Day 21 - The River Works its Magic
Day 21: Oak Island Camp → Elk River
Date: July 29th, 2022
URM 906 → URM 877
Distance today: 29 Miles
River Time: 10 hrs
Today was an excellent day all around! This is a very beautiful stretch of river, with shallow and swift currents. It’s very fun to be pulled and tugged by the currents as they whisk you around islands. Plus today was partly sunny, so not enough to be brutally hot, but enough to make the water sparkle in the rapids I was passing through.
Early in the morning, I passed a nuclear power plant in Monticello, MN. There was steam coming out of the chimneys, and a water discharge downstream. The water was definitely warm coming off of it, but not hot.
Later in the morning, I had a very cool sighting of a pair of sandhill cranes! This was the closest I’ve ever seen them, and it was a real treat! I drifted by on my canoe and they minded their business on the gravel bar. I love the red coloration on their eyes. So happy to see and share the River with these individuals!
Meandering on downriver I got a tip to meet a through-paddler who has a house on the River. I found the house soon after Elk River, and struck up a conversation with Rolly. Turns out he and his wife Sue are extreme adventurers. Not only have they paddled the Mississippi, they’ve also paddled the length of Finland, and have bicycled across the USA four times, to name a few. They are also speed paddlers and do long and short-distance races in canoes and kayaks.
We shared a beer, and soon that upgraded to a nice spot to pitch my tent for the night. Sure I’ll take that! Shortly thereafter this became a spot in the guest bedroom, and I was in awe of the Mississippi magic happening before my eyes.
We spent the evening swapping adventure stories and talking about the Mississippi River. My uncle Brad also happened to be in town and joined the party as well. He is joining me paddling for part of tomorrow’s journey.
Rolly and Sue are two extremely kind and welcoming people who decided to host unprompted and unplanned! Thank you both!
All in all, from the gorgeous paddling conditions, the beautiful water, the bountiful wildlife, and the joy of finding new friends, it was truly a magical day on the River.
Arrival in Minneapolis
I am still on schedule from my itinerary from a few days ago. Which means I should be arriving in the Twin Cities on Sunday morning! I’ll be doing the St. Anthony Falls portage around 10 a.m. on Sunday. If you want to come out to support me and the trip, and also see me look extremely out of place in downtown Minneapolis, feel free to meet me there! It’s the longest portage of the Upper Mississippi, at about 1.5 miles. It will likely take me over 1 hour to complete. Thankfully, it’s also the very last portage of the entire Mississippi!
Below is my basic route:
River Log Day 21
901.8: Power Line no longer crosses here.
900 RBD: Nuclear plant water discharge.
891 - Kalder Avenue: Very nice picnic area with sandy beach and restrooms and shade.
890 - Dimmick Island: Access is so-so; a bit steep. Spacious site, 2 distinct areas. 2 picnic tables, 2 fire pits. Many houses nearby. When approaching the island stay RBD, then campsite will be on your left.