Day 6 Mississippi River
Today was a day full of unexpected pleasant surprises. Things started off with a beautiful clear morning on Lake Irving. After hitting a coffee shop with a new friend for a quick cup and banana bread I broke camp and hit the water for my first lake crossing of the trip, Lake Bemidji. The weather could not have been better. 85, clear sky's and no wind. Perfect for a lake crossing that could have been made difficult by a stiff breeze.
I took my time crossing Lake Bemidji, stopping in the center for a quick swim. The outlet poring out of the lake was the first time I recognized the river as a full blow river and not just a winding creek. Progress!
As I leisurely drifted along the newfound width of the river I noticed all kinds of fish swimming below. A school of perch seemed to be following me. A few walleye, a couple Northers and some small mouth bass were also spotted.
About an hour down stream from the lake I noticed a kayaker working his way toward me. After finishing up a phone call with my grandma, the kayaker approached and introduced himself. Jeff, as it turns out, is also a through paddler making his way to New Orleans! He stared at Lake Itasca 1 day behind me and had been working to catch up as he had heard word of my departure a day earlier.
It was great to have someone to paddle with and talk to, and even better to have a hand portaging around a damn.
Following an afternoon of stories and paddling we reached our campsite for the night. 2 fellows had already set up camp at the site by the time we had arrived, and they invited us up to join them.
After setting up and cooking dinner, a lone kayaker pulled up to the camp that now hosted 4 campers. Another through paddler! John had stared just 3 days ago, making my day 6 seem slow!
What are the chances 3 through paddlers all meet at the same sight? Apparently not that slim!
We played guitar and sang around camp before hitting the hay with plans of traveling together again tomorrow.
Day 6 in the books, and more new faces to call come compadres.
The Buffaloroamer
