Day 22 - Big Boats, Little Kayaks, what could go wrong?

River Mile - 777.5

Today’s Distance - 30

Trip Distance - 564.4

Launched this morning at 7:30 am to perfect conditions. Slightly overcast, temp around 60 and very little breeze. It was like this for the first two hours. The wind started picking up just as we approached lock and dam #3. 

We have been really fortunate with locks so far. No delay at #3 at all. In fact Jon got there 20 minutes before and had already spoken with the lock master. So as I paddled up, the lock doors opened and I just Paddled right in!

After the lock, we paddled into Red Wing. It was getting close to noon and Jon and I had agreed we need to look for opportunities to get off the water for lunch. We saw a marina with bright red table umbrellas. After docking at the Red Wing Marina, the owner Cindy came up, and offered us a beer, on the house! We ordered a pizza to go with it. What an unexpected treat. 

The next 18 miles was really tough. 10 mph headwind, tons of big wake and chop from 35 ft plus boats passing us. They would kick up 3-4 ft waves no more than 200 ft away. Add the wind driving this wild mess and it was worse than the worst day kayaking on Lake Minnetonka. This was the first day that my boat really was much better suited to the conditions than Jon’s was. His open canoe was more susceptible to swamping and he also sits up higher so the wind really knocked him around.   

The last 5 miles were brutal, just put your head down and go.  Finally we got to the beach where we are camping. A really nice spot. Too tired to cook, I ate the last of myself French Bread with Olive oil, salt and pepper. 

As I write this, the sun has set. The mosquitos have found me.