At exactly 2 p.m. we headed off downriver. The winding river passed through valleys of cedar and pine, and we spotted Marsh Marigolds and a few Mergansers. An occasional fly fishermen moved aside to let us pass......seemed the fish weren't biting today!!! This river is a special treat for a downstater as our paddles are usually slower and through flat terrain.
The group consisted of myself (Patty), Marlene, John, Lois, Bob, Sue and Gerald, and Marv provided shuttle service. We stopped at Scheck's Equestrian Campground for a break........not one camper there. A few paddlers donned an extra layer as the wind was picking up and the air felt chilly with the appearance of thick clouds. The regular Scheck's Campground was filling up with people arriving on Thursday to get a campsite for Memorial Day weekend.
As we continued on the wind seemed to increase and live up to its predicted forecast of "Gusts to 35 m.p.h.". All did well until we reached the former backwaters of the Brown Bridge Dam. The lack of protection from the hills and the wide open valley made paddling a lot harder. Being in a solo canoe made for a lot more effort needed.......and then Oops......Patty was baptized by the Boardman!!! The wind pushed my bow into shore where I got hung up on a stump and dumped. Just a little wet butt and legs.....rolling the canoe against the shore emptied the water and I was quickly on my way.
We arrived at the take out just prior to 5 p.m.......just under 3 hours for the 12 miles. A beautiful day on a FANTASTIC river!!! A special thanks to Lois for organizing this day!!!
Photos by Patty and John
