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Day 21 (A day on the water with Elmore)

12/26/2009

9 Comments

 
Daily stats
Start: 9:00 AM - Memphis, TN
Finish: 4:00 PM -Tunica MS
Time:7:00
Daily dist: 38
Total dist: 561 miles
Weather: Strong SW wind (made water rough)
Picture
Elmore and Martha at home - my hosts for Christmas
I was up late getting caught up on the blog but I really can’t use that as an excuse for wanting to stay in bed. I really couldn’t pry myself out because I didn’t want the warm Christmas glow to end. But, alas, the river was calling and today Elmore and I had plans to put in 35 miles together from Memphis to Tunica. With plans for Martha to drive to the take out to pick Elmore up, I had the welcome chance to paddle an empty boat while my gear rode down in the truck.
Picture
Me with Memphis pyramid in background. (photo by Martha Kelly)
We got on the water by 9:00 AM and Martha’s family came down to the marina to see us off. After the obligatory signing of my boat, and photographs, we slipped away from the dock and began our long slog into the wind. Thankfully it was to be a relatively short day because we both knew we’d be working into a head wind almost all day. One thing that’s understood on this river is that, if the wind is blowing, it will be blowing up stream. Just like two days before, the force of the wind worked against the flow of the river, opposing forces that lump the surface of the water into 2 to 3 foot short interval waves. For much of the day we pulled ourselves down stream trying in vain to hind from the wind along whatever shore looked most likely to provide shelter. It worked for a couple sections but much of the time we worked hard against the wind barely making headway any faster than the current would have pushed us on a calm day.
Picture
Elmore and me heading out (photo by Martha Kelly)
When a bend in the river did provide a quiet moment I had a chance to talk to Elmore such a welcome change from talking to myself. He also managed to get a few snap shots of me. Unfortunately those moments were fleeting and we both spent most of the day bouncing through the waves on the river like bronc riders at a rodeo which was fun in it’s own way.
Paddling with Elmore, for whom these are his local waters, gave me a chance to see h`ow he navigates the river. My strategies haven’t been too far off but, just the same, several times I’d have to play catch up while Elmore surged ahead of me by catching a current or avoiding an eddy that I just hadn’t seen. Matched against his river knowledge, racing stroke, and longer boat, I had my work cut out for me to keep up.
After six hours of paddling we landed at the Tunica boat ramp where Martha was waiting. I quickly loaded my boat, bit them farewell and headed back across the river to set up camp on a beautiful sand bar. I’m set up within sight of two casinos on the Mississippi State side, but across a half mile of fast flowing river I may as well be in a different country.

Picture
Me from Tunica boat ramp bridge. (photo by Martha Kelly)
9 Comments
Mark
12/26/2009 07:23:53 pm

Looks like relatively good weather for you today. Sunny with high temp. in the 40's. I bet it still feels cold with the windchill, but at least no ice to deal with. Enjoy the day and safe travels.
Mark

Reply
Patrick Staley
12/26/2009 11:37:33 pm

I had been without internet access for over a week so I just now got caught up with your blog. Wow, what an adventure you are having! In a way I am glad that I didn't follow it day-by-day because the theft of your gear episode would have left me heartbroken for a long time.

The chop conditions you describe would give me plenty of anxiety. But I know you have an awesome roll so I am not so worried about you. Have you ever practiced a roll with that much gear?

I also liked the fog episode. I am in the midst of reading Jack London's The Sea Wolf and your fog experience has echoes of this great story.

I also have an image of the school kids who are following your blog and all that they must be learning. I hope there is someone to explain all of the nautical terms. If I get the time later this week I will go through all of your blog entries and make a vocabulary list for the landlubbers.

Best Wishes

Patrick S.

Reply
Patrick Staley
12/26/2009 11:43:25 pm

BTW is there a way to edit my comments after I have submitted them? I just noticed something I wanted to correct in the comment above.

Patrick S.

Reply
Patty Staley
12/27/2009 01:06:21 am

Like Patrick mentioned, we just got back from a week of scuba diving in Roatan Honduras and before we even unpacked, we raced to the computer to catch up on your adventures. Incredible! I feel ashamed to admit that I was whining one day on the dive trip when it rained and I was chilled in 75 degree water. What a wuss! Your writing style is marvelous and your tales are spellbinding. When they make this story into a movie, who will play Jake?? Brad Pitt? Hugh Jackman? Anyway, we are totally with you on the journey. Keep up the good (hard) work and your unfailing positive attitude!
Best,
Patty Staley

Reply
Jake
12/27/2009 08:08:27 am

Patrick I'm not sure there is a way for you to change your comments but if you e-mail me at linkedbywater@gmail.com and let me know what you'd like to change I'll get right on it. I'm set up really nice right now in Helena and I'm going to be tuning up the web site while I have the time. A vocabulary list is a great idea.

Reply
Jan Kleck
12/27/2009 08:17:20 am

Lovely to know that you are in Helena and comfortable. I love reading what your friends write you - very interesting people, all of them. It was great having Jen here and just as great to hear your voice over the holidays. New Year wishes to all your family and friends - and to you especially!

Reply
Elmore link
12/27/2009 11:41:21 am

Sounds like you had a MUCH easier day today (Sun. 12/27, Tunica to Helena) than we had yesterday (Sat. 12/26, Memphis to Tunica). I'm aching all over today, but I went down and paddled easy in the harbor this morning and I think that helped.
People up here are still talking about your enjoyable visit. We wish you smooth travels down to the Gulf and beyond.

Reply
mark
12/27/2009 11:36:42 pm

I have always equated Arkansas with warm temps. I have relatives in Little Rock who must be lying about the great weather there. Well, I guess everything is relative. It's 24 degrees here in Oxford, WI. and we expect a low of 2 degrees tonight. Glad the winds have given you a break at least for a day. Enjoy your new friends and the day off. Look forward to your blog every morning.

Reply
Portage dug
12/28/2009 05:59:25 am

Way to go Elmore!
I was thinking I was going to be the only one to paddle with Jake.
What is nice is that we lucky Badgers will have another chance to paddle on this adventure.
Get out and Paddle on!

Reply



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