Another solid day on the Mighty Mississippi! I woke up early, made some oatmeal and coffee with plans of hitting the water around 9:00am. After busting down my tent I realized my rain fly and footprint (tarp that goes under my tent to protect it from rain plus wear and tear) were pretty caked with dew. So rather than rush onto the water and pack away a wet tent I set both rain fly and footprint out to dry as the morning turned into a rather leisurely start.

After a second cup of Joe and a little guitar time I packed away a dry tent and loaded the boat. Most of the river today was wide enough and deep enough to navigate without any real issues. Still had to get out and dislodge myself from a sandbar every now and again, but nothing too bad.
The scenery today reminded me a lot of my childhood summers paddling the north woods of Wisconsin with Camp Manitowish. Tall pines, boggy wetlands and deer, ducks, a snake and several swans (I think? Big white swan/geese with black beeks and feet). I chased the same pair of teal ducks down the river for several miles. Every time I would spook them they would fly down stream only to meet me again in a half mile or so and repeat the process.

I reached camp after 14 miles, and have a great spot overlooking the river. Luckily there is a shelter here that I have set me tent up in, because it rained all night and into the morning as well. I'm now drinking a cup of coffee, watching the rain from my dry perch and getting ready for day #4! I should reach my first city tomorrow, Bemidji. I'll get a resupply there, and possibly meet up with some folks who have offered to help out. Should be good!