Reggie Report: Day 87

Baton Rouge Louisiana

Today started with what could, had we not opened he door, have been the end of th world.  The sounds of large machanical monsters that shook the ground and thrashed the waters shook us violently and suddenly from our sleep this morning (likely around 2am).  Lights flashing and metal pounding against metal caused me the have to order my fearful humans to stop quivering and look to see what all the hubbub was about.  They zipped the kennel door open and saw a large barge being swarmed by floating towers of lights which quickly ripped it into several small pieces scurrying away into the darkness.  While this was going on I ordered my brave humans to bring the boat closer in case one of the barges were placed along the side of the river that we were camped on.  My concern was that if a barge was anchored near by it could damage the floating kennel.  After about an hour or so things went quiet and we were soon back to sleep.  This morning we were all quite tired so we slept in a bit.  The humans picked a rather poor campsite (clearly) and as such I could only take momma for a short walk while dad heated his back.  Once on the water things went amazingly well.  As we paddled into Baton Rouge there was hardly any boat traffic except for a couple small barges and a few harbor towes.  The sky was dark with smog from the multitude of petrochemical plants which lined the shores.  Paddling further into Baton Rouge we saw two large oil tankers parked along the river.  One of the two ships passed us as we left Baton Rouge and much to our surprise threw hardly any wake, less infact then barges and pleasure craft.  The remainder of the day we paddled past countless factories which spewed chemicals into the air and the water. No more drinking out of the river according to the humans although I sneak a a drink when I can.  Towards the end of the day I observed some very strange human behavior.  While rounding a corner a small tug was heading north and passed close by.  Anyway as we passed, the captain stepped away from the controls, took out his phone and began taking pictures or a video of us.  How strange.  If anything we should have been filming him!  Other than that the day went by in typical fashion.  Dads back must being feeling better because he and momma were able to make it 46 miles today!  That's the most they have managed since pappa hurt his back.  They are good humans and are now only 192 miles from completing this adventure.

Baton Rouge

Amanda's willow beard 

The whole family of beards

What happened? 

She still has a good Verd! 

Willow tree

Look closel...

Sunset

Sunset 

Day 86

Paddling today went quiet well.  We woke up early got on the water by 730 and despite a coulple wind gusts it was calm.  By 230 we made about 37 miles which put us just 3 miles above Baton Rouge.  We debated going for it but we were concerned about how long it would take us to get through the city and availability of camping below the city.  As a result we stopped early figuring that having all day to get through Baton Rouge would be a better option.  We currently have about 5 days left, give or take a couple days and with Daves shoulder in less than perfect condition it's best to play it safe.  Anyway we happened to find he most janky campsite yet!  We are on a tiny cleared out patched of dirt across from a couple dozen parked barges and surrounded by poison ivy, poison oak and I'm pretty sure poison sumac!  As if that wasn't awesome enough our one working tent zipper broke!  Wouldn't zip closed!  In Wisconsin in November this wouldn't be much a problem just a bit more chilly at worst.  In Louisiana however, big problem.  The mosquitoes here are insane!  They are so so much worse than they are in Wisconsin!  We were getting mobbed!  We are used to such annoyances but these little buggers take it to a whole new level.  Anyway as we climbed into the tent to eat dinner hoping to get away from them we found ourselves in a mesh cage of terror.  After cleaning up dishes Dave climbed in nearly have a panic attack with the combo of being very hot and being bombarded by mosquitoes.  Finally after complaining about it for 20min he got up grabbed the multi tool and managed to fix the zipper,  effectively saving the night and our sanity!  Anyway tomorrow we paddle through Baton Rouge and pass one of the last major hurtles on this epically difficult and wonderful adventure!

