my speech therapy home work

 As i sit in my chilly hospital room i am filled  with hope, through Gods mercy. I have the opportunity to live my life in service to my fellow stroke survivors.

I am dedicating  my rahab and my upcoming through paddle of the Missouri river, to the over 7,000 Americans suffering from strokes

My brain is working hard to rewire itself. And writing is a challenge.  my apologies to my blog readers for any spelling and grammatical errors.

THE JOURNEY STARTS

Saturday marked the start of my recovery from severe stroke on Wednesday, November 3rd. After days of work that earned me the privilege of admittance to St Thomas Mid Town rehab hospital. Over the next few days I will be working with speech therapy and physical therapy, as well as occupational therapy. 

Before we get into the structure of my rehab work, I want to first acknowledge the blessings that I've received.

Thursday my dear friend Shawn Pye made the 13 hour drive from Austin, Texas to sit with me at my bed side. I can't imagine I was much fun, but stay by my side he did. I can't express the level of appreciation that I feel for his dedication to our friendship and to my recovery from the stroke.

Jon  & I in the Gulf of Mexico

Shawn and I 

Catie & I in  the rehab hospital

Alex surprised me on Saturday morning by coming to watch the Nebraska Huskers game with me. It was so nice to have him by my side. It was just like the old days sitting and watching football, cheering on Big Red!

I was surprised by my daughter Catie who came home from her trip to Minnesota to attend a wedding and came straight from the airport to visit me.

Then there is my brother from another mother Jon Wunrow. We recreated an evening on one of our river trips that became an old fashioned sleepover. He brought his hand written journals from our Source to Sea Mississippi River expedition. Jonny read them to me, then we worked on the USA Today crossword. Jon and I are planning to paddle the Missouri River from its source in Three Forks, Montana to St Louis, Missouri. Can't wait to get in my kayak!

My schedule for PT tomorrow looks like this:

Physical therapy - 8-9am

Occupational therapy - 9:30-10:30am

Speech therapy - 11am-12:45pm

Physical therapy - 1:45-2

Update on My Second Knee Replacement

I finished my Source To Sea paddle of the entire Mississippi River,  with a torn meniscus. In researching the recovery times of my options, of either repairing the meniscus, or having a total knee replacement, the recovery time for a knee replacement was shorter than a meniscus repair. 

My right knee replacement surgery on Jan. 12, 2021 was very successful, allowing Jon and me to complete our planned  Tennessee River expedition in April and May of 2021. Having this goal in front me, was a great motivator to dedicate myself to daily physical therapy.    Not only was this 5 week trip a great part of my recovery PT program, but we later learned that we were the first people to complete the Tennessee River Line 652 since it had been rebranded. Brad Collette the founder of River Line 652, was a great supporter of us throughout the adventure. 

Since I had met my medical insurance deductible with my first procedure early in 2021, I decided to get my left knee replaced in the same calendar year. So, on November 1, I had the second knee replacement procedure successfully completed. Upon release from the hospital two days later, I returned home and within hours suffered a major stroke that landed me in the ICU. I underwent emergency surgery and the clot was removed from my brain, saving my life.

In the first 24 hours after my brain surgery, I had a dream that spoke to me, that I was meant to use this experience, and my upcoming Missouri River expedition that is planned for Spring 2022, as a way to motivate other stroke survivors. I hope to show that a 60 year old can recover from a catastrophic event like my knee surgery and subsequent stroke, and lead a satisfying life that is filled with gratitude, adventure, and helping others. I want to show that the work that is required to recover and heal, is worth it…..is worth the pain, and effort, and commitment.

Please subscribe to this blog if you want to follow my recovery. 

I will be leveraging my YouTube channel (http://www.YouTube.com/c/JeffWunrow) that is also accessible via www.JeffWunrow.net so that people who are struggling with the tragedy of a stroke in their life, will have some inspiration, and know that life does not end with a stroke, but that it can be the beginning for lead a life that is filled with activity, gratitude, and adventure. 

I'm Moving!

Well, I'm not really moving but my blog is. It will still be hosted on Blogger, but i've imbedded it into my new web site, www.jeffwunrow.net. This is were all the information on my kayaking adventures will live going forward. Please bookmark this new site. Also, if you haven't already, please subscribe to my blog, that way you will receive email notifications of new posts. 

