Day 35 - Last Day on the Water

Last Day on the Water

River Mile - 484

Today’s Distance - 28 miles

Total Distance - 875

We left our new favorite town Camanche this morning with the sun rising at our backs. We both thought, on a different trip, with no time constraints, it would have been fun to stay an extra day, go the the High School football game that Ray and Erins son was playing in. The join in the fun for the big Pig roast that the owners of the marina host every year. By that time, we would probably be the Mayors of the town!

The first 14 miles were pretty straight and we had to paddle in the main shipping channel. Luckily there was not much barge traffic. Our goal for the morning was to make it to the small town of Le Claire, IA which is 16 river miles from Camanche. 

Whenever we approach a town, the first thing we look for is clusters of patio umbrellas. Where there are umbrellas there is always food and cold drinks. Half a mile out we spotted our first umbrellas, then I say what I thought was an illusion.  Brick building that said Green Tree Brewery! We tied our boats off at the small floating dock and walked the couple of blocks to the brewery. We were there too early for the noon opening. So, we walked the Main Street looking for food options. There were several really cool little cafes and restaurants. Even a craft distillery! We settled on Blue Iguana Mexican Cantina. The food was good, with seating out on the patio overlooking the river.

After visiting the brewery, we walked back to our boats and REALLY didn’t feel very motivated. So, we both lay down on the dock and napped. Like a couple of river Hobos!

After locking through Lock & Dam 14, the river got a lot busier was we entered the Quad Cities. By the time we arrived at the Lindsay Park boat club we were both ready to get out of our boats. The marina manager who’s name is also Jeff was really helpful. He let us store our boats and gear in the locked and protected yacht club, gave us hotel and restaurant recommendations. All he asked in return was a positive comment on the marinas Facebook page. I told him I’d also give them a shout out on the Mississippi River Paddlers Facebook page. 

Today is my last day on the river this year. My five week sabbatical from work is over and I need to get back to making money.

Since this is my last day on the river, we decided to stay in a nice hotel. The Radisson was only a couple miles from the marina. We had dinner and some drinks, but didn’t really talk about my trip being over and Jon continuing alone for another week. I guess we just didn’t want that river life feeling to end.