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.
1 comment:
Arrrrrrh! What a saga!
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