Adding to the kayak fleet

While on my recent road trip visiting family and friends in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I was keeping on eye out for a second kayak. One that I would be robust enough to handle the abuse of paddling the Cumberland river. I stopped at kayak outfitters in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, hoping to find an end of season sale. During a normal year, they will sell off the summers rental boats to make room for the new boats for the following year. Just like with cars and boats, the kayak market has dried up thanks to covid. 

Our old gourmet group had a happy hour for us last Friday. It was so great to see the gang again. While talking with Mike Mason at the party, he mentioned that he had five kayaks that were not being used much. He said he really needed to thin out his fleet. I was happy to help him with that! I paddled over the next day to check out his collection. I really wanted a boat with a ruder and dry hatches. I was so excited to find Mike happened to have a 14 foot Wilderness Experience Tsunami that was everything I was looking for. 

Mike and I agreed on a reasonable price and I helped him haul the boat up his winding staircase and out to my car. The hull of the boat was in good condition, but the deck lines were all sun damaged and had lost their elasticity. The seat is well used and the hatch covers were sun damaged as well. 

Since I had an empty kayak saddle on my rooftop carrier, bringing back a second boat was not a problem at all. I stopped at REI in Chicago to pick up a cockpit cover to keep the rain out. 

Yesterday, I spent the day giving the boat some well earned TLC. I scrubbed the inside and outside with simple green and water, polished the hull and replaced all the sun damaged deck line's. It really looks much better. I still need to replace the rudder pull up line. I'll have to do some additional research to find a replacement. Eventually I'll need to replace the seat and hatch covers, but it's in good enough shape to that paddled this season. 

Now, the boat is looking good. Thanks again to my friend Mike Mason, for helping me fill this need. 

The boat handled the 10 hour drive just fine

What a beauty

Taking a stand

Clean and shiny

New stern deck lines

New bow deck lines

Clean stern

Clean bow

 

Fall Kayaking on Lake Minnetonka

As our 19 day road trip winds down, I had the opportunity to spend several days paddling on Lake Minnetonka, home to the lions share of my growth as a kayaker. It was so nice to paddle the lake in the early Fall, with the leaves just beginning to transform into their colorful spendor. What a treat. I was also able to spend a morning kayaking with my old friend Wayne Benbow, with whom I've spent many hours exploring the Minneapolis lakes in our trusty kayaks. Saturday was a beautiful morning on the water and I was able to capture some of it on a video that recently posted to my YouTube channel.

Click image for video

Click image for video

Back at the Paddle again!

After two months of no workouts due to my fractured knee cap, I'm finally back in my boat. Visiting dear friends in Manitowish Waters, I had the opportunity to paddle for a few days on the Manitowish chain of lakes. Northern Wisconsin is so peaceful and beautiful this time of year. Morning paddling found cool temperatures and clear calm water. I was back in my happy place and loved every paddle stroke. 

Rest Lake

Manitowish River

Bury my heart at Busted Knee

 So, just as I was entering the heart of Summer paddling season, I injured my recently replaced right knee during a power walk. I stepped in a pothole and hit it just as all the weight of my stride was transfering to my right leg. I felt my knee buckle and down I went. I was able to put weight on it and finish my walk.

As the weekend wore on, my knee felt worse and worse. On Monday I called my orthopedic surgeon and he had me get an x-ray and come in to see him. He told me he saw a slight crack in my patella (knee cap) but was not able to get a clear view of it because me knee replacement hardware shows up as a solid mass on the image. He had me get a CT Scan, which took a couple days to schedule. 

Once he had the CT he sat me down and started off by saying "I don't think you will need surgery, which is good because the recovery on that type of procedure is six months". Yikes! I asked what is the recovery without surgery? He explained I will need to have my leg in a full length brace for 3 months. Well $hit, that takes me right up to my already scheduled left knee replacement! 

The white disc is my kneecap, the black line is the fracture

My new best friend

So, the rest of my 2021 is all mapped out for me. Three months of recovery for my fractured kneecap. then a two week break followed by knee replacement surgery on my left knee, and the three months of recovery and rehab after that. I'm really bummed that my kayaking season is over for 2021. The good news is I'll be rested, fit and ready for the Cumberland River through paddle starting in April 2022. 

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Thank You! (5/26/21)

Thank You for your support!

Thanks from Jon, Monkey face, Jeff and Lil Pug!

Any big river paddling trip like this requires lots of planning. However, once the paddling starts, a big part of the plan goes out the window. Things like wind, river current, lightning and many other unforeseen challenges all take part in laying a float plan to waste. The people that we encounter along the river make all the difference as we endeavor to adjust to continuously changing plans and conditions. In the list below I want to acknowledge the many folks who went out of our way to make this trip a success. Thank You!

