Day 27

Due to the wind (she is quite the cruel mistress), Karl and Nico remained on land today.  If the forecast holds, they may be able to get out on the water on Thursday. 

Today's coordinates, much like the song, remain the same

Day 26

Due to high wind conditions and impending rain, Karl and Nico took a weather day.  Karl's rule of thumb is that winds should be less than 15 or 20 mph when he needs to get across the river, which he needs to do in order to go through a nearby lock.  Hopefully, the weather will break tomorrow and allow him to get across and continue down the Mighty Mississippi.


Today's coordinates: 40 32.964n 91 24.113w

Day 25

The fantastic voyage wove its way through Nauvoo today (shout outs to Megan, Skipper, Bishop, and Brandon "Pit-of-Despair" Strawn).  In recognition of the warmer weather, Bliese was surely in shorts.  Karl, though, showed restraint and kept his long trousers on.  There was plenty of waving going on, at both Fort Madison (for Mike Brooks, XC and Track Coach at Illinois College) and the Fort Madison Bridge (over which the train that took Karl to TPIR traveled).  Until tomorrow...

Today's coordinates: 40 32.964n 91 24.113w

Day 24

It was quite an active day on the river for Karl and Nico.  Weather conditions were much improved, at least for the moment.  The NOAA forecast for the next three days is brisk or blustery.  Karl is growing to hate those words.

There was a one hour wait at a lock and dam.  Not much you can do when the spillway isn't spilling.

Passing through Burlington, Iowa marked the all-important 242nd mile of the trip.  It's not all downstream from here, but most of it is.  At this pace, Karl and Nico should make it to Houston in time for fireworks and hot dogs on the 4th...of July.  Thankfully, they are planning on picking up the pace a bit. 

The following paragraph has been redacted due to safety concerns expressed by the father of the protagonist.

Proving that crazy people are not just in cars, a hunter and his trusty Jack Russell Terrier went out of their way to call Karl a darned fool for being out on the river.  As a commercial fisherman and former Special Forces Member, the hunter felt he knew foolishness when he saw it.  The mirror-like reflection of the Mississippi told no lies as it showed him who the true fool was. 
 
Today's coordinates: 40 40.308n 91 07.999w

Day 23

From the lap of luxury at Deerwood Cabins  to the depths of cold, windy November weather in the Midwest...

A 30 mph headwind greeted Karl and Nico's return to the river.  The Mississippi was quite rough and progress was slow.  After covering 7 miles in 3 hours, Karl and Nico threw in the towel and set up camp.  Morale took a bit of a hit, but rose again thanks to Brian's Thanksgiving care package (turkey and all the fixings).

Today's coordinates: 40 55.219n 90 57.674w

Day 22

We all have a lot to be thankful for this year.  Karl and Nico are thankful for friends, family, and, most of all, Deerwood Cabins in Oquawaka, Illinois.
 
http://www.deerwoodcabins.com/cabins.asp

It might get down to 17 degrees tonight, but our intrepid duo will be relaxing in a cozy cabin, complete with heat, a shower, and satellite TV.  It even has the NFL Network!  Needless to say, this will be a Thanksgiving to remember. 

Today's coordinates: 41 00.829n 90 55.831w

ps: Just when you thought things couldn't get any better, Larry and Linda Owens, owners of Deerwood Cabins, invited Karl over for Thanksgiving dinner.  Amazing dinner (Linda is rumored to be the best cook in Hamilton County), delectable dessert (a standout rhubarb pie by Grandma), and wonderful conversation made for a great evening.  To top it all off, Brian Bjorstrom moseyed on over for a visit.  Truely, one of the best Thanksgivings ever!

Day 21

21, In mathematics

Twenty-one is the fifth discrete Semiprime and the second in the (3.q) family. With 22 it forms the second discrete Semiprime pair. As it is a semiprime with both its prime factors being Gaussian primes, 21 is then aBlum integer.

Twenty-one is a Fibonacci number, a Harshad number, a Motzkin number, a triangular number and an octagonal number, as well as a composite number, its proper divisors being 1, 3 and 7.

21 is the sum of the first six natural numbers (1+2+3+4+5+6=21).

21 has an aliquot sum of 11 though it is the second composite number found in the 11-aliquot tree with the abundant square prime 18 being the first such member. Twenty-one is the first number to be the aliquot sum of three numbers 18, 51, 91.

21 appears in the Padovan sequence, preceded by the terms 9, 12, 16 (it is the sum of the first two of these).

The sum of divisors for the integers 1 through 6 is 21.

21 is a repdigit in base 4 (111).

21 is the smallest natural number that is not close to a power of 2, 2^n, where the range of closeness is +- n.

