Day 15 Mississippi River

Today was a long and worthwhile day. I woke up to a mist covered campsite around 7AM, knowing I had a full day ahead (I've tried getting up before 7, but find it damn hard to roll out of bed, put on a headlamp and extra layers while everything is still dark and cold before sunrise). The goal was to make it 13.1 miles down stream of Palisade, MN (pop 167) making for a 35 mile day. A wonderful woman had found me on Facebook, and as she does for all through paddlers, offered to put me up at her place.

After a quick call with grandma to start the morning I hit the water full steam ahead. It was a beautiful fall day, with the sun poking in and out from behind a sheet of clouds.

Lots of wildlife filled the day including 2 large beavers that acted completely opposite. The first one noticed me coming around a bend and came to a dead stop. He laid still in the cover of tall grass until I lost his spot and could no longer see where he went. The second, and my personal favorite, got so startled that he tripped, comically somersaulting down the river bank and ending with a cannon ball like thud in the water.

I spent much of the day listening to music and podcasts. Once through Palisade I knew I was on the home stretch toward Lori's, and felt good. I arrived around 7-7:30pm. Lori's description of the location was both funny and exactly correct. River mile 269.1. And she was right. One tenth of a mile past 269 I found the American and POW flags flying on the bank and knew I had made it.

As I unloaded, the Sirius XM classic vinyl station was pumping out tunes to the neighboring couple. I walked over and introduced myself. After talking for a bit Don and Deb invited my over for dinner. BBQ chicken, fresh corn on the cob and potatoes. So much food. So good.

The night consisted of telling stories and talking life.

Tomorrow I have 3 video chats with 3 different schools (4th, 5th, and 6th graders) lined up. Should be fun.

People are still good, and likely will continue to be.