Brad Collet: Tennessee River Line,  Knoxville, TN

Brad, from day one on the river, you were there for us. From helping us with logistics, to connecting us with members of the RiverLine community it would have been a very different experience without you being with us throughout our journey. Then, the final welcome in Paducah, KY was just so special. We can't thank you enough. Please feel free to reach out to us as the project continues to evolve. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Chase Clem: Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Kingston, TN

Chase, met us at the boat ramp as we landed in Kingston. He helped us get our boats stored in the secure boat dock, gave us a ride to the hotel  along with our gear. Arranging for us to me the City Manager David Bolling was a real treat. Thank you too for the ride back to the boat ramp the next morning. You went out of your way to make us feel welcome.



Ron Woody: County Executive, Roane County, TN

Ron, it was really nice having you join us for for dinner in Kingston with Brad, Pam and her husband. We really enjoyed sharing our river experiences with you. We appreciate you following along on the blog during the entire trip and for all of your encouraging blog comments. It was an extra treat seeing you again in Knoxville for the RiverLine launch ceremony.

Pam May: Executive Director,  Roane Alliance, TN

Pam, thank you so much for treating us to dinner during our brief visit in Kingston. We had so much fun laughing and sharing stories with you  and your husband.

David Bolling: City Manager Kingston, TN 

David, when Chase diverted us to your office on the way to our hotel we didn't know what to expect. We really enjoyed visiting with you in your office. Your leather chairs were the most opulent chairs we experienced the entire journey. It was great hearing your paddling stories. Also, thank you for your recommendation on camping at Goat Island. It was by far the best campsite of the trip!

Sonny Hunter: Facilities Manager Kingston, TN

Sonny, I'm so glad I bumped into you at the boat ramp. You were our original welcome to Kingston and you did your community proud. Thank you for your help in getting our boats secured in the floating marina. You are a true river magician!

Sarah Stahl: Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Scottsboro, AL

Sarah, on what was shaping up to be one of our darkest days on the river, you came to the rescue. Helping us secure lodging at the Jackson Park cabin for the night, transporting our boats and gear, not once, but three times you were the true embodiment of a river angel. We can't thank you enough. It was so nice having dinner with you and Daniel. Meeting your daughter and hearing her chicken raising stories was a real highlight! Also, it was so nice seeing you again and paddling with you at the RiverLine launch ceremony. Thank you.

Milla Sacks: Exec Asst to Mayor Leigh Dollar, Guntersville, AL

Milla, When things were looking dark, I reached out to you. Even though when I called we were out of your area of influence, you connected us with Sarah Stahl in Scottsboro. Thank YOU! It was also so nice to finally meet you in Guntersville. The lunch of BBQ sandwiches was awesome! Thank you too for bringing along reporter Joe Cagel. He did such a nice article on us. That would not have happened without you.

Danielle Gibson: President/CEO of  Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Decatur, AL

Danielle, it was really nice meeting you on our stay in Decatur. We enjoyed our conversation, thanks to taking the time to come and see us. Thank you too for your gracious gift of covering our hotel room. Finally, thanks for connecting us with Dan Truitt, we had a nice time with him too!

Dan Truitt: Decatur, AL

Dan, we really enjoyed getting to know you. From our dinner in Decatur, to you helping haul our gear to the boat ramp, and taking us to resupply our food you were always there to help. Then, meeting us for dinner two nights later in Killen, we really appreciate you. I hope to paddle with you in the future.

Joe Cagel: Albertville, AL

Joe, it was nice meeting you in Guntersville with Milla Sachs. Thank you for the very nice article in the local paper on our journey.

Brandi Quick: Executive Director, Ditto Landing  AL

Brandi, it was a treat to meet you when we stopped at Ditto Landing. What a nice surprise to meet someone that was totally plugged into the RiverLine. We believe you and the marina can play an important role in aiding future paddlers. It was great meeting you.

Beth Pippin: Tourism Director Harden County, Savannah, TN

Beth, thank you for venturing out in the thunderstorms to meet with us. Our dinner at the Outpost was so much fun. You helped make our zero day at Pickwick Landing an enjoyable one. I still remember your marketing tag, “Catfish to Cannonballs” Genius! Also, it was nice seeing you at the RiverLine launch ceremony.

