October 22, 2021
Friday
Lean to camping Sylvan Slough, Rock Island, IL
RM 482.5
859 miles completed
I paddled about 15 miles today.
I had breakfast at the Comfort Inn. Dan Dawson picked me up at 9:00 am and took me back to my kayak. He brought me a nice care package his wife sent. It made a nice lunch for the river.
I got started around 9:30. That’s a little late to start. But It was a nice day… a few little clouds. The wind was mild and blowing from the west. It was only about 3 miles to dam 14. There was a Southbound Tug and barges in the lock and I had to wait an hour and a half to lock through.
It’s ten miles from dam 14 to dam 15. When the river turned West the wind was in my face again.
I had a three hour delay at lock 15. When I cleared the lock it was getting dark so I camped around the point to the left of the lock exit.
The temperature was going to be in the low 30’s. I set up a lean to with my hammock cover and kept a fire going all night. I slept on a tarp in front of the fire. It worked out well. I was warm all night and I was able to dry my wet clothes.
I had a sandwich, apple,and protein bar for dinner.
👍