Daily Stats Start: 10:00 AM - Endeavor, WI Finish 1:45 PM - Governor’s Bend, WI Time: 3:45 hours Daily dist: 10 miles Total dist: 5200+ Companions: John Weather: Clear skies, 80’s, SW winds 10+ Notes: River getting small and crooked
The paddle today was a rather straightforward and pleasant endeavor with the highlight being when we spooked a nice sized buck out of some high grass along shore. Starting out over two hundred feet wide, the river twisted and turned more and more loosing a little width and a little depth with each bend. By the time we neared the take out I had to slide over three different downed trees that blocked clear passage of the river.
The river is getting smaller allowing trees to block the entire river.
After paddling John and I collected my truck from the put-in where we left it in Endeavor then returned to the Indian Trails campground where my family was beginning to rally from points far and wide. With only a couple hours to go before I was scheduled to do a slideshow at the campground, I quickly updated my slides by adding the Great Lakes and Fox River stories. By show time at 5:00 a group of about twenty people had assembled in the campground dancehall. Even the owners of the campground Dave and Myrna (who was celebrating what I think was her 34th birthday) made time to hear the stories of the trip.
For dinner our crew made our way into town and ended up at the very same restaurant where we had breakfast last December on launch day. I have to say it was a little spooky to be back there eight months later on the eve of the last day of paddling into Portage. While we ate we made plans for the paddle and picnic celebration tomorrow then finally returned to the campground for a campfire.
Congratulations, Jake!! I would love to be there for the finish. However, my cousin and his wife are here from Calif and this is his last weekend so a group of us are going out for dinner this noon. Neither are in the best of health so we never know if we will see them next year or not. Otherwise I sure would have been in Portage today. I will be thinking of you and the fun you all will be having. Will stop and see you once you are at your Mom and Dad's. Say hello to the family members for me.
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Randy Orchard
8/29/2010 01:18:28 am
Jake, my boy, you have dun it eh? Teresa, Joel and I were, and still are very happy to have met you when you came thru the Port Huron area. I wish we could be there to be paddle with you to the finish line....but we know you will have plenty others there to greet you. We hope to meet you again. You should consider doing a presentation at Canoecopia???? Best of luck to you in the future. Randy and Teresa Orchard
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Larry
8/29/2010 02:41:53 am
Congratulations Jake. Sorry we can't be there for the finish but Otto and I are so glad we could catch up with you earlier. Enjoy the celebration, you've earned it!
Congratulations Jake. Our family certainly is thinking of you today and our thoughts are there with you at the finish. What a "ride" it has been just to follow along with your adventures. I hope today was fantastic for you and is just the beginning of many more fantastic things in your life. You are well deserving in every aspect. Bob and I are very thankful that we were able to see you on the West Coast for the Symposium and to see one of your presentations - a true joy for anyone who has that opportunity. Our very best wishes and congratulations to you.
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lois and lee
8/29/2010 06:07:25 am
Jake, of Monroe Street Fame:
Happy, (and sad) day!!!!!!!
What an adventure. You broadened a lot of lives besides your own! When you get free time, back "home" in Wausau...please come visit us in La Crosse. I would advise you to move here, buy your mom and dad might prefer you closer. Not if, but, when you come, bring a bike and a kayak! Extra beds here for you and friends... L and L
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Portage Dug
8/29/2010 12:20:04 pm
Jake, the Fox River was/ is called the trail of the serpent. Click the link and scroll down to INTERPRETIVE THEMES #1 for more information. http://www.friendsofthefox.org/friendsofthefox/community++projects/fox-wi+heritage+parkway.asp
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Dan Carr, from Dayton Maine
8/31/2010 09:53:54 am
Congrats Jake, quite an accomplishment. Rest up and come to do the Maine Island Trail next.,