Day 20 Mississippi River
Around 6:30AM I first came to. I use that phrase rather than waking up, as I didn't feel like I truly ever feel asleep. Between a hammock that will never lie flat (it always rests in more of a "U" shape), a warm night, mosquitos and a few bouts of sprinkles, l had what felt like my worst night of sleep thus far. Yet for whatever reason, when I decided to break down the hammock and pack away my sleeping gear I felt great. The sun rise burned the haze from the sky as the forecast called for a warm one.
I packed up gear, picked up my skateboard, backpack and water bottles with plans of a water and possible map resupply before hitting the river. A large Minnesota Department of natural resources (DNR) office was located just off the river in Brainerd. The idea was to skate to the office, which opened at 8AM, and hopefully pick up a few missing maps. The MN DNR prints 9 maps that show the entirety of the Mississip through Minneapolis. I had copies of maps 1-4, and map 6, with the rest missing in action. As I skated to the office I swing by a gas station to refill water (2 empty juice bottles 64OZ a piece and a Nalgene) and grab a cup of coffee. I showed up to the DNR office just before 8. Come to find out, it was more of a compound than store or visitor center. They did, however, have a large display in the front entrance with dozens of free maps. Of course, the only maps missing were the ones I needed.
A swing and a miss. No harm no foul though, as all maps are also available for free online. It just means I will need cell charge and service.
I got back to the boat at Kiwanas Park, added my new found water supply and hit the river.
Much of the day was spent bordering a military compound/base of some sort. About every 20-40 feet were signs warning not to trespass on military property, intermingled with wildlife refuge signs. I heard distant gun shots throughout the day and couldn't help but wonder what kind of operation was underway.
A long lunch and swim break gave some relief to the baking heat. Cloudless sun reflecting off of calm water is no joke.
I made it to Fletcher Creek landing, the goal for the day and 28.5 miles from my starting point, around 6pm. Just as the mosquitoes began to drive me nuts, a boater in a green canoe and using a kayak paddle pulled up. "Any room?"
Max from Chicago had arrived. Max had stared 3 days after me at Itasca. We shared a few stories and both hit the hay around 9pm with plans of a big day ahead.
Day 20- a good solo day capped off with new company. Solid.