21 is the smallest number of differently sized squares needed to square the square.^[1]

^Source: http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/twenty+one

---------------

Due to very cold and windy conditions, Karl and Nico are staying in the tent today.  Sometimes, you need more than a positive attitude to stay warm.  A nice sleeping bag and tent certainly don't hurt.


Today's coordinates: See yesterday's coordinates

Day Twenty

Karl and Nico were privy to a beautiful flyover of 50 pelicans late this afternoon.  They are on a similar journey, just moving a bit more quickly.  It makes sense to head south for the winter, doesn't it?

There was a 70 minute wait at a lock and dam today in order to allow tows to get through.  The payoff was a three inch drop.  So it goes.

If this was the first Team 242 ride, Karl would be done by now.  As it stands, the journey has just begun...

Today's coordinates: 41 01.41n 90 56.91w

Day Nineteen

The headwind was strong and severe thunderstorms were approaching, so Karl decided to hunker down for the day in an attempt to stay dry.  Success!  Although there was a tornado watch and black eyed pea-sized hail, Karl, Nico, and the interior of the tent stayed "99% dry."  A fantastic tailwind is in the forecast for tomorrow.  Unfortunately, so are much colder temperatures.  It's a hard knock life for Karl, but, even though it will be cold, the sun will come out tomorrow. 

Today's coordinates: see yesterday's coordinates

Day Eighteen

Karl is back on the river and I am back on the keys.  We are both a bit more plump after the weekend's activities, Karl from the wonderful hospitality of Matty J and the fam and me from a massive Fuddruckers burger.  Needless to say, the extra insulation will come in handy this week (lows around Thanksgiving are forecast to be in the teens).  Let's hope Nico got her fill as well.

There was quite a headwind today, which made for warmer temperatures (good) but also for tough paddling (not so good).  Karl and Nico were happy to be back out on the river and are feeling extra-thankful for the weekend comforts of Muscatine.  The outlook for tomorrow is thunderstorms and a 30 mph headwind.  The possibility of a day reading in the tent looms.  Karl's spirit is sure to be buoyed by the news of a Packer victory (and coinciding Farve defeat). 

Today's coordinates: 41 17.232n 91 05.029w

Day Seventeen (Karl)

Rest Day.

With regard to my writing style, I have been accused of being not normal.  I'll try normal.

There have been concerns with my Rock River canoe pace.  Karl sure is taking his darned sweet time.  Yet another rest day?  Is he aware that winter is, in fact, on the way?  Yes, I am aware, but let me explain/rationalize my previous pacing.  There was only one place I needed to be at by a certain date.  The place: Muscatine, Iowa.  The date: Friday, November 19.  Arriving early would not work.  Arriving late would not work.  I had no idea how long it was going to take to canoe from Beloit to Muscatine.  I examined my maps and came up with a rough estimate.  But I didn't know if weather (or anything else) was going to prevent progress.  So I took my rough estimate and added in a few extra days to be safe.  This led to the odd departure date of Thursday, November 4 and gave me 15 days to paddle approximately 190 miles.  Decent current, favorable winds, and above average temperatures helped put me well ahead of schedule.  Correction: very favorable winds.  On a day of almost straight west paddling the wind was out of the east.  Beloiters, how often can you remember east winds?  I love it when a plan comes together.

But the past schedule has now passed.  And now I really have no time constraints.  I could take 242 days to get to Keokuk, Iowa, but that's probably not going to happen.  I'm hoping for persistent progress.  As previously mentioned, I am aware that winter is on the way.

And on the subject of winter, there has been a consistent theme from the people I've met along the way:

Aren't you cold?

This question brings to mind thoughts of the Illinois Tollway and grocery store check out lines along with a small dose of math.  At Woodman's, there will be only one line that is the fastest.  If there are nine cashiers checking people out, the chances I'll pick the fastest line is 1 in 9.  So I shouldn't be too upset when the line I've entered turns out to not be the fastest.  Math.  But back to the cold, since I don't know how long this trip is going to take, I'll just say it'll be x days.  There is going to be (only) one day which I'll be able to say was the coldest.  Thus the chances of any given day being the coldest day is 1 in x.  Since x is already greater than 17, the chances of the current day being the coldest isn't all that great.  So if I find myself thinking, "Gosh, today sure is cold," that's going to make things even more mentally challenging when the coldest day actually occurs.  Instead my thought process has been working like this, "Today can't be cold because I know there's going to be another day that's going to be colder."

I will admit, however, if I've already experienced the coldest day, then I can answer the question, "No.  I'm not cold."

But I'm pretty sure (and you should be, too) that the coldest day of this trip hasn't happened yet.

[Thanks for reading along to my words.  We'll now return to the regularly scheduled Eaux.]

More Questions Answered

More questions, but this time they're from Ms. Brown's fourth block class.  I realize earlier I had said 3rd block was the best, but really we all know 4th block is the best.  Right Myra?

