 199 miles Companions: None Weather: Overcast in morning becoming clear in the afternoon - chilly Notes: My first day starting from a tent - took time to dry things out I’m writing this blog inside my tent wrapped up in my sleeping bag. It’s a bit chilly tonight and I’m a bit worn out after putting in my first full uninterrupted day of paddling that yielded 50 miles down the river. I started the day by slithering into barely warm thermals that were still wet from the previous day of paddling. I decided that I’d rather give up ten miles of progress if it meant having at least somewhat dryer clothes to put on in the morning. With that in mind I knew I’d need to be off the water by no later than 3:00 if I was to have time to dry things out. I also wanted to see what it would take to log 50 miles on the river so I pulled hard all day to see what sort of progress I could make.  Drying everyting out
Once I hit the beach I strung up a line and laid out every bit of gear and clothing I have to try to chase away the dampness that has invaded every nook and cranny. Fifty miles do-able but an earlier start would make it a bit more humane and still leave time at the end of the day to set up camp and sort things out before dark. I’m going to see if I can streamline my morning routine to get on the water a half hour earlier. I need the daylight more in the afternoon than the morning. Tomorrow my plan is to try to find Brent Pregracke who is the other son of Gary and Keeke Pregracke who we stayed with up in Moline last week. Brent is a commercial fisherman on the river and lives in a house boat about forty miles from here. CommentsJan Kleck 12/14/2009 9:18:47 pm I hope that you were asleep shortly after you wrote at 7:15. How can one dry out wet, cold clothes? Some sun rays might help. None of us want to see you get sick!! 50 miles seems like a good day's work. Good luck on finding Brent Pregracke tomorrow. Neil B 12/15/2009 7:02:33 am Hmmm, sounds like a laundromat stop at the nearest town would be in order. Janice 12/15/2009 7:56:55 am I paddle more consistently on extended trips when I maintain a balance and a daily routine. Holly Kobza 12/15/2009 8:40:42 am Hello Jake, Jim Tynan 12/15/2009 10:46:18 am Hey, Jake! Great trip you're taking - and I'm envious as all get out. I'm avid white water and ocean kayaker from Pike Road, AL. I'll be tracking your progress and hope to link up with you for some miles when you get down by the Panhandle. Paddle hard - and stay safe! Museman 12/15/2009 10:53:31 am 50 miles! Man, I'm impressed! Nice to hear you're making good progress, Jake. I look at your blog every day and appreciate your effort to write a little spray about your day even when you are cold and tired. The pics are great too! Lynn 12/15/2009 12:10:13 pm Though we are now about to embark on hikes in New Zealand...we had to start our morning reading your blog. You sound happy and focused...though a bit damp....Its been pretty wet over here as well...and thats a tale to share around wine and Thom's good cooking. Stay dry....many hugs!! berto 12/15/2009 2:49:40 pm take it or leave, but i find it helps to have those stupid hand warmers to drop in my boots or you might be able to use them on your legs in the morning if you water proof them...you are a resourceful man so i doubt my suggestion is needed. just hope you stay warm. My mantra was in the NW was if you are cold you aren't paddling hard enough :) not sure if that will work for you, but it kept me warm and moving. Portage Dug 12/15/2009 7:40:53 pm Brent is an other great guy, I'm sure you will get along very well. If you find any lull in the conversation, which I don't see happening, ask Brent how much he likes tuna as a food source. Leave a Reply | Best of the Blog
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