Day 100 Mississippi River
I had hoped to get an early start on the water this morning. Once the 6:15am alarm rang I peeked my head out of the tent to find dense, low lying fog engulfing the river. I calmly laid my head back onto my pillow and drifted off. This process replayed itself three or so more times before I found the fog burning off. Satisfied with the conditions, I made a quick breakfast and hit the water.
While still busy, the traffic today has considerably slowed down (thankfully). I still have cargo ships, freighters and barges buzzing by, but at this point both edges of the river are open. No containers moored to either side.
I got a lot of love on the water today. A horn toot from a towboat, lots of waves from folks on the shores and cheers from workers on the docks. At one point, a massive cargo ship passed me on the left side. On my right a ferry was docked, and the worker ushering cars onboard gave me a calm wave. I then heard a voice yelling from a distance. As I looked to my left the captain of the cargo ship (true to form in his all white captain "uniform") and another were out on the catwalk that extends from the cockpit. One fellow was waving his arms emphatically back and forth, yelling my way. I gave him a big wave, fist pump and thumbs up back. They loved it. A few horn blows later they passed, and on the stern of the vessel was painted "HONG KONG", their home port.
Around 1 O'clock a big rain storm rolled in. I could see it coming from miles away, but once it hit it came hard. Tons of rain falling in a short time and fog so thick you could only see a few feet around you. I found a nice cove on the bank and pulled over to let the storm pass. Tossing up a quick A frame tarp I spent about 15 minutes letting it roll through. As it cleared up I made a call into one of my IL classrooms.
Once back in the boat I paddled for an hour or two more before having to call it quites earlier than I wanted. Fog had once again seeped in the river valley and as I watched the barge next to me disappear into the abyss I knew it was time to call it.
A rocky bank with one flat spot will work. Ramen noodles and canned chili for dinner. Hoping to get closer to the Gulf tomorrow.