Stacy & Christopher Huntingford: Clifton Marina, Clifton, TN 

Stacy and Christoper, you guys were a highlight of the RiverLine. I'm so happy you were able to be part of the River City cleanup program. Finding you guys with camping, and a restaurant and a BAR all in one was awesome! Thank you for being very paddler friendly. Christopher thanks for keeping the bar open for us and some locals until 10:00 pm. We had a great time drinking Bourbon and sharing river stories!

Donna Wadford: Fisherdale Marina, Decaturville, TN

Donna, we have so much to thank you for. You helped us out with two nights on lodging when we really needed a warm dry place to stay. You gifted me a camp chair when UPS failed to get my replacement camp chair delivered on time. Your staff was always so kind and helpful. The Fisherdale marina definitely needs to be a part of the RiverLine experience.

Blair & Garret Travis: Director, Marketing, Communications & Business Development at Calvert City, KY

Blair and Garret, Thank you for helping us  get around the Kentucky Lake Lock & Dam. You guys were very friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our visit with you. We would love to possibly day paddle with you on the Cumberland river next year!

Julie Harris: Executive Director The River Discovery, Paducah, KY

Julie, thank you for being part of the Paducah welcoming committee. Also introducing us to the Barrel & Bond, and their amazing Bourbon selection! It was nice seeing you again at the RiverLine launch ceremony. Thank you for your support of the project!

Jeff Canter: PFGW Architects, Paducah, KY 42001

Jeff, thank you for being part of the Paducah welcoming committee. Also, thank you for helping me load my kayak onto my car top carrier. It was really nice seeing you again in Knoxville at the RiverLine launch ceremony.

Rosanna Wunrow: Oakdale, MN

Auntie Rosanna, thank you for your support throughout our trip. I always knew when Jon was talking with you because he had extra energy in his voice! Thank you also for reconnecting me and Jon together. The Mississippi River and the Tennessee river paddling with him was awesome!

Daryl & Bonnie Wunrow: Muskego WI

Dad and Bonnie, you guys were literally with us every paddle stroke of the way. I really looked forward to our phone calls, and Jon did too. You were our spirit river angels.

Shawn Pye: Lakeway, TX

Shawn, you are the best! You lived our journey with us for 3 days. Shuttling us to and from our boats so we could paddle empty. Having dinner and drinks each night as so awesome! You will be a part of the Cumberland river trip next year for sure! Thanks brother.

Dave & Tracy Wunrow: Franklin WI

Dave and Tracy, thank you so much for making the trip down from Milwaukee to welcome us on our landing at Paducah, KY. Having not seen you for almost 18 months due to Covid, it was very special that I could experience this ending with family.

Leslie Skoogland: Bloomington, IN

Leslie, first, thank you for loaning me your husband for 35 days. I hope I returned him to you in almost as good a shape as he was when you gave him to me. Also, thank you for making the six hour drive from Bloomington just to see me, (well, and your husband). It sure was nice to have a friendly face great us at the boat ramp at the end of the day.

Christina Wunrow: Ashland City, TN

Christina my love. I don't have the words to thank you for your patience in indulging me in my paddling passion. I simply could not do any of this without your love and support. I hope in some small way I've made you proud.

And finally, to all those who followed along on the blog, whether for a few days or the entire trip, we say thank you. There were many cold nights in camp when I didn't feel like writing. Knowing there were people out there waiting for an update really keep me going. Thank you! 

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 35 (5/15/21)

Paducah, KY River Mile ZERO!

Start: River Mile: 27

Finish: River Mile: 0

Day Total: 27

Trip Total: 652

We knew a few things would need to go right to be able to reach mile zero today. First, we needed to have a clean passage through Kentucky Lake Lock & Dam. Then we would need to have favorable wind to help us make the mileage needed to finish. And finally we would need the weather to cooperate. Rain was in the forecast and any heavy rain or lighting would stop us in our tracks.

The first challenge was solved by river angles Blair and Garrett Travis. Brad Collet put us in touch with the the Travis’ and they graciously gave us a ride around the Lock & Dam so we didn’t have to deal with that variable at all. Blair and Garrett were very nice. We enjoyed chatting with them. Jon and I always enjoy a fresh audience for your stories! They stayed with us at the downriver boat ramp while we packed up our boats. Saying our goodbyes we dipped our paddle blades into the water and off we went on our final stretch of the Tennessee river.

Interstate 24 Bridge, a long time coming

The concern of more head wind did not materialize. We had calm weather with no headwind to speak of. it even felt like a very gentle tail wind which we were very happy about. Downriver from the Dam we even enjoyed a gentle current, which after the battle of Kentucky Lake made it feel like we could paddle at freeway speed!