Day 85

Today we paddled 43 miles, the most since Dave hurt his shoulder.  However, aside from that there is very little worth mentioning.  Today we talked a lot about the trip thus far and reflected on good and bad times on our trip.  A specific topic that we wanted to spend a bit of time talking about is expedition fatigue.  Expedition fatigue typically occurs towards the end of long expeditions when the end goal is within reach but far enough out that there is no use in getting too excited about it. This can manifest in different ways for all of us ranging from irritation with details or increased risk taking.  For us it has taken many of these forms.  A prime example of this is cleaning up dishes and preparing food and such for the following day.  It's not something that takes a lot of time nor does it require any significant physical or mental effort.  However,  in the moment it's annoying.  Today it was the wind!  Yes it was gusty and yes it was a challenge at times to maneuver but it created far more frustration then warranted.  So, here we are 272 miles remaining!  That's less than 40 miles each day for 7 days!  The end is near and have Baton Rouge and New Orleans as our last major obstacles.  It's bitter sweet, it's invigorating yet daunting.  There is however one fact that we keep in our minds and that keeps us moving forward:  there is and end and we will get there.

Sunrise 

More sunrise 

What we found at our campsite 

Day 84

There really isn't a whole lot to say about today.  We woke up at around 6, heated Daves shoulder, had breakfast and we're off. It was gusty right off the bat this morning which wasn't the most inspiring and continued that way all day.  It was great that Daves shoulder, despite being a bit sore did really well today.  We switched sides often and balanced each other's paddling very well.  Just before we stopped for lunch we were waived ashore by some dude wearing camouflage and driving an ATV.  We were not sure what he wanted but we paddled over any way.  His name was Patrick and he was hunting nearby, had seen our canoe and wanted to find out what we were all about.  We chatted for a bit and were on our way.  He was a really nice guy and had invited us to his hunting camp for dinner but we declined in the interest of making more miles and also the desire to get back to our normal routine.  It was no record breaking day but we made 30 miles even though we stopped at 3pm because of the wind, and paddled against a stout head wind all day.  We called our families when we got to camp and wished them all a happy thanksgiving and it was great to hear thier voices.  While we ate dinner we listed the things we were greatful  for.  We are currently at RM 315.  It is crazy how close we are yet we have many more Miles to go. 

Amanda , Patrick and Dave 

Thank you for the support!!!!

Thank you very much to the following people for your support of our fundraising efforts.  If you made a financial donation and your name is not listed please email us at bigmuddy2015@gmail.com.  Also if you have donated recently we also may have not received the updated donor list since you donated.

Raymond Bruger

Adrianne and Derek Jager 

Also we want to thank all of the awesome people of Natchez Mississippi. You made us feel so very welcome.  A extra special thank you to Margeaux, Katie, Jonanthan Borum, and Dr. Borum, Patricia, Raven, Dub and all the great people at Steam Punk Coffee House!  Ya'll rock!

Day 83

Today we woke up and packed up camp!

However before I go into any further detail about the day I feel obligated to briefly explain last nights goings on.  So at approximately 1am Amanda shouted to me something along the line of "oh my god what's that noise!  There is something out there!"  I can't remember exactly because I was immediately woken up my the loud crashing of heavy feet on dry leaves, a very bright light, and what sounded like a barge about to crash into our tent!  I jumped up (well atleast as much as one can jump in a tent) and peered outside to see what sort mechanical golem was about to eat us alive.  What I saw was far less interesting and as such far more annoying.  The American Queen Steam boat had anchored along the shore and several boatmen where rigging the moorings for the gigantic boat to several onshore points and the giant sycamore tree next to our camp. During which the for some reason felt the need to point their giangantic spot light directly on our tent.  I watched for a short time then went to bed.  Ok so now about today; it felt great to be getting ready to be back on the river, although I was a bit nervous about how well my back would hold up.  After packing down camp Margeaux picked us up and we headed to Wallgreens to get the medication for my back.  After that we went back to Steam Punk for a delicious quiche and coffee breakfast.  We sat at the table enjoying each other's company one last time. It's  suprising how close we felt to Margeaux and Ramsy after knowing them for such a short time.  Before heading back to the boat landing we said goodbye to Margeaux exchanged contact info and we were off.  When we got back Ramsy helped us carry our gear down to the water and filled up our jug. We said goodbye to another friend and then we were off.  The first 15 minutes of paddling were anxious and slow as concern for my back getting worse filled my head.  After a while I had figure out ways to adjust my stroke and Amanda was so helpful.  She was very supportive and her skills as a paddler allowed me to relax and have her help more with the steering of the boat.  The winds had picked up significantly and we had already agreed only to go a short distance because of my back, so after only 2.5 hours we stopped for the day.  Despite our short day we still managed 18 miles.  At camp I iced my back while Amanda set up.  Early to bed tonight and with any luck we will make it a good ways tomorrow.  Oh and to answer your question Julie Archer, We usually eat at places with outdoor seating and some coffee shops and bars, most in fact, allow Reggie to come in.  If we are with a river angel we just leave him in the car which Reggie does well with of course because he is a proper gentleman.  Oh one last thing.  The moon was beautiful tonight, check it out below!

