Are we there yet?

We arrived at the Highway 76 bridge at 2:15 pm Sunday afternoon February 19, 2012. The trip from Highway 18 in Bolivar to Highway 76 in Brownsville is 51.8 miles by river. There are precisely 1.75 bazillion bends on this stretch of the river. The average moving speed for the trip was 3.5 miles per hour. The elevation dropped 38 feet in 52 miles. We spent three full days and two nights on the river. In those three days we saw 2 people and probably 15 - 20 deer, a turkey a dozen otters and hundreds of ducks.

We got on the river about 9:50 am after the rain stopped. We never did get rained on. Thanks to the abandoned cabin, we spent a very wet night high and dry. This third day turned out to be sunny and mild. This was a great trip. I was proud to share the trip with my friend Billy Wilson of Somerville Tennessee. This is an activity that should only be done by experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Billy is a great partner on the river.

Thank you God, for allowing us to enjoy your creation and get home safe. Strengthen us to continue our work to care for your gift of nature.

See you on the river!

Night 2

We have traveled 36.9 miles since yesterday morning. There has been no rain, cloudy but perfect weather. We found an old abandoned cabin and will spend the night in the dry on the porch overlooking the river.

We happened upon three deer swimming in the river, 2 does and a fawn. We slipped within 40 feet of them as they climbed out on the bank. Just as they were climbing out they jumped a mallard drake. That was a scene of a lifetime.

Hauled out for lunch

Hauled out below Hatchie Station for lunch. No rain. Fine weather conditions. Total trip is 27.0 miles. All is well.

Lunch time

We hauled out at an abandoned cabin 10.1 miles down stream from Bolivar for lunch. I'm stretched out in a patch of broom straw soaking up the sun. Life is
really good when you take the time to live it.

Under way

We got off at 8:45 am. River stage at Bolivar is 11.1. Courent is moving at 2.5 to 3.2 mph. Beautiful day. We have traveled 3.63 miles. More as we go.

Big trip

Several of us are taking a three day trip this weekend. We will be beginning our trip at Highway 18 in Bolivar Friday morning February 17, 2012. Our goal is to travel to Highway 76 in Brownsville by Sunday night. I'll be posting as we proceed.