11.05.2020 Black River (Melrose to Irving) – River Gradient (2.5 ft/mile)
Today marks the end of our paddling year and our total for the year equals 22 COVID trips. We have beaten and kick COVID-19 with a flair and proudly paddle on. This is a rare trip for November, especially when you recognize that the air temperature was 75°. The water temperature, however, was a stark difference at 46°, so there was no swimming today. We accomplished our 12.4 miles today at a very leisure pace of 3.2 mph—I think we just wanted to savor this one last trip, which just happened at the last minute. We had put all the kayaks away for the winter, but with this weather, they quickly came back out. The water stage was at 4.2 feet, an acceptable level, but we would not want it any lower as we did just brush over a few sandbars in the middle of the river. The water today was also perfectly smooth with not a single ripple, in fact, look for the many reflections (in the video) in the river from the river banks and bluffs—very scenic.
We spent a very enjoyable late fall day, using up 3 hours and 52 minutes on the water enjoying the playfulness of Eagles all around, with over 27 sightings for the day. We did get a few pictures and videos, but they are never as majestic as the actual sight of an Eagle flying or up close on a limb as you paddle beneath them.
Our crew for the day was very light; Bill, Teresa, Tom, Me—with a missing man formation for Steve, who was returning from Florida today, but he was not back on time for the trip. However I think we can hear him howling at the end of the video—like a ghost that was not happy and will be seeking revenge.
To watch the video click the arrow and then enlarge the screen with the icon in the lower right of the screen. To get back to this page just shrink the page back to normal.
No still pictures this week, they are similar to our 9/13/20 trip
Our music selection for today was decided by:
Steve: Southern Cross