After getting a great nights sleep in a warm bed with real pillows I woke up around 7am and walked upstairs to a full pot of coffee. After settling into the morning the first stop was a local favorite, Bloedow's doughnut shop. Finn, Marty's son, loved the place, and as any 8 year old can attest, didn't get to go there enough. Waiting in a line that stretched out the door we stood in front of a few hunters in full camo and face paint, fresh off the water from opening day of duck season.

With 6 donuts for 3 guys, Marty, Finn and I headed for Garvin Heights Lookout, a popular hiking trail and overlook of the city. The view from atop the bluff put the main channel, the back waters, and the town of Winnona all in clear view. Standing at the edge, we took in the landscape, scarfing down donuts and pointing out buildings and landmarks from above.

Next stop- Fleet Farm. I grabbed a few items to help make life easier. A new headlamp. A new canoe paddle (after my first one snapped in half), a sponge to pick up sitting water in my boat and a bunch of AAA batteries to fuel my new and old headlamp.

Next stop- Yarnology. Marty's wife, Kelly owns runs and operates a local yarn shop in down town Winnona. Inspired and interested in entrepreneurs and local business, I wanted to swing by and check out the shop. As we walked in I met Gabby, Kelly's business partner. Gabby mentioned to Marty that Wenonah Canoes, a well known and major player in the canoe and kayak manufacturing business, was having their "factory defect" sale today.

With that in mind we were off to Wenonah Canoe company. Although I had just bought a cheap aluminum paddle at Fleet Farm I figured they may have something nicer for a similar sale price.

Finn, Marty and I walked past an open gated fence into the nondescript red building. Right away a few buckets of paddles stuck out. Non that fit my need/price range.

As I was looking and admiring some of the boats for sale Marty called me over and introduced me to Mike C. - the owner and founder of Wenonah Canoe Company. Mike had started the business while in high school 50 years ago, and today's annual factory blemish sale was the 50th anniversary. After talking about the trip and paddling the Mississippi Mike asked what boat I had been paddling.

Saying something along the lines of "I don't know if it's a swear word around here, but a Penobscott." I gave him the model of the boat without using the name of the maker/competitor, Old Town.

He then started the soft persuasion on why I should be in a Wenonah Canoe. George, his friend and colleague came over and we talked for a good bit about different boats, advantages and disadvantages, and he even emailed me two articles he had authored specifically examining how to produce the most efficient forward stoke with a canoe paddle. After some more boat and trip talk George and Mike were ready to send me home with a new Wenonah Prism- a carbon fiber solo tripping boat. Mike wanted me to take it for a spin tomorrow, then come back to the factory Monday and go from there. So with my name and phone number scribbled on a piece of paper I strapped a brand new boat to the top of Marty's mini van and went back to Marty's both thankful and excited for the opportunity I had walked into.

A full morning was capped off by a full afternoon and evening.

For lunch, Marty Finn and I grabbed a bite at a buger shop by the river. Ryan, a good friend and co leader of the 45 day Alaskan backpacking trip I was on as a kid that helped shape my relationship with the outdoors, met us at the restaurant. Tres, another great friend and fellow participant on the 45 day adventure, also joined! Great times with great friends who don't see each other often enough!

After lunch Ryan headed back to his home about an hour and a half away. Tres and I left Marty and Finn and headed to the water for Bluegrass.

The rest of the night passed fast and fun. Music, canoes and camping. A great night, productive day, and a test drive in line for tomorrow. All is good on the Mighty Miss.