It's been 7 days since I last updated the blog and much has happened. Apologies for getting in the groove on the water. The days have been hot with temp in the upper 80's and feels like temp near 100. Every few days a thunderstorm blows in and I keep a close watch on the radar and NWS radio forecasts. Some storms have been more severe than others but I have yet to be blown away. I'm keeping myself fed and watered by stopping in the many small river towns for supplies. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been on the daily menu and I'm putting away an ungodly number of fig newton's (cheaper than granola bars by weight).
The river continues to develop traveling south. The banks are often sandy and tree-lined near the downside of the dams for a few miles. The pool usually widens nearing the next lock and makes for the feeling of a giant lake often 1/2 to 1 MI wide. Winds have blown from most points of the compass and finding a chute or slough with protection has often made for an easier day of paddling. The braided nature of certain sections allows for a "choose your own adventure" kind of trip. Unless one travels in the main channel, there are a myriad of routes and ways to get downstream.
It took 25 minutes to pass but all a line of light eschewed beneath the dark cloud and I knew it was over. Down on the water, I was happy to see my boat still there. The wind whipped away my small American flag and a bungee chord. Otherwise, I was soon paddling along admiring the freshly downed trees.