Paddling past a Tugboat grave yard

We paddled all day under cloudy skies, but thankfully no rain or lightning. Brad was trying coordinate a few people to meet us at mile zero, Paducah landing. My brother Dave and his wife Tracy were also driving down from Milwaukee, WI to meet us at the end, along with my wife Christina who was driving over from Nashville, TN to bring me and all my smelly gear and kayak home. Since we had people waiting, once I realized we were making almost double our mph pace from the last week, I sent out frequent text updates updating our ETA, which originally was 5:00pm and thanks to the conditions ended up bing 2:30. 

Jon and I had a small celebration in our boats as soon as we reached the Ohio, but were still a mile upriver from the landing. We took a few photos, including with our boat mascots Monkey Face (Jon) and Lil Pug (mine). We also called our kids to let them know we had reached the Ohio and would be landing in the next 15 minutes at RM zero.

Ohio River!

 Paddling up to the landing I was blown away. There where TN RiverLine banners framing the finish line for us. Along with VIP’s from the city of Paducah. Dave and Tracy were there and to my surprise and delight, there stood Brad Collet waiting for us. Jon and I were able to land our boats on the concrete ramp without embarrassing our selves in front of the assembled crowd.

I hugged Jon, so happy to have accomplished another major journey with him. Then it was Dave and Tracy giving us hugs of joy and on the Brad and all the folks he had assembled in our honor to welcome us. 

Paddling the last 100 yards

Trying to gracefully exit our boats

Dave and Tracy Wunrow greet us at rivers edge

Hugging my wife Christina after 35 days on the river

Brad had a nice ceremony for us were he presented Jon and I with beautiful wooden plaques commemorating us being the first the thru paddle the new Tennessee RiverLine 652 water trail. I know that others before us have completed this journey, for sure Kim Travathen who completed the trip in the 90’s with his dog Jasper. Kim’s book is the only publication we’ve found by someone actually completing the thru paddle.

Plaque Ceremony with Brad

Tennessee RiverLine finish line

What an epic journey

After we had our gear all packed into our vehicles, Julie Harris, the Executive Director of the River Discovery Center in Paducah invited a few of us to the local Bourbon bar called Barrel & Bond. This place was amazing with a selection of 1,700 unique Bourbons. I was in Bourbon heaven! We followed this with dinner at Paducah Brew Works. What a fun ending to a great last day on the river.

Barrel & Bond, Bourbon lovers heaven!

After dinner, we said our goodbyes to Jon. He had a one way car rental to get him and his gear home. Since our trip ended a week later than expected, he really needed to get home as soon as possible. I can’t say enough about Jon. There are not many people in this world that I could spend 24 hours a day for 35 days with. He never met a problem he couldn’t solve. He was always there to keep me out of trouble. And he is genuinely a fun person to be around. He even tolerates my stupid jokes and chronic slow old guy syndrome which in and of itself probably adds an extra day to our trip! So, thank you Jon. I couldn’t do a trip like this without you. I wouldn’t want to do a trip like this without you. Bring on the Cumberland River in 2022!! 

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 34 (5/14/21)

The long end of Kentucky lake

Start: River Mile: 48

Finish: River Mile: 27

Day Total: 21

Trip Total: 628

The long battle with Kentucky lake is OVER! We paddled into two lake camp, just upriver from the lock & dam at 4:00pm after 9 hours of fighting the waves, wind, barges, and tons of recreational boats. 6 days after we started the crossing it is DONE! 

Finally reached the dang “Basket Handle” bridge after staring at it for 20 hours!

We had so many creek/bay crossings today I lost count. It was a tumultuous end to the most challenging stretch of the entire trip. I’ll I can say is I’m glad we will be in the final stretch of river to Paducah KY tomorrow morning and by the end of the day we will be in the arms of loved ones. 

Lots of unique rock formations today

Tonight Jon an I are enjoying pizza and beer on our last night on the river, camped in two lakes campground. We met a couple that had just finished paddling for the day, just 100 yards from our campsite. After telling them our story they offered to drive me into town to pick up our pizza and beer. Jason and Shelly were supper nice and very helpful. They went out of their way help us. Just our latest river angels. When I’m asked what the best part of the trip was, it will always be the people we encountered along the way. Some for a few minutes others for days at a time. But all of you have made this trip what it was. Thank you. 

