Day 28 Mississippi River
After packing up the tent in the morning I decided to scoot into town to try and find some food and/or a new paddle.
Prescott, Wisconsin was just around the bend and I figure I would try my hand at finding a sporting goods store for a canoe paddle (first stop on Wisconsin! Woohoo!) I started the search by stopping in The Twisted Oak Coffee House just a block off the river. With a warm cup of Joe and blueberry scone I studied maps of the upcoming stretch of river, charged up my backup battery pack and busted out a journal entry.
The barista, a young fellow likely in his early 20s, informed me that there were no sporting goods stores in town. Closest place would be up river to Hastings (obviously not an option for me) or down river towards Red Wing, Mn.
With that in mind I decided to forgo the grocery store, figuring I would stop in Red Wing regardless so I might as well kill two birds with one stone there.
I refilled my water jugs, took the last sips of coffee and skateboarded back to my boat, which was stashed just below a bridge near the public boat ramp.
The sun was out today which was a welcomed sight after yesterday's downpour. The wind was the real issue today. It taunted me back and forth between strong intermittent gusts and a steady but firm headwind. My new kayak paddle was a bit tougher to handle in the wind due to its lager size and the double blade face creating more surface area to have to push through the wind. That and the fact that a kayak stroke uses slightly different muscles than a canoe stroke meant that my back was sore in spots not yet used to being sore. I had conditioned my body to work through a canoe stroke, but now it felt like I went to the gym for the first time in ages. I know that I will work through this soreness as well, but it still is a pain!
With the wind in my face all day the paddling was fairly slow going. I took a handful of breaks to refuel with food and rest. Around 4:30pm I made it to lock and dam #3. After a quick lock through I continued to work toward Red Wing, Mn.
By the time I got to town it was 6:30. Dunhams, the one sporting goods store close to the river, was closed. With the sun setting behind me I passed through town without stopping. I figured a few more days with only a kayak paddle will be OK and although I could use a food stop, I have enough to get by for a couple more days.
I found camp just as dusk was setting in. Dinner and tent set up were done in the dark.
Day 28 is in the books. Several barges passed and another lock down. Hoping for good weather tomorrow to tackle the large Lake Pepin. A stiff wind on Pepin would make for a long and tiring day. Here's to the Might Miss.