(actually, it's a tie between the two... they're both the best)

 

1. Do you floss your teeth with sticks?

 

I don't floss my teeth with sticks, I use poison ivy.  And when my teeth start to itch, I'll scratch them and my fingernails will do all the cleaning.

(Truth: I brought dental floss.)

 

2. How do you wash your clothes?

 

I mail my clothes to Ms. Brown and I make her do all of my laundry.

 

(Truth: I brought soap so I'll wash them by hand.  And if it's not so cold out that they'll freeze, I'll hang them to dry.)

 

3. How many break days are you going to take?

 

Since Matt's parents have been taking me out to eat (and his mom makes delicious desserts), I think I'm going to live in their basement until summer.

 

(Truth: I don't have any more break days planned for the trip.  There will be a lot of paddling days from here on out.  But if the weather is really bad or the river is too dangerous because of the wind then I'll take the day off.)

 

4. Are you being careful and safe?

 

In order to keep warm, I like to build fires in the canoe.

(Truth: I always wear my lifejacket when I'm in the canoe.  Nico always wears her lifejacket, too.  And before I cross the river, I make sure to look both ways.)

 

5. Do you see a lot of animals and people on the river?

 

I don't see that many fish so I've drilled a bunch of holes in the bottom of the canoe to make it easier to see.

 

(Truth: I haven't seen as many animals as I'd like, but I have heard a lot.  Every night that I've camped on the river, I have heard either a barred owl or a great horned owl.  And sometimes you can hear coyotes howling.  As far as people, I haven't seen that many on the river.  I'm guessing it's too cold for water skiing.  But I have seen a few hunters.)

 

(Ms. Brown or anyone else: Follow the owl links to a website where you can hear what I've been hearing.)

6. Is it cold where you are?

 

Since I'm in Hawaii, it's been really nice.

 

(Truth: The high temperature on Thursday when I canoed to Muscatine was only 36 degrees.  Is that cold?)

 

 7. Are you a little crazy for doing this

 

No.

(Yes.)

Questions Answered

It turns out the best class at BMHS have some questions for me.  They are from Ms. Brown's third block class.

Answers to these questions, however, are going to cost 3rd Block some stuff... be prepared.  Bionka - one package of Skittles.  Trisha - you'll have to let me win in Uno.  Ever - you'll need to sing some songs.  Jamie - no more calling me Baldy.  And JL - you get a free pass.

1. Where do you take a shower?

 

I don't take a shower.  But when I got to spend the night in the hotel and (now) when I'm at my friend's house... I get showers.  I do have some soap so I could use the river water to bathe in, but the water temperature is 45 degrees.  Too cold.  So after a day or two of canoeing: I get really really smelly.  Thankfully Nico doesn't complain about how bad I smell.

 

2. How are you going to get back from Texas?

 

My dad is going to drive my car to Texas so it will be there when I get there.  I really should thank him more for doing that.  You guys should thank him, too.  I bet if you were loud enough, he might be able to hear you.  (Pause) Still not loud enough...

 

3. Where do you go to the bathroom?

 

There are a lot of parks/boat docks along the way that have bathrooms.  I use those.  But if they aren't around... the woods.

 

4. What do you eat everyday?

 

Breakfast - oatmeal and hot chocolate

Lunch - a couple of peanut butter and honey sandwiches and some granola

Dinner - either pasta or rice and a can of fruit (fruit cocktail or pears)

Dessert - candy bar

Drinks - a whole bunch of water (but not from the river)

 

5.  Did you bring anything to read?

 

I only brought my bird book.  But then one of my friends had 6 books delivered to me.  I've already read 3 of them.  So how many more do I have to read before I'll need some new ones?

 

6. How many clothes do you have with you?

 

Two shirts (one for canoeing and one for camp)

Two pairs of pants (one for canoeing and one for camp)

Two pairs of long underwear
Three pairs of socks

Two pairs of shoes

Two winter hats

Two pairs of gloves

One pair of mittens

(and some underwear)

7. How do you brush your teeth?

 

I brought a toothbrush and some toothpaste.

 

8. How do you shave?  (do you?)

 

I'm not shaving.  Do you remember my beard from the end of last year?  It's starting to grow back.

 

9. Has Nico been a good boy or jumped in the river like a naughty boy?

 

She has been a good girl and hasn't jumped in the river yet.  But she was naughty when she ran away and rolled in some poop.  I had to give her a bath.

10. How long will your trip take?

 

I don't know.  I'm guessing that I still have anywhere from 2 to 3 months before I'm finished.

Great questions.  I can't wait to see all of you when I'm done.  Plus I heard Jamie might have a present for me.

