Day 5 Mississippi River

People are good.

Today was by far the best day on the river yet. It started out early, once again, with rain. I had made contact the night before via Facebook with a fellow named Barry, who offered to make me hot breakfast and help with a resupply should I be able to make it to his house ("in the wooded area before Bemidji. Look for the Minnesota state flag") in the AM. It was about a 2 1/2 hour paddle from my campsite. I broke camp and got on the water around 7:30AM, not wanting to miss the opportunity, and boy was I glad I did.

I pulled up to the Minnesota State flag with a light drizzle in the air and Barry walking out on his dock barefoot to meet me. Barry and his partner, Hedi could not have been nicer. They took me, a complete stranger, into their home and went out of their way to offer help. A warm shower, a load of laundry and a delicious breakfast of three eggs, beef, potatoes and toast were handed to me within the first 20 minutes. Unbelievable. People are kind if you give them a chance.

After I devoured the meal Barry drove me into Walmart to get a few resupply items. Fuel and enough food to supplement my current supply were all in order. On the way back to his place, Barry and I got talking and realized a common passion - good ole pickin' Bluegrass music. We spent the next hour at his place going back and forth with different bands and musicians, both picking up a few new names to listen to. After a goodbye and some great tips on the upcoming stretch of river we said our goodbyes and I put back in on the Mighty Miss.

After paddling a few hours I arrived at my destination, the Rail River Folk School. Barry had given me a tip that the folks here might be willing to let me pitch my tent for the night, and it is easy access to the town of Bemidji. After strolling up to the location, I met the owner of the place, Jess. She was so kind and offered to let me stay the night so long as I stayed low key and relatively out of sight. Works for me!

After setting up camp I grabbed a few slices at a local pizza joint just down the road. I then hit a local watering hole for a few libations- I had to celebrate reaching the first city on the Mississippi!

Day 6 should be a great one- finally looks like I should have good weather and calm wind for my first lake crossing of the trip, Lake Bemidji.

People are good if you give them a chance. From my experience, you get what you give and you get what you are looking for when interacting with people. Be kind, and most of the time, folks will be kind back.

Cheers to the Mighty Miss!!

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji, Minnesota.