Day 82

Margo, Jonanthan and Dave

I

When reflecting on today we find ourselves speechless, truly.  The morning started with Daves back still hurting and oatmeal for breakfast.  Margo had planned to stop by this morning to deliver coffee however because of how late last night went and because she has to work today we were not sure if she would which was fine.  As we finished eating breakfast however, Margo and Ramsey pulled up and decided that we would meet up later that mornings so that we could go to Walgreens to get Dave some ibuprofen for his back although it seemed at this point that ibuprofen was not going to have much effect.  The three of us walked to the Steam Punk coffee house, which may be Daves new favorite coffee shop.  This place was pretty dang cool!  It wasn't overly steam punk/sci-if-esque but had a huge brass espresso machine and some great steam punk literature including Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back written as a play and illustrated with a steam punk theme!  Anyways this place was super chill and had every variety of coffe prepared in every imaginable way from vacuum press to Turkish coffee (which is the oldest way of preparing coffee, apparently). The baristas were great!  While we were there Dave was in coffe heaven and ordered a pour over Kenyan, and a Turkish plus a delicious ham and goat cheese quiche!  While we were sitting there Dave struck up a conversation with a lady named Patricia and her friend Raven.  The best part of this was that Patricia happened to he a physical therapist and offered to examine his back for him.  After palpating his back and some range of motion test she said that it could be a slipped or bulging disc, not good.  After thanking them and talking with them more about what we were raising money for Dave became pretty upset fearing that this could mean the end of the trip and on several occasions excused himself and stepped into the bathroom to wash his face and wipe away some tears.  This news was devastating and we were both pretty worried what this would mean.  One of the Baristas that Dave had been taking to about our trip had picked up our tab paying for all the coffee Dave drank and the Quiche!  Again generosity and kindness from an absolute stranger in Natchez.  After coming by to check on us several times Margo came back and took us to Walgreens to get some Advil and then to verizon so that I could get a new cord for my phone.  When Dave went into Walgreens he met Antoinette, a cashier there.  He said she was so full of joy and kindness that he couldn't help but strike up a conversation with her.  While we were driving back to Margo's house she mentioned that her friends dad was a physician who did some charity work and that calling him may be worth a try.  She left a message with her friend Jonanthan then dropped us off at her house so that we could shower and relax while she was at work. After we showered we got a text from Margo saying that we could go to the See the doc at 3pm then shortly after she said we would be going at 2!  Not only was this great because she was able to make it happen on such short notice but also and mostly because it was going to be free of charge, a way of supporting our cause and fundraising efforts!  When we arrived it was empty but then soon became very busy.  While we waited some people Margo knew came in and we all chatted while waiting.  When Dave was called back an older couple who were there for blood work sat and joined the conversation.  Everyone there was so nice and had some great stories to tell.  The doctor examined Daves back, gave him a steroid shot, and prescribed him some medication that would help with the pain and inflammation while not making him drowsy during the day!  When we walked out the bill for the visit was zero and again had met some great people!  This was huge, epic, a true game changer and it was all because of Margo, her connections in the community and the generosity of others!  It has been truely overwhelming, the amount of generosity and kindness we have experienced in Natchez.  After the doctor visit Margo dropped us back off at our campsite headed off to work.  Ramsey, Dave and I made our favorite meal, cheeseymac!  After we ate Dave and Margo went back to Wallgreens to get his prescription filled and Ramsey and I stayed back finished eating dinner and chatted.  It was great to learn more about his past, his trip, his plans to write a book about his trip and also his plans for the future.  After Dinner we went out for a couple drinks next to this old plantation house in a large stone building called the Castle.  While we were there we chatted with Margo's mom some more and met even more people.  Everyone was so nice and laughter just seems to be a part of every conversation with someone from Natchez.  While Margo, Ramsey, Dave and I chatted the owner of Steampunk, Dub, Walked in and we told him how great we thought his shop was and told him about our trip.  He thought it was great what we were doing and told Dave to stop by in the morning and pick up a bag of coffee free of charge!  This dude oozed chill sauce and had a very warm and kind presence about him.  The night wound down early and Margo dropped us back at our camp.  This experience, this time in Natchez can't be summarized in one final closing thought or phrase.  It can't be tucked neatly into a stereotypical catch phrase.  However what can be said is that it has renewed our faith in the goodness of our fellow earthling and emblazoned our commitment to paying it forward at very chance.  Truly enough can't not be said for the charity, compassion and love shown to us by Margo, Jonathan, Dr. Bourman and everyone we met in Natchez.

