Day 33 Mississippi River
After a long night of bluegrass and good times I woke up on on top of my sleeping pad, curled up in a blanket with everything covered but my face. Tres, my good friend who had traveled a few hours to hang out and see some music, had set up his tent sometime just before sunrise. In the darkness of early morning he set it up to avoid the bugs and actually get a few hours of decent sleep in. I, on the other-hand, suffered half asleep and being swarmed by skeeters.
Following a quick morning swim to knock off the cobwebs we packed up Tres' mid 80s Jeep Wrangler and drove toward downtown with hopes of finding a spot for breakfast. A quick search pointed us toward a wonderful coffee shop, the Acoustic Cafe. A gigantic cup of coffee, quiche and cinnamon roll hit the spot.
With a couple of hours to kill before we met back up with Marty and Finn, Tres and I headed back to Gavin Heights. We took in the vast view and decided to give the hiking trail a shot. Walking down to the base of the bluff and back up through thick forest with steep steps, the morning hike worked out a few of the toxins consumed in liquid form the night before.
Around noon we headed back toward Marty's place. The plan was to go out for a short afternoon paddle. I would test drive the new Wenonah. Tres and Marty would paddle my Old Town with Finn in the middle. We loaded up boats and gear and hit the road toward Prairie Island, the same area the bluegrass festival had been held the night before.
After everything was set we put in on a back channel of the Miss. The new boat felt great. Much lighter and faster than my Old Town. The best way to describe it is sleek. Much sleeker, both paddling in the water and aesthetically. It tracked well, was quick, felt comfortable and fit all my gear. All positive check marks.
About halfway down our short paddle the 4 of us stopped on a sandy beach. Marty Finn and I all took our time swimming and cooling off from the hot sun beating down on Winnona. Tres, with a freshly minted tattoo, stayed out of the river, despite my assurance that the homely water of the Miss would make his tat tougher (probably wise on his part).
We reached our take out point about a half hour later, a large concrete boat dock spanning a few city blocks. After unloading gear and boats, Marty Tres and Finn went to grab the shuttle car while I stayed with the goods.
With one canoe on Marty's sedan and one on Tres' wrangler we headed back toward Marty's to unload boats and gear for the day. A great afternoon paddling with friends.
Shortly after, Tres said his goodbyes and hit the road back to Medford, WI. With Sunday evening creeping in, Marty took care of some work prep for the coming week, Finn got ready for school the following day and I hung out in the backyard, studying maps and trying my best to pinpoint my schedule for the next week or so.
For dinner we ate like kings- left over meat from a friends pig roast the day before and juicy cantaloupe. Hit the spot. After dinner the 3 of us watched some TV and laid low. A full weekend on the go had drained us all.
The plan for tomorrow is to head back to Wenonah Canoe to settle up on the boat with Mike, and try to hit the river by early afternoon.
With Marty and Finn both up and at it early the next day for work and school we all hit the hay at an early hour.
Truly a great weekend with old and new friends. I feel like I could stay in Winnona forever. The Might Miss continues to give.
