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Day 279

9/10/2010

14 Comments

 
Daily Stats
Start: 7:30 AM - MM 267
Finish 2:00 PM - MM 232
Time: 6:30 hours
Daily dist: 35 miles
Lock 25: 11:30-12:30 - 1:00 actually locked through this time
Total dist: 5400+
Companions: Jason caught up with me in camp
Weather: Overcast with a little drizzle/mist, low 70’s, SE wind 5-10 mph
Notes: Last full day on the water - I am excited to see the finish line in Grafton
To say I’m excited to see the finish line in Grafton is an understatement. I am VERY excited. It struck me as I pulled out of Lock 25 today that, with only 23 miles to go to Grafton, the time it will take to get there can be measured in hours instead of the months used in the beginning of this trip. By 2:00 when I pulled off the water I’d already come 35 miles and Grafton waited a tantalizingly short 14 miles downstream. It wouldn’t have taken long to grind out those last few miles but I had bigger plans.

Picture
Last lock and only 23 miles to go
Last December when I put in on the Mississippi for the first time I was joined by Jason Cummings. He had paddled up from Portage Des Sioux, MO and escorted me for my first five miles on the way back down to his put-in. As he put it a “Portage to Portage” trip of his own. A few weeks ago Jason e-mailed and asked if I was going to close up the gap in the trip. Of course I was, so we made plans for him to join me in camp the last night and paddle together on the final leg back into Grafton. It just seems right to have the same person that joined me on the first day out of Grafton to also join me for the last day back into town.
Picture
Jason approaching camp
Jason had to work all day (somebody has to work after all) so he didn’t get on the water until the early evening. By then I had camp set up and fire wood gathered for what would be only the second campfire I built on this entire trip. At about 5:30 Jason called to double check what island I was on before he committed to heading downstream on what he thought was the correct channel. Having to paddle upstream to correct the mistake of going down the wrong channel would have taken a gargantuan amount of effort in the rapidly fading daylight. I lit the fire to try to create some smoke to mark where I was but amazingly the soaking wet wood burned so hot it didn’t create any smoke (it may have had something to do with the pint of camp fuel I used). Thankfully Jason could smell the fire which was just enough to assure him that he was on the right track.
Picture
With a half hour of daylight to spare Jason glided into camp for what he informed me would be his first kayak camping experience. Coming fully prepared with a tent, marshmallows and smores fixings, a few beers, and a cold Coke for me, I think he’s already got kayak camping all figured out.

This last night has me it bit in a daze. I’m excited to be on the cusp of completing the loop, and at the same time a bit melancholy knowing that this is the end of it all. Looking at my food bags almost empty and not being the least bit concerned is strange. My batteries are getting a bit low, and that’s no big deal. I have more water than I need and may actually dump the extra to lighten the load. It‘s odd to think that all my gear (a little thread bare and faded) that has served me so well can finally rest when I reach the boat ramp in Grafton tomorrow.

After digging out the one 8.5”x11” map that I’ll need for the day, planning for tomorrow’s paddle took about two minutes. There are no locks, no long crossings, no big winds, no logistical hurdles at all between here and the finish line, just point my kayak down stream and go.

Picture
Last camp.
14 Comments
Luke Stachovak
9/10/2010 09:43:14 pm

Congratulations Jake! Well done!

Now what am I going to do with all this free time I'm going to have from not being able to check/update your blog every day?

Reply
Lyn Stachovak
9/10/2010 09:52:57 pm

Jake, I wish Dad and I could be in Grafton for the final finale, but... YOU DID IT!!! It's official.

You had Portage Doug with you on the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers in Portage for the first "finish line" and now Jason to escort you to the FINISH LINE. How fitting is that? You have to be so very proud of yourself and this accomplishment. Dad and I are very very proud and we love you.

Mom

Reply
Tootie
9/11/2010 12:09:19 am

Good going, Jake!! Congratulations on a big job well done. I am with Luke, my mornings will not be the same without going to your blog. You made us feel like we were right there with you with your great writing skills. We may have to send you on another trip. Am sure your Mom doesn't agree, though. Am glad you made it safely. Now you deserve a while to relax and rest up.

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Larry
9/11/2010 01:10:29 am

Congrats Jake. What a great accomplishment. And a great lesson is "stick toitiveness".

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Neil B
9/11/2010 02:24:52 am

Way to go Jake!! 5,740 miles- wow.

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Jim Neal
9/11/2010 05:07:07 am

Congratulations, Jake. You became the friend we never met, but every day it was, "Guess what Jake did today." I showed the grandkids what you were trying, and the eldest said, "Pretty cool." Now you don't get any better than "Pretty cool." A job well done.

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Bernice Thering
9/11/2010 12:39:16 pm

Congratulations from me too, Jake. My computer has been down for about a week (T.J. fixed the problem) and I just now am able to read your final blogs. I have enjoyed traveling along with you via your interesting and well written blogs.
Your Aunt Bernice

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Kellie Stapleton link
9/12/2010 07:10:00 am

Your last post brought tears to my eyes. Thanks so much for all your efforts to bring your adventure into our lives.

Reply
Portage Dug
9/13/2010 04:27:52 am

Reply
Portage Dug
9/13/2010 04:31:03 am

Congratulations on completing your journey.
What impresses me most is the updating of the blog! I cannot imagine the effort it takes to continually write your journal entries faithfully. I do understand that the physical challenge is great but the mental aspect of your message was greater.
Thank you for doing so!
As always,
PADDLE ON!

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roberto
9/13/2010 04:42:53 am

WELL DONE SIR!

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pokerspiel link
10/15/2010 07:56:46 am

Pretty cool post. I just came across your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you write again soon!

Reply
pokern online link
11/25/2010 03:31:27 am

I just now am able to read your final blogs. I have enjoyed traveling along with you via your interesting and well written blogs."Pretty cool." A job well done.

Reply
narrative essay link
2/24/2011 02:50:44 am

i like that photo where Jason approaching camp!

Reply



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