So long Kentucky Lake

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 33 (5/13/21)

600 Down, 52 to go!

Start: River Mile: 68.5

Finish: River Mile: 48

Day Total: 21

Trip Total: 607

Today is the day. I can feel it. We are going to paddle 20 miles in the giant lake that is the Tennessee river forming what is known as Kentucky Lake. I woke this morning at 5:30 and didn’t hear any wind blowing. It was cold out, the low was 45 degrees. So, I got all my tent gear stowed away, and crawled out of my tent before 6:00am. Stoked up last nights fire embers and got the water boiling for coffee. Jon called out from his tent asking if I were out of my tent? Nope, I replied. Are you making coffee he asked? Nope again I said. Kind of his running joke but turned on him this time.

Even though I was up early we still only managed to be on the water by 7:15 am. Not bad, but I thought for sure we’d (meaning me) would be ready earlier than that. Still it was nice to be making progress that early. There was not a cloud in the sky this morning. We had 3 miles to paddle to get to the highway bridge

Gorgeous scenery today

were we planned to cross over to the left side of the river. We made that distance without any issues, in about an hour. We discussed the best spot to cross, which at this point was about a mile and a half wide part of the river. The water didn’t look to bad so just under the bridge we started to cross. 

It couldn’t have been more that 10 minutes in that we realized the waves were bigger than we thought. So we changed direction and attacked them at an angle, still trending to the far shore. As the wind and waves continued picked up, we kept having to angle deeper into the wind to keep from getting swamped. At some point after 45 minutes of battle, which had not gotten us much closer to the far shore and with a barge tow now coming up river, it was time to bail and work our way back to the shore we had started on, river right. 

The wind for a change was as advertised, 5-10 out of the North. So, buy keeping to the right side river bank the paddling was actually pretty nice. Our pace was not great, at a bit over 2 mph, but we could do it without a screaming wind in our face. As with yesterday, the waves were bigger than the actual wind would have you expect, but on a long lake like this, the waves build and stack up on one another. 

We just kept at our steady pace, hour after hour. Twice we came across people fishing, and in both cases they asked if we were fishing. Nope, just paddling through we’d say. “Where are you headed?” They‘d say? “Paducah” We’d say. “In those things? (Our boats)” would be the response. When we added that we were on day 32 and we had started in Knoxville they were shocked. We know this is an unusual trip, but helpfully with all the work Tennessee RiverLine are doing, it will become much more common. 

Love this campsite

After 9 hours of solid paddling we made it to river mile 48 and found a great pebble beach site to camp on the shore of Land Between the Lakes Park. This is probably our last wilderness site of the trip so that makes it special. The view from camp is amazing and the bonanza of drift wood will make for a perfect campfire.

Working on the blog post

Tomorrow, we will get as far as we possibly can. If all goes perfect, we will make it to Kentucky Lock & Dam at RM 22 by the end of the day. That would allow us to paddle into Paducah sometime Saturday afternoon. If we don’t make it to the the Dam, we will likely have to finish on Sunday with a 5-10 mile dash to the Ohio river. Only time and the Tennessee River know for sure.  

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 32 (5/12/21)

Paddling Jacobs Ladder

Start: River Mile: 86

Finish: River Mile: 68.5

Day Total: 17.5

Trip Total: 586.5

Today was all about finding places to minimize the effect of the head wind. As we have been doing for the last 4 days, we are staying as close as possible to the shore on river right. When we were successful we had slightly less headwind, but some how the wind driven waves were still just as big. Still, slightly better is still better.

Dressed for a morning of fighting the wind

 The whole stretch of Kentucky lake we are on is 1-2 miles wide. What adds a big challenge is the little side creeks that come in every 2 miles or so. When you look at it from google maps it looks like a giant Jacobs Ladder. One single trunk with rungs coming off the sides. The creeks can be anywhere from half a mile wide to over a mile and a half, and can be a mile or two deep as well. Since we are on river right, every incoming creek was funneling the full force of the 10-15 mph wind with gusts to 20 mph right down on us. 

The first really big creek crossing came at RM 82. White Oak Creek is easily a mile and a half wide and twice that deep. The wind howling down this creek was driving 2-3 foot waves. Our idea was to paddle into the waves, at a slight angle eventually getting to the far side, then turning to follow the creek channel back out. The paddling was wicked difficult. At times we had all we could do to not be driven backwards. However, paddling into waves and wind like this is way better that taking them on broadside. After 45 minutes of fierce paddling, we sensed that we had reached a turning point and were able to quickly turn hard to our left and paddle with the wind and waves trailing us. This is where I had the advantage in a kayak. For the most part, I was able to surf the bigger waves and have them push me back toward the main channel of the river. I still have to be careful though, so that I don’t get pushed sideways and end up swamping. The waves were pretty consistent so I didn’t have any problems. 

