The day began excessively muggy, not a breath of wind, with dense white haze obscuring all.  As I approached Lock 14, I radioed to make contact and was informed that only the alternate lock was available for my use.  Thus … Continue reading →

Heavy drizzle to start the day, which persisted well into the afternoon, leaving me drenched, but not cold.  The bargain I offered–for a day of rain, but free of wind–must have been agreeable to the powers that be, and I … Continue reading →

Took the opportunity today to spread out my sodden gear to dry: blanket, rainfly, clothes, maps, etc.  Though it threatened rain all day, it thankfully never materialized. A visit to the library yielded the contact information for numerous marinas along … Continue reading →

Very dismayed to discover my wool blanket was quite damp last night.  The temps are warming, however, and I won’t have need of such a cumbersome item much longer, I suspect.  Several tows passed as I ate my dinner in … Continue reading →

Perhaps as recompense for yesterday’s inclement weather, I received clear blue skies and warm sun today, and a strong wind at my back to cool and propel me forward.  At times the gusts reached 30 mph, which became a difficulty … Continue reading →

It rained most the night, and the morning was overcast and wet.  I took a leisurely breakfast and hoped for a change in the weather but was not rewarded.  Set out at noon amidst strong wind and rain, the temperature … Continue reading →

The river itself is quite wide now, at times nearly 2 miles.  However, narrow islands tend to line the channel such that I frequently am unaware of the vast size of the river, but for my maps. I awoke before … Continue reading →

Traveled between the green velvety bluffs bordering the railroads for three or four hours in the morning, arriving at the city of La Crosse—so named for the net and ball games played by the Indians first observed there.  It possessed … Continue reading →

For the last several days impressive bluffs have appeared along the river.  They are a welcome change from the generally flat, geologically uninteresting terrain of northern Minnesota.  The trees are now full and a rich green carpet covers the tall … Continue reading →

Overcast skies for the bulk of the day, which moderated the temperature nicely.  Experienced my first substantial tailwind today and it could not have come at a more providential location—Lake Pepin.  This lake was 20 miles long and consumed most … Continue reading →