Leaving the park, the right bank is a State Game Refuge. I spot many deer along the way, turtles, bald eagle, heron, striking bass and a beaver. The US Army Camp Ripley is adjacent to the river here and let's it's presence be known with the barrage of small arms fire and concussion of explosives. The tell-tale clack of a .50 cal startles me as it seems to explode just though the trees. Paddle on. In the distance I can make out the sound of a helicopter and know it is a Blackhawk by the time it rounds the river bend. I have a good video but no WiFi to post. My first thought was of Apocalypse Now but I wanted to say "Charlie don't Canoe". This would be the first of many fly-by's as there was continual training for about 15 miles. It was entertaining but also made for a whole bank I could not land at or explore much.
The morning was comfortable and warm. I packed up and hit the water with renewed education or paddle stroke and technique from some online tutorials I had downloaded and never read until last night. The sore lower back muscles but most importantly, numb left forearm are typical of too tight a grip and using the arm muscles more than rotation of the torso for power. I actively think and try to use my torso but the seat on the NEXT isn't the best for allowing a full range of upright motion. It's kind of like stretching in a bucket seat. I've found what works for me and feel a bit better today trying different things out.
Down at the put-in, a local fisherman was casting in for his breakfast. No luck yet. The concrete block wall was awful and had a 3ft drop to boulders below and steep mud bank dropping 5 ft. I managed to completely unload the canoe and lift it down gently then reload in knee deep muck. I was soon on my way waving at the fisherman. A truck passed on a bridge and I gave the honking symbol. three or four loud toots emitted from the horn but I imagine they've done away with the old fashioned pull chord handle.
The wind was at my back today which explained the morning speed! If I kept pointed downriver, I could catch the trough of a wave and ride it in that direction while paddling. Worked great and soon I was at the Blanchard Dam. I had been warned this one would be a doozy and the pdf I keep shows it going up and over two old railroad crossings on stairs!?
Zach had mentioned Seven Islands Campsite as being particularly beautiful and I made sure to mark it on the map. It did not disappoint. The signs are easily spotted and the landing wide and grassy. It was only 4pm but I felt I had put in a good day considering the two portage and 22 miles. Could have gone farther but meh. It's gorgeous here. Going fishin'