8/19/2017 Melrose to North Bend (VV)

Well, another beautiful day in Wisconsin finds us on the Black River from Melrose to just past North Bend, at Hwy VV.  We had a great crew of relaxed paddlers, Pat Stephens, Joycy Diveley, Bill and Teresa Peters, Steve Dunn, and me.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the 82° weather and sun with just a slight breeze from time to time.  The water temperature complimented the day with a nice 72°, so you could wade, swim, and enjoy.  Our newbie for the day–Joyce, paddled like a pro, not only keeping up with the gang, but also adding commentary and someone for Teresa to actually talk to during one of the “man” trips that she normally endures.  The river stage was 4.2, which was up from just a few days ago, so we had plenty of water and no need to worry about the shallows nor fear of having to walk.

The scenery for the day amounted to a few eagle  sightings, a heron, turtles, and of course a few butterflies for Teresa.  It was simply a perfect day for paddling.

At the end of the day, on the way home, we made a stop in Stevenstown, at the pub (well that is Stevenstown) and caught the “Tractor Road Trip”.  A group had left Iowa on Thursday and were just driving the country roads of Wisconsin showing off their classic tractors and having fun.  Just like a group of bikers they invaded the town, drank, ate, and moved on to the next town.  They appeared to also be having some fun.

At the end of the day, I don’t think many other people in the world could say they had as nice of a day as we had.

See how easy paddling is–as Pat demonstrates below!

Joyce is always in control of her kayak, once she gets going the right direction.

 

Teresa said she needs to leave her PFD open because she needs room in her bustline.  Why would she lie??

Teresa has FINALLY accomplished an appropriate exit from her kayak, as she demonstrates.  Big CONGRATULATIONS, she is now a true paddler.

Joyce once again clarifies that I am number one in her opinion.

The day is complete.  The paddling portion anyway.

Maybe we pick on Teresa too much.  But, she is a good sport.

 

The family picture, what a crew of friends.

Here are all the tractors we mentioned–many are classics, you won’t see often.

Down the road they go to terrorize the next town on their list.

The Stevenstown Pub, we did not win the weekly drawing, so we had to pay for our drinks.  The bartender below was happy to see us leave.