She's HERE...Sweet AnnA is HERE!

The early morning start did not happen as planned. I slept well, and didn't awake until 0500 to write the blog, which I usually start writing no later than 0400. That, along with other gear issues, slowed me down this morning.  My remaining iPhone 6 Plus charger that worked was at the home of River Angel Monica. Also, the waterproof case leaked. The storm the day before had taken its toll and I was not able to use the key board on my phone.

The three of us, all in different boats, finally paddled out at 0900.  Soon after we started paddling, Dominique began having issues with blisters from yesterday's paddle. We tried tape and glove combinations.  However, with ruptured blisters on both hands, plus the heat and humidity, it soon became apparent he would not be able to keep up with paddling the miles we must navigate today. Tried changing paddling techniques, but there was nothing we could do to fix the pain and discomfort Dominique was experiencing. He hung it up for the day at mile marker 55. We are sorry to see you off the water Dom, and understand the philosophy to save energy for the final push to the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

Austin and I kept paddling and finished the planned 37 miles near mile 35, hiding the boats for the evening. We stashed them well off the river in tall foliage, down in a slough. A mosquito’s paradise.

It was SO great to see family and friends waiting river left on a gravel pile. AnnA was there with her mom and dad. Sisters Judi and Elaine. My son Jony. Don and Holly from Summer Breeze RV Park in Florida. Plus doggies Grace and Zoe. Thank you guys for locating perhaps the only place in the area where boats could be taken out. Too bad the property owner did not share our enthusiasm.

The evening was marvelous. Wonderful food. Cody had again turned on his magical powers and whipped up some incredible Cajun cookin! Thank you to all involved. All 30 or so guest were fed well.

I intend to paddle the remaining 25 miles to Venice, Louisiana tomorrow.

Plans are to board my We-no-nah Wilderness class canoe this Saturday morning for the final paddle.  I intend to paddle, far down into the marshes, beyond civilized development and through the fingerlike chutes where the Mississippi River eventually dumps its waters into the Gulf of Mexico. 

When I reach the end of the South Pass, I will have accomplished all I can do, fighting Juvenile Diabetes to the river’s end.