Patricia, Dave, Amanda, Raven, and Reggie!

Dave, Reggie, Amanda and Ramsey (biking from New York State to Dallas, Tx)

Day 81

Well today we made it about forty miles but, once again that's hard to tell being that Dave dropped his phone in the river the other day.  Shortly after lunch Daves shoulder started to bother him.  About an hour later It began to cause a sharp pain when paddling on the left.  Then about 45 min later he felt a sharp pop and the pain increased to the point that he could not paddle on his left side.  Fortunately we were just above Natchez Mississippi, the oldest town on the river, so we pulled over talked to a couple regulars at the saloon under the hill and set up our camp just down the shore from there.  We ate dinner at a great little restaurant called The Camp.  As we finished eating dinner and had ordered dessert the waitress came out and told us that the girl in a red coat inside had paid for our dinner!  Amazed Amanda went in to thank them. This is when she met Margo's mom (sorry forgot the name) who then introduced us to Margo and Katie.  They all lived in Natchez and we ended up hanging out with them the remainder of the evening telling stories.  What an amazing group of people.  While talking with Katie and Margo we met Ramsey.  He was on his way to Dallas, Tx from New York State via bicycle!  More stories were shared and it was very clear that these three folks were cut from the same cloth.  Margo said she would bring us coffee in the morning and Ramsey recommend a good coffee shop that we could stop at, the Steam Punk coffee shop!  After we all parted ways Amanda and I went over to the Under the Hill saloon next door which may be the oldest saloon on the river and was also a spot frequented by both Mark Twain and William Fulkner.  Not only was this saloon an awesome historical building but it allowed dogs.  We went inside and instantly people were asking about Reggie and about our trip down the river, although it was clear interest in Reg.  Oh, I almost forgot,  Kate's grandfather was a bartender and would frequently see and serve William Fulkner!  Infact her grandfather was nearly failing college English and arranged a meeting with William Fulkner and his English professor which magically passed him!  Wow what an amazing story!  Anyway we went to bed  with my back still in considerable discomfort.  Here is to hoping that it feels better tomorrow!

