Days 34 & 35 - Paddling Under the Supermoon

A short update today, because I am sleep deprived and need to catch up.

Day 34: Lost Channel Island → McGregor, IA

Date: August 11th, 2022

URM 672 → URM 634

Distance today: 38 miles

River Time: 13 hours

Countdown to St. Louis: 454 miles

I awoke and paddled to the small town of Lansing, IA for some coffee and a water refill. I’ve learned that small towns are better for me to visit than larger ones, because all the services I want are right by the River! As opposed to La Crosse, for example, where the nearest grocery store was 6 blocks away. I don’t want to leave my canoe alone for that long.

Lansing was a very quaint little town which I enjoyed very much! They had a coffee shop which had a third story balcony overlooking the River, which I took advantage of, as well as a very nice mainly brick downtown area!

At the coffee shop overlooking the Lansing Bridge

I paddled on, and passed two more things of note on my way to Lock #9. A dredge in action, and a dead turtle, likely killed by a motorboat.

A track hoe sits on a floating barge

Seen in Pool #9

Paddling Under the Supermoon

When I made it to my destination for the night, Jackson Island, I made myself a good supper and had a thought. It was a clear night, with a very pleasant breeze—perfect paddling weather. I knew it was going to be a full moon, and so that settled it! I cleaned up the meal, took a small catnap, and waited for the sun to begin setting.

I got out on the water to enjoy the sunset and the moonrise, it was very beautiful and peaceful on the water this evening.

Moonlight with Marquette, IA in background

A towboat in the dark

I thoroughly enjoyed my supermoon paddle, navigating with shadows on the water, and being surrounded by the tranquility of the River. It was a special experience on a special trip!

However, by 11pm I was tired. It had been a long day. I looked to see which site was closest to where I was, and found it was McGregor, IA. I landed at the marina, tied th boat of, and made my way on land. I made a hasty camp at the riverside park, and it was lights out for me!

Day 35: McGregor, IA → Guttenberg, IA

Date: August 12th, 2022

URM 634 → URM 616

Distance today: 18 miles

River Time: 5 hours

Countdown to St. Louis: 436 miles

Well, I thought it was lights out anyway, I was abruptly awaken by the sound of a train passing! Turns out my tent was mere feet away from an active railroad line!

I paddled in a drizzly rain all day to reach Guttenberg, IA. Here I am staying with a River Angel family, Dan and Deena! I got in early in the day so I would have a chance to resupply for, do laundry, repack my bags, charge devices, etc ,etc. It feels like there is no shortage of things to do even on River Angel days!

Silica mines near Clayton, IA. Note caves on right side.

With all my gear prepped for tomorrow, I had a good hearty meal, and a trip to the brewery as well! We also stopped to see a tow going through Lock #10. It was too large for one pass, so it had to split up and go in two sections.

Thanks Dan and Deena for your phenomenal hospitality, I really enjoyed my time here touring around town with you and getting to know you both. And your cooking was phenomenal!

View of the River from Guttenberg, IA. Lock #10 pictured

River Log Day 34

666-664 RBD: Many very good sandbar sites in the National Wildlife Refuge.

Pool 9: Last good campsites are at 664

663-Lansing, IA: Good river access to groceries, other services

646 LBD: First good sites after Lock #9

644 LBD: Good sandbar site, NWR

642.5 -Jackson Island: RBD, last good primitive site for a while

634-McGregor, IA: Good river access to convenience store, restaurant, other services

River Log Day 35

631 LBD: Subpar site near mouth of Wisconsin River

630 RBD: SUbpar site on small island

628.3 RBD: A few good sandbar sites

624.4 - Island 181: LBD one lone good site

619.2 RBD: A really great spacious site.