Battled Lake Pepin, Found a lil piece of Heaven

Left River Angel Peg's place at 0600, grabbed some breakfast at McDonalds, and paddled out from the marina of Red Wing, MN  at 0730.  As we started paddling the first day of the 5th week, many unknowns were ahead for the day. The unforgiving Lake Pepin for one.

After less than an hour of paddling, John and I reached Lake Pepin.  About the same time we reached the lake, the wind blasted our faces with what was seemingly “fierce revenge”. As we contemplated the wind,John Sullivan made the executive decision for us to cross the Lake to the East, so that we could paddle down the Wisconsin shores. Terrific headwinds blasted across the lake as we paddled to reach the far shore.  Thankfully, we had a couple of hours with little wind.  But it was short-lived.  The strong wind would batter us all the way to the end of the lake.

Dale Crossing the ferocious Lake Pepin

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Just a little bit of Greybeard humor.  <insert laugher>

Dale Sanders with River Angel Holly Jo Dison

One never knows when a morale booster is just around the bend.  Still battling the wind and the mighty Lake Pepin, I suddenly saw enthusiastic waving arms on the river bank ahead.  To be greeted by yet another new follower in such a way made it all worthwhile.  Thank you Holly Jo Dison!  There is nothing better than seeing a cheerful River Angel unexpectedly come into view along the shores of the Mississippi.

As we approached our goal of paddling the length of Lake Pepin in one day, John made the best summary of the day:  "Pepin was not going to make it easy for us to get out"!  The alleged monster did find a way to get even, but we prevailed and found this beautiful lakeside campsite at the bitter end where water flows freely into the narrow river channel ahead.

Photo by John F. Sullivan