Ghost Towns on the River
Start: River Mile 679
Finish: River Mile 654
Day Total: 25 Miles
Segment Total: 585
Got off to a good start this morning, slight breeze at our backs, a decent river current and little barge traffic. Our goal for a lunch stop was West Helena, AR were there is a little pub that sells pretty good food.
The approach to the West Helena boat ramp was up a short channel. We were challenged by the dredging operation underway in the channel. After paddling around amongst the traffic we got to were the ramp was suppose to be, and instead found a steel floating platform with a 35 ft work boat docked to it.
We talked to the captain to see if we could also tie off on the platform. He agreed and offered to watch our boats and gear while we walked into town to get food. The walk to the West Helena Tavern was about half a mile. We got there to find them closed! Oh the humanity! As we stood there staring at the door, reading and re-reading the hours of operation, the owner came to the door to explain they were closed. As I stood there holding my two empty water bags, I asked if we would be so kind are to help out some through paddlers on the Mississippi with some water. She kindly agreed. We she came back with our filled water bags, she apologized that the grill was not hot, but offered to make us a chicken Caesar salad, yes please! She totally saved what would otherwise have been an total bust. Sadly I don’t have her name, but I’ll be reaching out to them on Facebook.
Also very helpful was captain Robert, he gave us good advice and hooked us up with a guide service he used to get us back from the gulf to the nearest town for pickup. He is a fascinating cat and had so many great story’s.
After leaving West Helena, the wind really picked up. Even though it was at our backs, it made the paddling difficult. We powered through the last 10 miles to the Fryers Point ramp. The wind steadily built throughout the afternoon so that by the time we were landing at the ramp, it was blowing at a steady 20mph. Ugh, this made landing and unloading a challange, but we persevered. We are now sitting next to a roaring fire, the wind blowing at our backs. It might be an early night, we’ll see. We are keeping a close eye on the forecast for tomorrow. If the wind is like this tomorrow, we may be camp bound.
Me and Lil Pug doing what we do
Windy days make me crabby
The view from our camp is amazing
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