From the town of Brownville, Nebraska

“You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”-Pink Floyd

Someone, somewhere, is smiling on me…I have had really good fortune.  The “River Rats” I have encountered have been overwhelmingly generous.

Wednesday August 20th

Last night was quite enjoyable and I will spend another night in Omaha.  Kevin will be departing this evening so I needed to canoe closer to the city.  Kevin dropped me off back at the marina upstream and I canoed 25 miles to the Dodge Park Marina in North Omaha.

It is amazing how quick this current is, it is particularly noticeable because today I was facing a fairly strong headwind and I was still able to go 5mph. One of the drawbacks of a headwind is you really do need to paddle, if you let your hands off the wheel you will get turned around and could end up hitting a snag (or other obstacle) in the river.  The objective is to see what is in front of you. One capsizing incident is enough.

I met Mark at the marina (he oversees operations) and he genourously allowed me to stash my boat in Jim Reed’s covered slip.  It certainly gives me peace of mind knowing my boat is in a secure and dry location.  Mark is an interesting cat.  He is a veteran of the Vietnam war and once worked for the Nebraska historical society.  We rapped about the history of Nebraska and his perspective of life during the Vietnam war era.  He fed me pizza and offered me some booze although after last night I was fine with downing some cold water.

Jim, who volunteered a spot next to his boat, and his marina buddy Roger graciously offered to drive me back downtown.  Kevin took me by an ice cream joint prior to departing for the airport, he seemed to be envious of my newfound ability to eat anything I want without concern for weight gain.  In fact, I am slightly concerned about losing too much weight.  I feel healthy to date, so it can’t be all bad.  Kevin shuffled back to Dallas and I walked around the city, a thumbs up downtown Omaha.  I enjoyed life in the city although my senses are on total overload.

soft bed

Blair bridge

Thursday August 21st

Time to head back to the river. I cabbed it from downtown back to my boat in North Omaha.   It was a grey and rainy morning which suited my mood perfectly.  I was sad to depart great company and nice accommodations…but the show must go on.

My mood improved after stopping by Mark’s and chatting with him this morning. He wished me well “You’ll never make it to KC!!” and headed down the river. I passed through Omaha, which the river only touches a portion of the city, and then made my way to Council Bluffs.  I passed a joint with a great buffet and surisingly they had craps tables.  I only stayed an hour and hoofed it back down river.

My objective is to arrive in Kansas City (or close by) by next Thursday, my wife and I decided we would rendezvous on Labor Day Weekend before this adventure commenced. Last month we guessed that I could make it to KC by labor day which was somewhat of an unknown given all the variables. It now appears that we made the right decision, I should easily make it to KC so I feel less pressure to try to “make miles.” Needless to say, I am looking forward to a real “break” and spending time with the little lady.

I paddled past the Platte River (which is suppose to add juice to the current) and was looking for a campsite when I passed one of the many boat clubs (which are like RV/boat camps) and Jim Nichols came down to the dock and yelled out “Hey, you want a beer?”  Bad decision Jim.  He and his “river rat” buddy Don Gebbie couldn’t get rid of me.  Yes, I spent the rest of the evening with them, they fired up some steak and chicken and furnished adult beverages.  They also insisted I tent on their flat grassy ground…worked out beautifully.

Jim works in management for HyVee, the grocery chain, and Don is partially retired from a life in life insurance and construction.  It was great to rap with them for the evening.  We discussed what most men talk about-ladies, sports, and fishing. Jim-I wish you the best with your upcoming wedding.  Don-Petty is still the King.

Tonight was without question the hottest night of the trip.  I literally could not stop sweating in my tent.  It was gross.

Omaha NE

Buffet ahead!!

just like to point at stuff

can you see the bird?

Friday August 22nd

I spent a nice morning with Don and Jim, enjoyed a tasty breakfast burrito, and headed downriver with intentions to make it to Brownville, Nebraska. I really wanted to arrive in Brownville to ensure I have wifi and phone availability for tomorrow, fantasy football draft day.

I left later in the morning so I humped it, arriving in Brownville around 8:00.  The days are definitely getting shorter so I am sure I will be setting up camp in the dark more regularly from here on out.  The owners of the River Inn permitted me to tie my boat up to their barge and agreed to let me camp onsite.  This was a relief.

Note to self: Keith, when tying up your boat to a barge please be cognizant of things like, say, bilge pumps.  You want to ensure you do not structure your landing so the bilge pump could say pump water into your canoe.  Basic canoe landing 101.

10 minutes after tying up I had the water out of my boat.

I had the good fortune to meet Joel and Paula Biehle who were in town to experience the river cruise dinner, celebrating Paula’s birthday.  Happy belated b-day Paula. It was cooler this evening but still warm…Hello Nebraska!!

Don and Jim show me the way…or do an Abby Road imitation

under bridges in Iowa county

River Inn

Joel and Paula

Saturday August 23rd

A day off.  I spent today relaxing and participating in my fantasy football draft.  Given my recent fortune, I should win this year.  It will be humiliating to my competitors that I will win “on the river” without spending a ton of time studying.

Jim came by as I was preparing for my fantasy draft and insisted on helping me, I suggested a trip to the local grocery store and we picked up a few items.  Jim, thank you for your generosity, I wish you and Paula the best.  After the draft I walked into town, enjoyed some Ice Cream and spent quite a bit of time with shop owner Lisa.

Lisa is truly a resident expert of Brownville (Auburn), she talked about the history of the town, the old underground railroad, the bustling days of the mid 19th century and what life is like today.  The best ice cream shop stop of the trip, no question.

I had dinner at a (or the) local restaurant, a beer at the local tavern and called it a night. It was refreshing to not paddle a stroke today.

Good morning River Inn

From the town of Brownville, NE

Lisa (not pictured) served up info and ice cream

can you read?

Should I shave it for the little lady? Probably not.