October 29, 2021
Friday
Terry’s and Cindy’s guesthouse
Nauvoo, Illinois
RM 373
969 miles completed I paddled about 31 miles.
I got off to an early start (for me). I started paddling at 8:25 am. Stacey and Randy saw me off and their neighbor waved from their porch.
It was cold, windy, and rainy all day. All morning I stayed close to the right shore to shield me from the wind and waves. The current was good. At first the wind was behind me helping me along. Then the river turned west and was still cold but no longer a speed factor, so long as I was able to stay close to the shore.
In the afternoon I had to move to the Illinois side and I had to contend with high waves from my right.
I made it to my next River Angels around 5:30. They are Terry Mertens and Cindy Larson.
Terry’s dad, Paul, met me at the boat dock. Terry and Cindy were still at work. Paul took me to the guesthouse and I immediately showered and got into dry clothes.
Terry grilled steaks and Cindy baked butternut squash. Paul stayed for dinner. We had a really enjoyable evening.
Paul is my age. We were both born in 1940. Paul has a 1940 Ford sedan. It was his first car and he still has it! He has turned it into a show car. I got to see it and it looks great.
I washed and dried my wet clothes.
Terry gave me a lot of good information about the upcoming part of the river.
I was hoping for just a dry place to sleep and a refill of my water jug. What I got was a wonderful experience and three new friends.
So glad you met encouraging people! I know it was hard losing your paddle-buddy. If I was 10 years younger I would want to be with you. What a dream experience except for the "negatives".
Love the dog in the photo haha. So glad that you are meeting so many great people.