Day 72 on the Mississippi River

November 1, 2021

Monday

Rivers Edge Motel, Louisiana, Missouri

RM 283

1059 miles completed

I paddled about 34 miles, a new record for me.

I got up 6:30 and still didn’t get going until 9:00. I guess that’s just the way it’s going to be. I started my blog for the previous day while drinking coffee and couldn’t quit till it was done.

It was first of the month so I took my B-12 shot. Breakfast was FiberOne cereal, beef sausage sticks, and an apple.

My goal for the day was to get to Louisiana, Missouri and stay in the Rivers Edge Motel. It was going to cold and wet that night. With the late start that was now in question. I would have to get through lock 22 without much wait to get there before dark.

I passed Hannibal, Missouri at about nine miles. I took pictures as I went by.

I had a 45 minute wait before getting into the lock. It would have been 30 minutes longer but I got to go through with the tug and just wait a few minutes for him to tie back up to his barges an push out. That was a first.

The wind was mild and at my back. The water was mostly smooth. There was current all day. I dug hard and tried to stay in the current. I always turn my kayak around to look behind me before I cross the channel.

It was cloudy all day and rained some late in the day. So I was totally wet, but I wasn’t cold. The wet suit kept me warm. That wet suit is a little inconvenient and delays me when I have to make a stop.

The marina was closed when I got there but I left my kayak and called the motel. He was there in two minutes to pick me up. The motel is nice and Sonny is very accommodating. I can recommend it.

I’m showered, dried out, fed, and charged.