This same scene played itself 5 more times throughout the day. All but the last one were not as bad as White Oak Creek. In between the creeks, the paddling was actually pretty nice. Today we had clear skies and temps in the high 60’s. If the wind were mild it really would have been a perfect day. 

The shoreline is a mix. We paddled past several pebble stone beaches, the sound the waves make is the run across the pebbles is really cool. Over times, the limestone ledges come right down to the waters edge. Low laying wetland makes of the rest of the natural scenery. We also paddled pas many floating docks and boat houses located in front the lake front houses and cottages the line so much of the Tennessee river. 

No idea what these trees are called, but their beautiful

Our goal today was Grays Landing boat ramp, just on the other side of the Highway 79 bridge. That would have been 21 miles for today, a very lofty goal on this stretch of the river. At 4:30 after 9 straight hours of paddling, and covering 17.5 river miles and 22 miles of actually paddling, we decided we did not have one more big creek crossing in us. So, we paddled down Standing Rock creek a half mile and found a place to land our boats and camp for the night. We are in a very wooded area, 50 feet from the water with nice tent sites and lots of wood for the campfire. 

After battling the wind and waves all day, it was nice to get camp set up. The reward is setting up our camp chairs and changing into our dry camp shoes and socks. Jon worked up another culinary masterpiece of white cheddar Mac and Cheese with SPAM and hot sauce. Dinner never tasted so good!

Bourbon time!

Camp on day 32 is in the books

We still have a long way to go to get to Paducah, but we are still shooting for Saturday. 20 mile days have eluded us these past 4 days. We are playing catch up for sure. One day at a time is all we can control. We’ll see what tomorrow brings us.  

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 31 (5/11/21)

Head wind, Head Wind, HEAD WIND

Start: River Mile: 100

Finish: River Mile: 86

Day Total: 14

Trip Total: 569

We knew last night that the rest of this week will have wind from the North and NNE, which is the direction we paddle until Kentucky Lock and Dam and RM 21. Our goal today was 23 miles, but we also knew that we would simply have to take what the river would give us. 

Launching at 8:00 am we had a light breeze and clear sky’s. It was really nice to have the sun warming us. As we expected the calm didn’t last long. We knew there was nothing to be done but paddle so that’s what we did. It was really nice to not be wet and cold. The work was still hard, it could have been a lot worse. 

Man made wind break

I love these clouds, Lenticular I believe

Sometimes you just have to accept what the river gives you and that’s what we did today. What the river gave us was 14 river miles in almost 8 solid hours of paddling. We actually paddled over 16 miles to get that distance, ducking in and our of protected areas to avoid the wind when we could. At 3:30 we saw a nice beach camp and knowing that we were at the edge of our limit, elected to take it. We felt bad ending the day that early, but the shore downriver didn’t look very camp friendly for quite some distance. So, rather than live to regret passing up a good camp, we took it.

Tonight’s campsite

We landed on a sandy beach that was bordered by a nice grassy area, perfect for our tents. I was able to get the inside of my boat dried out, which always makes me happy. The wind did a nice job of drying out my paddling socks and is still working on my paddling shoes. It’s the little things that bring me joy!

There is a ton of dry drift wood in the area so we are having a nice warm fire to help our daily ration of Bourbon go down even smoother. It’s Kentucky Bourbon in honor of our nemesis Kentucky Lake. It keeps throwing punches at us, and we just keep on paddling. Tomorrow’s wind looks to be coming from the same direction as today, only a bit stronger. But, that is a problem for tomorrow. We are dry, warm and well fed. That’s all you really need. 

With that, I’m signing off. Hoping for a magic mileage day tomorrow. 

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 30 (5/10/21)

Kentucky Lake - The big water slog

Start: River Mile: 118

Finish: River Mile: 100

Day Total: 18

Trip Total: 555

Last night, we were chased into our tents around 5:30 pm with a final two rounds of rain and lightning. So, 12 hours in the tent was a long time after already being in them on and off most of the day. 

It was a very soggy pack-up today, everything was wet and muddy. I contemplated paddling in my wet clothes from yesterday so I would have dry clothes tonight to change into. As soon as I got out of my sleeping bag I knew that was not a good idea. The temp was 45 degrees with a cold damp wind. So, I put on all the dry clothes I have, and got my boat packed. As we made the 200 yard haul of our boats to the “ramp” I thought to myself that I’d need to take off a layer of two before getting in my boat so I wouldn’t over heat once the sun came out.