Day 75-80

Day 75

Today was a day of key decisions regarding weather and patience.  We stopped early today after paddling a short 25 miles.  There are two reasons for this: 1) rain a cool temps anticipated this afternoon which will lead to high winds this evening and tomorrow accompanied by heavy rain tomorrow which may lead to flooding. 2) in preparation for this we wanted to stop at another John Rusky approved high wind site and set up a bomb proof camp.  We stopped at the mouth of the Old White River on top of a large sand dune that has excellent wind protection.  Although the forecast would have allowed us several more hours of paddling before the rain came but we didn't want to risk it, and man are we glad we didn't.  Moments after getting our tarp set and tent set up it began to poor though it passed quickly.  After a quick dinner we sat and enjoyed our fire and settled in for a nice early night.  Tomorrow with any luck the storm won't be too bad.

Day 76

Well the morning started out kinda windy but not bad because of our location.  The rain started in the morning shortly after breakfast and came on and off in wave but rained most of the day.  We took Reggie for a short walk and attempted to write our blog name in huge letters on the sand but the rains soon washed them away.  Aside from that we sat under the tarp enjoyed a nice fire all day, ate food and played cards.  Not too bad.  Before settling in for bed we sat under the tarp while the rain came down so hard our tent, and most anything more than 10ft awayand, disappear behind the thick sheets of rain.  This also allowed us the opportunity to refilled our jugs with water that was coming off our tarps Love it when nature pulls up big with a potable water resupply!

Day 77

Wind struck again today!  We started the day well and quickly made 25 miles.  Sadly that was the end of our paddling today primarily because of head winds of about 20-25 mph, way to high to safely paddle on the lower part of the river.  As we pulled into an eddy below a large sand dune I looked over and saw what appeared to be a large blackish colored log at the other side of the pool formed by the eddy.  Suddenly the log slid into the water, and by log I mean a freaking alligator!  "Holy crap I shouted that's an alligator!"  I exclaimed which prompted Amanda, Reggie and I to evacuate the canoe quickly and pulled it ashore with lightening speed. Despite the beastly reptile we decided to stay there anyway.

Day 78

Big miles today!  When all was said and done we made 57 miles on the day and we're still in camp by about 430.  Although it was great to make such good mileage the best part of the day was during Reggie's 3pm break/walk.  While walking across a monstrous sand bar we  came over a small hill and found a huge flock of River Pelicans.  As we stood there they became wise of our presence and took off.  They flew directly over head circling a couple times and we're off to find A human free sandbar to sun themselves on or do whatever else it is that River Pelicans do.  

Day 79

So we woke up today bright and early at 5am planning to make it as close to Vicksburg, MS as possible so that we would be able to do a mini resupply the next day.  We had initially planned to meet up with a river angel named Layne. Sadly however he was going to be out of town on a paddling trip.  As such we broke camp early and by 1130 we had gone about 30 miles.  While stopping for lunch I checked the map on my phone and while doing so got a message from Layne about a river angel named Triesch who lived in Lake Providence, Louisiana. I quickly checked my map and found that we were actually only 5 miles away.  I contacted Triesch immediately and he offered to let us shower, laundry, take us shopping, and that we could stay at his place.  What a score!  Although we could have easily done a resupply on our own the next day in Vicksburg and as such made more miles on the day, we couldn't pass up a shower or a chance to do laundry.  We finished lunch and made our way to the tiny chute that lead to Lake Providence boat landing.  Thirty minutes later he arrived with a huge flat bed trailer on the back of his truck.  He backed the trailer into the water partially submerging it and told me just to paddle up.  It worked great.  Within minutes we were driving down a small country highway with Amanda in the cab with him and Reggie and I in the bed of the truck.  As we zoomed through the countryside  we hit several bumps and I watched one of our small snapping turtle shells (which turned out to be the one that was in the best condition) fly out of the boat and roll into the ditch.  Anyway that afternoon at Triesch's house we did laundry and showered.  While cleaning out the canoe I came across what I've fear all along.  A rock had punctured the bottom of our boat.  I quickly pulled it out and much to my relief found that had just embedded itself into the Kevlar.  I quickly pulled out our patch kit and placed a small but bomb proof patch over the hole.  I was pretty sure it didn't go all the way through but was not wanting to risk it.  After that we both showered, and washed our clothes and then sat on the back porch and watch as the sun went down.   When he returned from work and announced that we would be meeting his family for dinner at a local country club (which is really just a southern version of a supper club with out the lake).  Before eating we did our resupply and Triesch brought us a phone cord for Amandas phone.  When we arrived at the country club we were greeted with big smiles, laughs and wonderful conversation.  That night went long but it was all worth while.  Tomorrow we will put back on and hopefully take advantage of the tail wind and make some good miles.

