Little Falls, Big Wind

Today’s wind was terrible with forceful gusts of 20-30 knots busting straight up the river in our faces.  The wind, coupled with the turbulent waters below the Little Falls dam made for nearly impossible paddling.  We struggled with all 9 miles paddled today.  Thankfully, the portage was not as difficult as we had heard.  It certainly was not the “mother of all” portages.  I am slightly concerned that the portage we face tomorrow might be the bad one. 

We are camping tonight in the Charles Lindbergh State Park, which exceeds its reputation for great hospitality and towering pines.  Many River Angels have brought us food and taken us to lunches along the way, and today was no exception.  Our hearty (and much-needed) lunch at Donna’s Big John’s Restaurant was delicious, and we all enjoyed the delightful company of River Angel Valerie Nelson.  She left us with this fantastic quote:  “Keep the open side up, and the chrome side down.”  

It’s only 7pm, and I am already in bed.   This is day 19 of paddling and I am still excited about what challenges the river will throw at us tomorrow and in the days to come.  I hope to get a few miles in before the strong winds arrive by getting an early start tomorrow morning.