Into Omaha

“Current, sweet glorious current”-Scott Mestrezat

Succinctly described and spot on Scott.

Friday August 15th

I made it to Lewis and Clark Lake.  I think.  The winds abated enough for me to capitalize on the current and make my push to the final lake.  I started early this morning with intentions of arriving on the north side of the lake.  I ended up on the south side of the lake.  Yes, I think I negotiated the delta with partial success despite missing the “north” channel.

I launched this morning on a overcast morning and experienced the shore moving by quickly.  It is a great feeling to feel like you are “cooking” down the river. The excitement was tempered by the “delta” that I knew could be troublesome.  I passed underneath the 37 bridge arriving in the delta.  The best way to describe the delta is think “The Shining maze.”  It is a series of inlets that you have little idea where they head, you simply want to stay on the main channel.  I did this successfully although I stayed in the channel that lead me to the southern portion instead of the northern. Oh well, this just means one more lake crossing.

I paddled all the way through the delta and saw what I think is the main lake but decided to paddle back into the delta since I saw a perfect camping spot.  I should be to the last damn dam tomorrow. Stay tuned.

 

Saturday August 16th

Yep, Lewis and Clark is in the books. Jared Beese and his buddy Simon helped me with my final portage.  It could not have worked out better, as my launch point was the starting location of the annual “River Days Race.”   I was able to meet quite a few paddlers who were interested in my journey.

It was enjoyable to canoe with 70 other paddlers for about 6 miles to start the next leg of my journey. The next 1600+ miles will current filled with zero portages.  I mean, it simply doesn’t get better than that!!  I was also fortunate to “Meet the Miller’s” who offered up their home tomorrow night. They reside about 70 miles downstream from the dam so I will have a roof over my head tomorrow night.

The feeling I had at the beach waiting to start the “River Days Race” was one of relief, excitement, and reflection.  I was so happy to complete the first section of my journey, I felt a sense of accomplishment completing all the lakes.  Also, the trip has transitioned from a “future” journey to one that has now been going on for almost three months. When I share my story with people I meet it sounds more impressive than when I was in Montana telling fisherman that I am on my way to Dallas.  Frankly, it was almost embarrassing sharing my final destination with people in Montana since it sort of seemed like a pipe dream.  Not so much now. Still, I have a LONG way to go…hopefully my boat and my body hold up..we will see.

Sunday August 17th

This was a memorable day.  The shore was flying by, I made over 50 miles, and most notably I spent time with the Millers at their beautiful home. I met Kate and Dave Miller yesterday and they offered their home for me to stay at…Kate assured me it would be great to have me over for the evening. I confirmed with Dave in the morning and he asked me to call him when I get close, he would meet me at the river. He also mentioned he was cooking a pot roast.  All day I was inspired to paddle for the pot roast. It didn’t disappoint. \

I arrived at his community’s private eddy around 6:00. The pot roast was top box stuff. Totally melted in my mouth, so good.  The company wasn’t terrible either, I met their daughter Abby and son Nick. We took a ride into Sioux City to buy some healthy food and meet his parents. His folks are retired and haven’t lost their spirit, they were genuinely interested in the voyage. A big thank you to the Miller’s.

On the paddling front, today was the last day of the “wild” Missouri River.  From Sioux City on down, I will be on the “channelized” section meaning it will be more of a commercial river.  This should create more reliable current and barge traffic.  Let’s canoe!!!

Monday August 18th

I slept like a rock last night.  Thank you for the air conditioning Dave, Kate, Abby & Nick.  We said our goodbyes and I headed down river.  I passed through Sioux City and was able to make about 50 miles.  My objective is to get close to Omaha tomorrow and meet my brother Kevin.  Kevin will be in town for business and will be the first familiar face I’ve seen since June 3rd.  Also, he has generously secured two nights at a nice hotel in Omaha for me.

I arrived in Decatur about 7:00 and met some nice folks at a campground.    It’s funny, one of the ladies simply couldn’t understand my trip, she was convinced I was depressed. She also asked repeatedly about my wife, clearly her husband has zero change of enjoying this type of adventure.  I let her know I consider depression watching highlights of the David Tyree catch-now that will put me in a foul mood.

I had my first barge experience and hurriedly paddled to the shore. I felt embarrassed when it took 15 minutes to pass and the wake was non-existent, I felt like a canoe wimp.

Tuesday August 19th

I arrived about 30 miles north of Omaha at River View Marina.  Great marina, secure location and in the middle of nowhere. My brother came and picked me up and we headed to Omaha for dinner.  Kevin persuaded me to go to a nice steak house despite my “river appearance.”  Consuming all this good food is going to spoil me, between the Miller pot roast and the 16 oz ribeye it will be tough to go back to pistachios and Starburst.

It was really great to spend time with Kevin, he paid for everything and secured 2 nights at a hotel.  Kevin has been helpful with scouting out possible camping locations and providing “crack analysis” with weather conditions.  It really makes the trip more comfortable knowing he has such a vested interest and he has been so helpful.  We had a nightcap at a local Irish pub, totally appropriate…somewhere my mom was enjoying our evening.  I suggested he meet me in every major town between here and Dallas although that would prevent me from finishing prior to Christmas.

You know you are a canoe camper when you get to your hotel room and check the floor to see how level it is….I actually did this, fortunately the floor was nice and flat. It was also strange to be in such a busy setting, city sounds, tons of people, traffic, etc. I have to get up relatively early and Kevin will drive me back to my boat tomorrow, I will paddle into Omaha and stay another night downtown.  Kevin, unfortunately, has to go back to Dallas tomorrow evening. Great night, no question.