Day 74: Clarksdale, MS → Clarksdale, MS
Date: September 20th, 2022
LRM 638 → LRM 638
Distance today: 0 miles
River Time: 0 hours
Countdown to Baton Rouge, LA: 409 miles
Local Gauge: 2.6 Helena Gauge
Today was the first day in 73 days that I did not see the Mississippi River. I am over the levee and hanging out in Clarksdale, MS.
The timing could not have been better, as there is a heat wave passing through the south right now. Temperatures tomorrow are projected to be 100F. I’m happy to stay on land in the AC!
Even though I wasn’t paddling, the day was plenty full! I slept in, which was amazing, then got to work. I began by trimming the fat on my trip bags, and getting rid of the things I wasn’t using: pair of shoes I haven’t worn once, and prior maps, to name a few. Then I went through my remaining provisions and made a shopping list.
I headed over to the Quapaw Canoe Company base, where I caught up with the crew, and worked on getting my car started. My car has been here since June in preparation of my arrival in the South. Luckily, once the dead battery was charged, it started no problem! That’s a relief.
In the afternoon I sat down for an interview on the podcast by Mark River: “May The River Be With You.” If you haven’t listened, give it a go. It can be found on any podcast platform. Season 1 is out, and my episode will be on Season 2.
By mid-afternoon, Clarksdale was sweltering. I did my resupply shopping. I came home and did laundry and other small tasks, and my hosts, the Suttons, arrived from their cross country road trip. It was so good to see them. They are up-and-coming River Angels for sure!
I also got a chance to visit my good friends Matt and Aja, who have their hands full with a newborn less than two months old. It was so good to see all three of you!
Below are some photos from the day:
Day 75: Clarksdale, MS → Clarksdale, MS
Date: September 21st, 2022
LRM 638 → LRM 638
Distance today: 0 miles
River Time: 0 hours
Countdown to Baton Rouge, LA: 409 miles
Local Gauge: 2.2 Helena Gauge
Today was the warmest day in a long time. Solange and I managed to get out for a walk before the day really heated up, but it was still quite warm and muggy by 7:30 a.m.
The morning was all about doing a final pack of my bags, and making our last visit to the Quapaw Canoe Shop.
In the afternoon, I drove Solange to the airport in Memphis for her return flight. Solange, it was so fun paddling with you these last days, and we made some great memories from Memphis to Clarksdale!
And in the evening I was surprised with a lovely dinner by my host family and newest River Angels on the Mississippi, Jane and Bill. Thank you for the delicious meal to get my strength up for the journey ahead. Your hospitality and generosity have been so appreciated by Solange and me, and I can’t wait to see you both again after this trip concludes!
I’m off to get some rest before my alarm wakes me up at 4:45 a.m.!
You’re getting close!!! What will we all do without our daily travel journal??!?!?!
Sounds like a great time in Clarksdale resting, relaxing and reorganizing. I’ll look for the podcast! Take it easy during the heatwave as you continue south.