Day 80

This morning started out rough.  I fell in the water at the boat launch and one of the compression straps on our portage pack ripped off!  Surprisingly I stayed calm although I will admit was a bit snippy.  The rest of the morning went smoothly and we were making great mileage thanks to a stiff but safe tail wind.    By 11 we made 25 miles and were eager to make up for our short day yesterday.  This however was not meant to be.  As we rounded a corner the once gentle tail wind picked up significantly and the river was now filled with large white caps.  We moved forward quickly and waves rolled up behind pushing us forward and then past us which through off the stability of the boat and made paddling tenuous and potentially dangerous.  The gust were definitely 25-30mph.  After about 30 minutes  of paddling I decided that we needed to pull the plug and get off the water.  After stopping around the corner the winds had calmed down so we decided to keep going unless they became as big as they had been before.  Amanda was clearly on edge but willing to keep going.  As we paddled on the winds picked up but still not as bad as before.  As we paddled on however the winds intensified and the chop became worse. Amanda could no longer fight back the fear of the boat tipping or the wind causing our boat to tip.  We pulled over and looked at a potential spot to stop.  We decided it was a no go and check a sand bar 10 yards away, also a no go.  After debating what to do I suggested we go just a bit further to get out of the wind and stop.  Although frazzled and in and out of tears she agreed.  We pushed off into the wind and an afternoon full of stress and strong emotions was compounded as my phone fell out of my pocket (which it had spent virtually every day in for the past 80 days) and plop into the river!  In shock I threw down my paddle said a couple choice words and then surprisingly was ok with it.  Amanda however was not because it meant we might had just lost a large number of pictures from our trip,  the majority infact!  Anyway we made it around he corner and got camp set up.  Amanda was cold and wet so I told her to just set up the tent and crawl into her bag and I'd take care of the rest.  While I cooked she called Verizon and got a new phone ordered for me and arranged to have it sent to my Moms house.  Long day.

We had to pull the boat up quickly at lunch because some fisher man didn't slow down. We would of had a boat full of water. 

Look very closely. 

Day 81

Frost this morning for the first time. 

Today was great.  Slept in a bit got a good distance past Vicksburg but not sure how far since our maps were also on daves phone.  Thank goodness, 

Triesch got Amanda that phone cord when Amanda called Verizon they assured her we could recover those pictures online!  Another big thanks toDebbie for  helping get the paperwork done to have the phone replaced!

Day 74

Sunset today 

So here we are less than 620ish miles from mile zero, the point at which the Mississippi spreads out mixing with salt water from the Gulf of Mexico.  It's still about two weeks or so away and we are still focused on enjoying the trip not just putting down big miles everyday so I guess it could be longer.  When we look back at the early days of the trip, when the world around us was familiar and small it seems hard to believe that we are on the same river.  Today went along as any other does and we easily made 45 miles.  John Rusky the master of the lower Mississippi did get back to us today and was very helpful, providing a good map of key campsites along the entire lower part of the river.  The nasty weather that we were anticipating has lessened significantly and it looks like we now have a day and a half of rain.  That is a huge improvement over the 3 days of severe  thunderstorms, possible flooding and tornados that were deemed likely!  Amanda is getting better about not becoming overly anxious when a barge passes but she still gets a little worked up.  Reggie is still the best and the weather is still warm!  I wore shorts, a tee shirt, and choco's today, seriously.  Tomorrow we will paddle as long as the weather allows then pitch a good camp.

More of the sunset

Running with Reggie at his 3 pm walk!!

Dave making fire!! Which has been a nightly thing! Which has been awesome!

