On to the last Lake, Lewis & Clark

“Wheel in the sky keeps on turning, don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, wheel in the sky keeps turnin.”-Journey

Sunday August 10th

Today was a day “off.”  This consisted of paddling 3 miles back to Chamberlain,   resupplying, and then paddling 5 miles back down Lake Francis Case to secure a campsite.  Yesterday I refused to pay $23 for a campsite, it probably would have been worth it but I figured I can camp for free on the lake and paddle back to town.  It was a principal thing.

Today I was finally able to meet Janet Moreland.  Last year she paddled (solo) from the source of the Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico, a true inspiration.  More importantly, she provided transportation for me to the grocery store and a local discount joint.  I was able to replace my “lost” items (let’s put that to rest) and restock.  It was a productive day, I also had the good fortune to not paddle today given today’s storms, some of the heaviest rain in some time.  Janet had to head out to Sioux Falls and I made my way down the lake to secure a campsite. Weather is expected to be ideal with winds out of the NW tomorrow.

Oh, and as I was heading out I realized I forgot to resupply my….water.  Not like that is important…the marina where I had my boat was closed but fortunately I met Terrance who took the time to drive home and fill up my jugs. You would think by now I wouldn’t have this kind of oversight.

 

Monday August 11th

Dollar for Dollar, maybe a top 5 day of the trip.  Weather was perfect, winds were strong out of the NW. Scenery was beautiful, I observed wildlife (deer and cool birds) and made significant progress (40 miles on a lake).

Janet commented to me yesterday that Francis Case may have been her favorite lake.  I understand why.  The terrain still has the plains feel although pine trees are now forcing their way onto the landscape.  Also, I passed one of the majestic rocks that Lewis & Clark signed.  Since my last day on Oahe winds have been in front so today it was nice to have them behind me. I really am a solid paddler with winds behind me (unless they are actually really strong).

I am also going to call today the official “late summer kickoff day”…meaning the sun is starting to set earlier and earlier.  Today just had that feel that summer is starting to slip away.  I pulled into Bridge 44 just at dusk, no one was there so I setup my tent and called it a night.  Yes, I anticipate a nice breakfast tomorrow and probably a later start.

 

Tuesday August 12th

Bridge 44 didn’t disappoint..breakfast was served up with style by marina owner Linda. She refused payment, once again good fortune smiles on me.  Yesterday was a great day, a long day,  so I took my time getting prepared this morning.  Good thing, as I was headed out I met Craig and his family who wouldn’t let me depart without giving me something to eat. He furnished me with my “Scooby Snack”-deer meat.  It was fresh and tasty.

So much for the NW winds, back to SE.  It was another very scenic commute today..but much tougher physically.  Also, mentally I found today to be a grind.  I eyed a nice eddy and called it an evening. Hopefully I can make a push for the dam tomorrow.  Only two more portages, oh the joy!!

 

 

Wednesday August 13th

I underestimated Lake Francis Case and today it almost came back to haunt me.  After the big push the past couple days, I was only about 20 miles from the dam. I anticipated a relatively short day and hopefully a portage around Fort Randall Dam.  I did make it to the dam but not without some nervous moments and it took me all day.

Since Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case have been easier to make miles. I have been able to make good distance even with headwinds.   Today I encountered a strong SE wind again and it was tough paddling.  I completed a short lake crossing in the afternoon that was difficult but without incident and relatively comfortable.  Later in the evening, I needed to make another lake crossing..this one was unsettling.  When you approach the dam the lake widens so even though the winds were not much stronger, the waves were significantly bigger. It is difficult to gage the waves at times but as I  started my crossing I realized they were much bigger and more unpredictable than I had anticipated.  It is amazing how quickly your mindset can change from “Get to the Dam” to “I hope I end up vertical at day’s end.”  I shouldn’t have done the crossing, at times I had little control of the boat and the waves were pushing me around.  It took me forever to finally complete the hairy crossing. At the conclusion of the crossing I found myself yelling at the Lake.

“You can slow me down, you can’t stop me!!  C’mon Francis you can do better than that!!  You are going to miss me Francis!!  I own your rump Francis!!”

Yes, I actually yelled these as I finally approached the dam at sunset.  I camped close to the ramp and hope to get around her tomorrow.  All in all, this was one of the better lakes to paddle (today notwithstanding).

 

Thursday August 14th

I successfully portaged Fort Randall.  I called the downstream campground and they sent Eric (Park Ranger) to assist me.  Eric took the time to discuss the river with me and I enjoyed our discussion about a variety of topics including baseball.  It’s interesting when you meet individuals that have a completely different background than the one you possess. We discussed differences in working in an office environment vs working outdoors. I grew up having zero interest in an outdoor job, now I think it would be rewarding…at least until winter.  Strange how I have pretty much have lead an indoor life and now I live outdoors.  The one drawback-air conditioning.

Anyway, after the portage I started my journey of 40 current filled miles…although the SE winds were so strong I only made 12 miles before crying uncle. Who knows what Francis was like today, I am so glad I battled her yesterday all the way to the dam.

The Missouri river now divides South Dakota from Nebraska…I found a nice campsite on river right in Nebraska.  It was nice to establish camp early, the wind probably was a blessing today.  Hopefully I can arrive at my last lake (until Texas) tomorrow, Lewis and Clark.