Start - 933.8 - River Angels Bergstrom
End - 913.7 - Cw Outfitters
Today’s mileage - 20.1
Total mileage - 427.9
In the morning, we left Scott’s house and drove back to Bergstrom's house, where my canoe was. I loaded the canoe and was back on the water in no time. It was a short paddle to the Sartell Dam and our first portage of the day. While paddling, I explained to Bones that after we portage this dam we are going to run some rapids. They are class I & II whitewater rapids, challenging, but not too challenging. At first he was scared, then worried, then interested, then excited about it. By the time we started the portage, he was so wound up that he was pulling the canoe by himself trying to get there as fast as he could. I’m not sure if I should be impressed with him or disappointed in myself, that he can pull the canoe faster than I can.
Bones: We can do it! It’s going to be fun! Let’s go!
Before Sauk Rapids, we came across an American flag in the middle of the river. From what I understand, a few years ago, when the water level was very low, several groups of people erected flags on several of the larger rocks in the middle of the river. This is the last one still standing. And it’s a beautiful thing to see. I hope they keep it going for many years to come.
We put in below the dam and made our way to the bridge just before the Sauk Rapids. I had scouted the rapids on Friday and I knew the line (path thru the rapids) that I wanted to take. I set up on the river, right then halfway through, I slipped to the left side with a little kick at the end. Just as planned and it was a great run. We didn’t even get any water in the canoe. I would really like to come back when the water flow is two or three times as much. That would be some real whitewater to play in.
Bones: It was GREAT! We went right and lots of splashes, then we went left and lots of splashes. Then we wiggled and more splashes. It was fun! I want to do it again and again!
Bones was so worked up and excited that he wouldn’t settle down, so I gave him some Pork Jerky that Scott had given us, to celebrate making a clean run through Sauk Rapids. That seemed to settle him down for a little while. Thanks Scott! I think I may have a tiny adrenaline junky on my hands.
Next, was the St. Cloud portage. This was our 10th dam! It was pretty straightforward and we were paddling in no time, through a series of beautiful islands called seven islands. In the not so distant past, the local university was using them for biological studies.
We finished the day by catching up with Brian and Chase at the Wc Outfitters. This will probably be the last time we see them on this trip. Tomorrow they are planning on going over 30 miles to Elk River, and then on to Minneapolis by Wednesday.
Wildlife Report:
Bald Eagles, Flacon, Blue Heron, Swallows, Crows, Black Birds and some Ducks.
This is a GPS map of my progress today.
Here is a map that will give you a better idea of where I am at in my adventure. MDNR Map 8 covers river miles 931 to 882 (49 miles)
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Mississippi River State Water Trail maps
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/mississippiriver/index.html