Day 9 - A Two Portage Kind of Day
Pokegama then Blandin Dam Portages today
Day 9: Bromenschenkel’s → Grand Rapids
Date: July 17th, 2022
URM 1201 → URM 1179
Distance today: 22 Miles
River Time: 7 hrs
Today I woke up and saw smoke on the water. It was a nice and misty morning after some rain last night.
I was on the water by 6 a.m. because I knew it would be hot and sunny today, and sure enough, as soon as the sun came up it seemed scalding. (I don’t do well in the heat. Yes, I know it will get worse. There will also be more places to swim downriver!)
My first few miles were meandering river bends, with wooded shores. I soon arrived at Schoolcraft State Park, named after Henry Schoolcraft, who proclaimed Lake Itasca to be the true source of the Mississippi. The river soon opened up to Blackwater Lake. Which wasn’t a lake, really, rather a huge bed of wild rice with a small river running through. Without the shade of the trees from shore is when it got hot. On this lake, I saw my first major industry along the river.
Right around this time, is when the current started to dry up, which was still about 6-7 miles from the dam. I had entered the Pokegama Dam Reservoir. After paddling slow and steady, and encountering a couple of loons, I arrived at the Pokegama Dam. Below is the entire portage condensed in 40 seconds:
The other thing that happened around this time, was I saw the first natural rock bank of the trip. I have a feeling things will gradually become less weedy, and more solid from here down.
After the portage, signs of human civilization continued to increase. As I paddled across Lake Sylvan, the number of houses and docks dotting the shores continued to increase. The busy US Highway 2 passed right by the lake. When I arrived at the next portage, ~.6 miles around the Blandin Dam, I found myself smack dab in the middle of Grand Rapids with a canoe on wheels. I was very out of place!
I’m now in Grand Rapids, camping at the Public Library. Today will be my first proper resupply of the trip. Fresh food on day 9, rejoice! Solange is joining me for the next 2 days of river paddling where I hope to make it to Jacobson Campsite!
River Log Day 9
1199 - Schoolcraft State Park: Dock, and picnic table at landing. Take small footpath to campsite areas. Very modern campsites in nice airy forest.
1196 - Leaning Willow: Very weedy entry. Sign visible from water.
1186 - A few intersecting channels and choices to make. Don’t get drawn into Pokegama Lake. When in doubt, aim toward the water tower.
1180 - Blandin Dam Portage: Look for the following sign to mark the beginning of the portage:
Great update! Did you happen to stop in the Leaning Willow campsite or just see it from the river? I am doing a weekend trip coming up and that was one of my campsite goals.
Keep up the great work!
It's nice to see the progression of the landscapes. Nice pics & videos (I like the quick portage) and area descriptions. I'm having trouble finding the map of the first portion of the Mississippi. Can you put up a link to that? Stay cool out there!