Daily Stats
Start: 7:00 AM - MM 540 Savanna, IL
Finish 2:45 PM - MM 495 Rapids City, IL
Time: 7:45 hours
Daily dist: 45 miles
Lock 13: 9:45-9:55 (no waiting today)
Total dist: 5200+
Companions: None
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 70’s, SW wind 10+
Notes: Reconnected with the Pregracke family
Start: 7:00 AM - MM 540 Savanna, IL
Finish 2:45 PM - MM 495 Rapids City, IL
Time: 7:45 hours
Daily dist: 45 miles
Lock 13: 9:45-9:55 (no waiting today)
Total dist: 5200+
Companions: None
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 70’s, SW wind 10+
Notes: Reconnected with the Pregracke family
Of all the people I’ve stayed with on this trip one of the most important was the very first. It could be said that Gary and Keekee Pregracke saved the day back in December when they opened up their home to my parents and I. After getting snowed out up north and having to pull up and high tail it south in search of open water, we were feeling a bit overwhelmed. Being able to stay at a real house with friendly people (rather than another motel) made all the difference in helping us get back on our feet. With the Pregracke’s help we were able to re-group and set out toward St. Louis with an organized plan to get me back on the water.
The Pregracke's back yard AKA the Mississippi River
Because the Pregrackes were so kind to us, it meant a lot to me to try to touch base with them as I came through their area on my way south. I’ve said it in my web site that one of the things I’m trying to show by doing this trip is what adventure lies in our back yards as this water-borne loop passes through the figurative back yards of much of our country’s population. For the Pregrackes this trip passes through their literal back yard and my actual route within feet of their dock. It would have been crazy for me to not stop by for at least a quick hello. After touching base with Keekee, once again with the help of their soon-to-be daughter-in-law Tammy, I received an energetic offer of the use of the same guest room where my parents and I stayed last December. It suffices to say when I woke up this morning I was excited to be on my way to visit with everyone again.
Indeed, after opening my eyes to bright sunshine illuminating the walls of my tent, I was startled to realize that I’d slept that long. However, when the bright tow boat search light swung upstream in search of other obstacles around the bend, the walls of my tent turned back to dark and I relaxed back into sleep once again. An hour later I did rise and an hour after that breakfast was eaten, my boat was packed, and I was on the water heading south. The day progressed without a hitch other than a stiff head wind that slowed my swift six mile per hour pace to five for the last two hours of the day. Compared to the 2.5-3 mph pace I had been setting while paddling UP the Fox River last week, I was still cruising.
I saw this same river boat making its way downstream yesterday.
By the end of the day, just past the Interstate 80 bridge, I reached my destination and was greeted by Keekee at the end of their dock. After getting cleaned up and organized I enjoyed dinner and a nice long visit with folks that seem like old friends.
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