October 30, 2021
Saturday
Tent camping on Hardy Bar Island
RM 348
994 miles completed
I paddled about 24 miles.
I woke at 6:30. I didn’t start paddling until 9:00. Terry’s and Cindy’s guesthouse is so nice I just couldn’t get in a hurry to leave. Terry said goodbye on his way to work. I had coffee with Paul. Cindy fixed us each a breakfast sandwich. Then I had a second cup of coffee.
Paul helped me carry my kayak back to the water. I reloaded all my gear. Cindy got more pictures. And I was off.
My goal was two dams and a campsite. When I got to dam 19 a southbound tug and barges behind me got priority and I was delayed. So I didn’t get to dam 20.
Mary Ann found a link to a webcam at lock 19. She texted it to my kids and grandkids. Everyone enjoyed watching me paddle through the lock.
It was a bright cold day with light wind. I felt good with very little shoulder pain. I was able to make good speed. After the dam the current increased. I didn’t start looking for a campsite until 5:30. When the sun was almost setting I settled for a place that didn’t look very assessable but turned out to be a very nice camping spot. I just had to carry my gear a little farther than I like. I built a fire before it got dark so I could dry my clothes. I set up my tent and fixed dinner by flashlight. For dinner I had mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and Tuna. Oh yeah, and a can of beer Cindy handed me as I was leaving her kitchen that morning.
I was on the east side of the island so I could get morning sun.
Ah! Now you are getting into Mark Twain territory!