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Day 3 (The calm before the storm)

12/8/2009

6 Comments

 
Daily stats

Start: 7:30 AM - Spring Green WI
Finish: 3:30 PM - Boscabel WI
Time: 8:00
Daily dist: 40 miles
Total dist: 98 miles
Companions: None
Weather: Snow highs in upper 20’s
Notes: Carried enough gear to bivy for fear of support crew not being able to reach me.
Picture
Today we were met by Brain Butler at 7:00 AM at the put in near Spring Green. Brian had tried for two days to catch up with me and was the one that put the good luck poster on the bridge in Prairie Du Sac. I‘ve paddled with Brian‘s dad out in San Diego and it was Brian‘s mission to complete the cross country connection around this trip. Brian proved to be one hell of a nice guy and I’m glad he made such an effort because as I launched into driving snow in the early morning light I appreciated all the encouragement I could find.
Picture
Brian Butler came down to see me off
The weather man predicted several inches of snow and we had concerns of how well my parents would be able to get around with the truck with the resulting bad roads. With a remote chance that they may not be able to catch up with me at the end of the day, I carried enough camping gear to pull off a comfortable overnighter. The extra weight didn’t slow me down much but judging how many times I grounded out on sand bars today I think it deepened my draft.
Picture
Bridge at Lone Rock WI
An interesting thing about a broad unrestrained river such as the lower Wisconsin river is that even though it’s a half mile wide you end up navigating a serpentine channel not much more than thirty feet wide. Ironically the deep channel in such a wide river is often right along the bank. I’ve spent the last two days weaving around strainers (downed trees) along the banks and scanning every ripple in the water for clues for where the channel may go from there. When I pay attention and get it right I can cruise along at up to seven miles an hour. When I get it wrong I can end up grinding to a stop on a sand bar. When this happens I push along with the paddle as long as I can and sometimes have to reach with my bare hands through the icy water to push myself forward off the bottom. I’m looking forward to the canalized Mississippi where hopefully this type of fun will be behind me.
Picture
Frozen hat
The problem right now is getting to the Mississippi. We’re staged about a half days paddle from there but Mother Nature has thrown us a curve ball in the way of a huge early winter snow storm. Up to a foot of snow is predicted to fall from now until tomorrow evening to be followed by sub zero temperatures and strong winds, an outright blizzard. Right now schools have been cancelled for tomorrow and it’s snowing and blowing like crazy. I can handle paddling in those conditions but picking me up at the end of the day may prove to be a harrowing experience for my parents driving my little pickup truck. It was insanity to start this trip this late in the year but I never counted on having one of the biggest early winter storms in twenty years. My support crew has been promoted from a pure luxury to a near necessity. It would be pure suffering without my parent’s help.

Our plan right now is to see what the morning brings. If it looks like the roads may be clear before the end of the day I’ll get on the water. If the roads are going to be impassable then I’ll have to take the day off which would probably make the most sense
.

One thing I forgot to mention (sorry the weather has been on my mind). The eagles were out again today. Between Spring Green and Lone Rock I was never - never - out of sight of an eagle. I started playing a game of sorts to see what the highest number of eagles I could see at one time might be. The answer is 14, by sitting in one spot and turning my head I could see 14 different eagles. Next the game became how many in one tree… can you believe 11. It was amazing.

6 Comments
Chris Griffith link
12/8/2009 01:22:09 pm

Stay warm my friend!!

Reply
toni Roth link
12/8/2009 10:41:29 pm

oh my word - the Eagles are keeping you company. Not only are they a majestic bird - but a really great band I just saw in concert this past year. ;)

Your hat. And there are times you have to reach in the icy waters?? Oh my - you are on tough.... you know.

I'm not sure - but it looks like from your SPOT you may be waiting a day b/c of the winter storm. Good. We want you safe and paddling soon in Florida waters.

:D ~toni

Reply
Andy
12/8/2009 10:51:31 pm

Hi Jake, Hope you are warm today. Tomorrow looks cold too so I guess I'm hoping you can make it out of Wisconsin before the whole state feezes! Not that I'm complaining though, I can't wait to try out the power auger your brother GAVE me. (nice guy huh?) Anyway, best of luck in this nasty weather. Glad you have the support crew. Andy

Reply
Jim
12/9/2009 01:37:34 am

Hey Jake. You don't know me, but my name is Jim. I'm from Merrill. I live on the river and have paddled it quite a lot. Hang in there bud.

I'm even forwarding your blog entries to my son the Marine now stationed over in the middle east. Thanks for taking him on this ride. Good luck today if you paddle, but I hope you take the day off. Jim

Reply
Mark Wilkison
12/9/2009 02:57:57 am

Looking good buddy! Keep up the good spirits and sense of humor. Remember that despite the weather it's usually easier being on the expedition than it is planning the expedition! Mark

Reply
Dave Lindo link
12/9/2009 03:40:27 am

Jake,
Your trip is generating lots of excitement even here in Oklahoma. Thanks for taking the time to update the blog, post pics, etc. I know that this is not easy after long days on the water. Very neat journey!!!

Regards,

Dave and Crew from OKC Kayak

Reply



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