Day 73

Well today we paddled anywhere from 40-50 miles but are unsure since we likely were wrong about where we stopped last night.  When we stopped for lunch today we saw two Snapping Turtle shells on a beach that looked to be the exact same size.  This was a nice change in the mood of the day since Amanda is still struggling with anxiety about barges.  Today was fairly uneventful and we are currently camped north of Helena Arkansas on a great sand bar on the Arkansas side of the river.  However the next handful of days could be rocky since there is severe weather and flooding possible.  We emailed a well known river guide to enquire about options and hope he will get back to us.  

Day 71-72

Day 71: Memphis, TN

We left Pig Snort Island this morning and paddled 13 miles to Memphis to meet up with the legendary Bearded Adventurer Dale Sanders who as of this year is the oldest man to paddle the Mississippi River from source to sea at 80 years old!  Anyway we arrived at the Marina Yacht Club around noon.  I walked into the office and asked for Andy Anderson the manager.  I introduced myself and explained to him that Dale Sanders had sent us and that we were paddling the Mississippi River from source to sea.  I then asked him if we could tie our boat up at the marina while we were in Memphis.  He told us that wouldn't be a problem.  We re-organized the items we needed to bring to Dales house for the night.  Before calling Dale to be picked up we walked to a nearby restaurant called TUGS for lunch.  Although Andy said he wasn't sure if they served BBQ we were certain that they would since it is after all Memphis.  Well they had outside seating that allowed dogs which was good but no BBQ which was bad.  But we both ordered burgers which were great.  After we ate we walked to Bass Proshop to buy fuel for our stove and a new bag for our rain gear.  Dave got lost inside while I waited outside with Reggie.  After what seemed like an eternity he emerged having spent just over $30 which was suprising since Bass Proshop isn't exactly cheap.  As we walked back to the marina we called Dale.  Shortly after we arrived Dale showed up.  We had been talking with Andy and Captain Francis.  As Dale walked up it was clear he was a like minded soul and the three of us hit it off instantly.  When we arrived at his house we were faced with an incredibly difficult choice:  Maintain our streak by sleeping outside in our tent OR sleep inside on a tempurpedic mattes!  Amanda and I both hesitated and Amanda had looked as though she was going to break.  In the end we stayed true to our decision and set up our tent.  After an amazing shower we drank some amazing wine courtesy of Dale and signed his paddlers wall.  That night his wife Marian made us a delicious spaghetti dinner.  The conversation was wonderful as they were truly kindred spirits.  After dinner we went to Walmart to pick up a couple food items including fresh fruits and veggies.  The night ended with packing food and snuggling into our wonderful warm fart sacks (aka sleeping bags).

Reggie gets comfortable. 

Day 72: Back to the river

We woke up promptly at 7am this morning and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast made by Dale and Marian of pancakes, English Muffins and coffee.  We chatted till about 930.  The conversation with them was so easy and comfortable we could have stayed all day.  Anyway as we prepared to leave Marian made us lunch to go which was great and gave us a bag of fresh pecans and off we went.  By noon we were back on the water and away we went.  As we left the Memphis area which was suprisingly quick the barge traffic picked up a bit forcing us out of the channel.  As we paddled along the shoreline of a sandbar it happened again, Amanda got carped, yep carped (yes I just verbed a noun deal with it).  A huge carp slammed against the bow of the boat and she screamed and I laughed.  Despite our late start we paddled 30 miles give or take a mile.  Dinner was great, Dave's B&R and we enjoyed a wonderful fire as we ate. It should be mentioned that we are officially in Mississippi!  That's wild, the end seems in reach which is a feeling that is hard to describe especially when the end still means paddling 705 more miles!  We dubbed this campsite Birch Beach because Dave's found two Birch logs, the first we have seen since leaving the upper midwest!

We forgot to mention Randy J has a new outfit made out of our old waterproof bag that is down for the count. Liz I hope you like her outfit!! Way better then a swimsuit!!