The last 48 hours of my life – Tom and I woke up after being wind bound on a sand stone beach for two days…well actually a day and a half. Around 3pm the 2nd day the weather calmed down and we could have paddled buuuttt…I didn’t want to. We had our tarp rigged up to provide shade, I had water boiling on the fire and was planning to filter it afterwards and had 3 shots of whiskey in me after losing a few card games to Tom. So we stayed and had probably one of the most relaxing days of my life.
The following morning we were on the river at 7am and made it to little bend on Oahe Lake. It was easy paddling until the last 2 miles before the portage point. The stiff wind kept pushing the rear of my kayak and turning me sideways. Within minutes I was past my tolerance level, but we made it and hauled our kayaks up a slightly steep cliff and waited in exhaustion on the gravel road at the top until a guy came buy with a truck and boat and gave us a ride to the boat ramp on the other side of the ridge. The wind was pushing our bodies around as we loaded our gear on his truck. Once we made it to the ramp we set up camp and spent the night reading, playing cards (I’ve lost 9 out of 11 games, sigh), eating, and fending off biting flies.
We were on the river paddling at 430am the next morning (today) and made it 34 miles to the dam by 1pm. We were paddling on glass, which is efficient paddling, but miserably hot. Once we reached the take out point I helped a guy load up his boat. He showed his appreciation by returning 15 minutes later with a 6-pack. From there we got a ride around the dam and ate lunch at the marina where we met Mike Jones who offered us to stay at his home tonight. Mike actually helped Zane (who we met in Fort Peck earlier on this trip) last year when he paddled this river…what are the odds we meet the same guy who just happened to be at the marina dropping his daughter’s truck off. He said he would pick us up a campground just 6 miles downriver in Pierre. We paddled to the campground (which involved a portage over a causeway, making it 3 portages in 2 days) and found some people who owned a camper that would let us tie up our boats for the night while we stayed at Mike’s.
During our time at the campground we met a hitchhiker who has been traveling for the past 7 years around the world (Middle East, and US). He and I hiked to the grocery store to get some food. Afterwards Mike called and said he was on his way to pick us up. I let the hitchhiker use my tent for tonight since thunderstorms were in the forecast. Mike picked us up and we went back to meet his family and showered, had a ridiculous amount of walleye, and sleep in beds…ahhh, beds.
Random lines I’ve heard in the past few weeks that have popped into my head periodically…
“I don’t have a dollar in my pocket, I just stepped on my cigarette, but there’s a bar downtown that will give me credit” – trampled by turtles.
“Shi Chya” Rex at the Williston campground.
“There’s just something about shooting a walleye in the face.” – Mike Jones, Pierre
Just random thoughts – It’s amazing how many people are unaware of the issue of human trafficking. When I tell people I am trying to raise money for a shelter for women and girls who have been trapped into the sex industry, they respond by saying they know someone who works at an animal shelter, or a guy will say some joke he would regret if it was on camera. Sigh.
All we hear from fisherman are the same lines.”You have a long way to go” “If I were you I would attach a trolling motor to those kayaks.” “I can’t believe you guys don’t have a fishing pole.”
61 days now. We just finished the largest 3 lakes and only have 3 more to go (all of which do not equal the distance of Lake Oahe that we just completed).
Fort Peck Lake = 5 days, 3 days (solo)
Sakakawea = 6 days
Lake Oahe = 12 days
Cherish the seconds,
Charles
It sure is good to see how well you are doing in your new home. We are so proud of you. We do not know where you brother and sister ended up but the youngest is here with us. Her name is Anna and she is much smaller than you. I am glad to see that you like the water….be a good boy (dog) and we will try and write to you again…maybe we will get a picture and send you…But I (mom) am in bad need of a haircut as you can imagine…you inherited your hair from me…Did you tell your people that your birthday is April 1st? Write if you get a chance and I am glad that you are raising money for a very needed cause….Love Mom and Dad
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!