My kayak ready to haul to the river

Once I had my kayak in the water and the portage wheels packed up and strapped to my back deck, I got in my boat and settled in for a long windy day. As I paddled away I realized I hadn’t taken any layers off, too late now I kept paddling. And, boy am I glad I stayed dressed the way I was. The weather called for 4 mph out of the North, but instead we got 10-15 with gusts of 20 mph. Combine that with an air temp of 48 degrees and it was cold almost miserable conditions.

Well, that’s the way it’s been on this trip, so all we can do is Paddle, Paddle, Paddle. The river is running straight north for the next 80 miles on the stretch known as Kentucky Lake, the last big pool Kentucky Lock & Dam and the final river stretch to the Ohio. And the wind was coming from NNE right in our faces. Jon did an great job finding us a path through these small finger shaped islands to keep us out of the direct wind for almost half of our day today. The weather also said that by 10:00am the sun would come out and the temps would reach 65 degrees. More lies! We didn’t see the sun at all and the temp never got above 55. 

Jon working the angles to avoid the wind

I’m sorry to complain but it’s been a rough couple days. I just need to remind myself that this is a trip that I love doing. Jon is an awesome paddling partner and we’ve had so much help and support from countless people along the way. I always say the paddling is not the always the best part, but there is always a lot of cool paddling along the way. I just need to focus on the joy that I feel out in nature and not get down when things get difficult. Jon loves it when I have a bad day because then he gets to be Mr positive!

Jon called ahead to the New Johnsonville marina and campground and spoke to the owner. He offered to let us camp for free and even gave us the code to the laundry and showers. Just one more example of river magic. 

Camp at New Johnsonville Marina Campground

After we got camp set up, we walked the 2 miles to the Caseys quick stop and bought pizza for dinner and subs for lunch tomorrow. There was no where to eat our pizza at Caseys so we went next door to the New Johnsonville Police Dept and asked we could use their picnic table. They thought what we were doing was pretty cool and allowed us to enjoy our pizza and mark up our maps for tomorrow.

Back at camp I took advantage of the laundry and dried all my wet stuff from the last two days. Now, that makes me happy! We are closing down the evening with a Bourbon next to a campfire. What a great way to end the day. We have exactly 100 miles to go until the Ohio river. We will be in Paducah Friday or Saturday.  

Good Night All

Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 29 (5/9/21)

Even the worst day has a best part

Start: River Mile: 119

Finish: River Mile: 118

Day Total: 2

Trip Total: 537

Well, we knew that we had  thunderstorms to look forward to today. Our hope was that we would have a 4 hour window to get some miles in. Leslie drove us the 48 minutes to see he boat ramp were we had stashed our boats in the woods yesterday. The forecast was not in our favor, but we really felt like we could make it 10 miles or so. 

Well, as we entered the main river, the wind was whipping. The forecast called for 10-15 mph wind, but it was blowing a steady 20 mph and gusting to 35 mph. We paddled for 45 minutes with the wind driven waves following from our back right. In that time I took over 20 waves over my cockpit. We stayed close to shore so that if we got swamped we would be in a better position to land. 

I hit one set of waves that almost knocked me over. Just at that moment, I noticed a little cove. I paddled straight for it hoping Jon would follow. He did and we were able to access our situation. We knew that it was not safe to continue to try and paddle. So, we started looking for a place to weather the storm. 

Home is where the tent is

After the better park of an hour, we found a spot that allowed us to get out of the wind and get our tents set up. We had our tents up and gear stowed just as the rain began to pour down. We rode out two rounds of thunderstorms from 10:30 to 2:00. At that point we had a break from the rain. We had a late lunch of leftover steak. The weather apps looked like there was a couple hour break in the storms. So we decided to see if we could have a fire. 

Jon Wunrow, campfire whisperer 

My attempt failed, but Jon was able to get one going. I made a quick ravioli dinner. We had a Bourbon and enjoyed the fire. It was, the best part of the day!  

Bourbon in the rain

The forecast for the morning looks good. We plan on getting on the water as soon as possible tomorrow so we can log some decent miles.  As I write, we are hunkered down in our tents riding out yet another round of thunderstorms. We have a solid 12 hours in our tents before the morning. Hoping for a good day tomorrow.  

Riding the storm out