7.24.2021 Root River: Whalen to Rushford

7.24.2021 Root River (Whalen to Rushford)

Facts and Data:

River Stage: 3.45 ft — (minimum for this river section)
Water Temperature: 74°
Air Temperature: 90°

Length of Paddle: 15.9 miles
Average Speed: 3.5 mph

Trip Number (21-14) We had a perfect weather day for the trip today—the high was 90° but we had a nice breeze that kept it comfortable. The sun did come out after an early rain in the morning, but was clear before paddle time. Our 3 1/2 hour paddling crew included; Bill, Teresa, Victor, Mikayla, Steve, and Me. The challenge for the day was to have Victor conquer “Victor’s Corner”, so appropriately named for the last trip Victor made and did not quite survive the corner. He was very apprehensive and anxious as the day began, and even more so as we approached the corner. When his vision was in sight, he really concentrated and CONQUERED!! Great job Victor, the stress is now gone and he could relax and really enjoyed the rest of the trip—even demonstrating his much improved and proficient paddling techniques. The water stage for the day was 3.45, which I believe to be the minimum for this waterway. We were able to navigate the length, but it did take some talented maneuvering at time. The normally swift rapids on the corners were mild and shallow. We got hung up on the rocks when going over the last wall before Peterson—or at least one of us did, but all recovered and no one ended up in the river. The rest of the trip to Rushford was filled with Eagle sightings, flying everywhere, some quite high and others just above our heads.

We did see a good number of Eagles—nothing like out last trip in May on this river—but still quite a few. A few geese and a turtle, rounded out our day for wildlife.

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Our music selection for today is:
Hot Fun in the Summertime by Sly and the Family Stones
Let The River Run by Carly Simon
Black Water by The Doobie Brothers
Beautiful Day by U2