8.29.2020 Root River (Whalen to Rushford \u2013 River Gradient (3.4 ft\/mile )<\/p>\n
Today marks the COVID 15 trip.\u00a0 We had as usual perfect conditions, with 80\u00b0 air and all sun, mild to strong breeze and a 70\u00b0 water temperature.\u00a0 Our water stage was at 3.87 feet (8.86 at Rushford), slightly low, but that added to the maneuvering challenge for the day.\u00a0 The lower the water, the more centralized the current and sharper turns are needed to avoid some kind of disaster.\u00a0 We did make it through the day with no mishaps, and that even included Steve bringing a newbie\u2014usually the definite start of a disaster.\u00a0 We are happy to report that the newbie for the day, Pat C turned out to be a good sport and a capable paddler so he paddled through with the best of us.\u00a0 Another first for this crew\u2014to have a Steve visitor make the entire trip.\u00a0 The rest of the tour included;\u00a0\u00a0 Old Pat S, Bill, Teresa, Art, Tom, Steve, Pat C, and Me.\u00a0 We had a great day with some real fun running the rapids and corners.\u00a0 We cruised along at a 3.8 mph average and finished in 4 hours and 10 minutes plus over an hour in stops, to make it a leisure day.\u00a0 We did have our share of low spots due to the water stage and ended up high centered on pure gravel in the river, always a bad feeling when your kayak is grinding in the gravel.<\/p>\n
Wildlife for the day included many Eagles\u2014quite common on this river, Geese, Ducks, and a Deer wading in the water (but no picture, cameraman was sleeping).\u00a0 As always, it was a great day.<\/p>\n
To watch the video click the arrow and then enlarge the screen with the icon in the lower right of the screen.\u00a0 To get back to this page just shrink the page back to normal.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n When viewing the still pictures below, click on them and they will also enlarge and then move through the selection with the arrow on your computer.\u00a0 Enjoy!!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Our music selection for today was decided by : Alan Jackson<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Chattahooche and Summertime Blues<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n