Day Sixteen (Karl)

Just a partial list of what happened today:
1. newspaper reading
2. liars poker reading
3. nico walking
4. out to lunch eating
5. out to dinner eating
6. Pearl Button museum viewing
7. matty j parent chatting
8. photo downloading
9. feet up sitting
10. vista intaking
11. great friend visiting

all of which were wonderful

What did not happen today:
1. canoeing

(wind gusts upwards of 30 mph made for a very choppy river... good day to not be out)

Photos (With Words)

needed a little extra time to say goodbye

camping spot on turkey island, rock river

approximately 1 mile to confluence

same camping spot as above

i wanted a photo showing rock river width

this will help with mississippi river comparisons

only a few feet left of rock river

then we get to play the molecule game

(nico on the watch for asian carp)

the confluence

omr on omr

mississippi river shot

there's industry ahead

towboat sighting

(this one wasn't moving)

(ergo: no wake)

first campsite on the mississippi river

and site of rest day

off the main channel it has rock river appeal

mississippi river shot from thursday

navigational light

i am just a hint river left off the main channel

inside the lock
we only dropped a couple of feet

the lockmaster is upper left and on his way to open the second set of gates

nico looking forward to muscatine

since i spend most of my time paddle right, i appreciate nico left

waiting in muscatine as a train goes by

those same train tracks will later kill my canoe cart

what's that candy wrapper doing there?

well, don't you see it?

well pick it up.

Day Fifteen (Karl)

hello
it's karl again

i've been enjoying eaux's translations of my texts
william brand and katarzyna mroczkowska skills

i am in muscatine, iowa
there are at least three hip hip hoorays to be had here
(to have you jumping
we shall sing it)

hip
and obviously
pearl button capital of the world

hip (hop)
the mississippi river decides against manifest destiny
southern latitudes await
(there is currently an 8 degree difference between muscatine and st louis
or approximately 4 in Celsius
average those two numbers
kevin bacon)

hooray
matty j and family
special lady friend of matty j included
(big lebowski reply omitted)
i continue this only partly joking idea
more rest days than paddle days
by exploring muscatine
to look for other things to sing about
but really
with matty j, van galder, and his wonderful parents
there's really no need to look

Canoe Pulled Ashore Coordinates

41 25.204 N     91 02.654 W

Day Fourteen

"Is it possible to have more rest days than paddle days?  This is the best trip ever." 

Today was marked by relaxation, with activities such as playing fetch with Nico, watching tugboats and barges, and listening to trains.  On tap for tomorrow is the first lock of the trip and a float down to Muscatine, Iowa.  The weekend will be spent with Matty J and the fam.  When life is good, it's really good.
 
Today's coordinates: 41 27.109n 90 49.557w (same as yesterday)

Day Thirteen

A moment of silence for Karl's departure from the Rock River... and one of celebration for his entry into the Mississippi!  Karl did it up right with a quart of chocolate milk from The Little Store in Andalusia, Illinois.  He also picked up some Skittles and Dr. Pepper to enjoy with his Zatarain's (The Official Dinner Product of the 2010-2011 Karl Poetzl Canoe Extravaganza).  Things had nowhere to go but up as the start canoeing was delayed by Nico running off, rolling around in some poo, and returning to camp.  Suffice to say, she soon received her first bath of the trip.

The total bird count for the Rock River was 42 species.  At 2:42 pm, Karl had a magic 15 seconds where no sounds from civilization could be heard.  That is why we play the game.

Coming soon...quality Matty J time in Muscatine, Iowa!

Today's coordinates: 41 27.109n 90 49.557w 

Day Twelve

Karl's time on the Rock River is nearly at an end.  He made his final portage today and lies just a few miles away from the confluence with the Mississippi.  Characteristic of his desire to remain near Wisconsin, he is actually north of where he camped last night.  Nico had two half-hour walks this morning.  Needless to say, she was very pleased with the workout.  Hopefully, it means she will stay out of the river this evening.  Karl met a couple of friendly folks out on the river today.  Good people make everything better.  Next stop, Iowa!

Today's coordinates: 41 28.457n 90 35.937w

Day Ten/Day Eleven

After a wonderful evening at the Holiday Inn and a fantastic regional meet with the cross country team, Karl and Nico were back in the tent last night and out on the river today.  The weather has turned a bit, with a strong headwind and chillier temperatures throughout the day.  Keeping in mind that it is Sunday, Karl got a late start this morning.  He decided to make camp about five miles short of his final portage, just a stone's throw from Iowa.  Nico scooted off for a bit of a run and a dip once all rowing was done for the day, reappearing a few minutes later.  Nothing like the smell of wet dog to make you feel at home. 

Today's coordinates: 41 27.416n 90 26.885w 

Day Nine (Karl)

prelude to numbering
or possibly zero
(i can hear my father asking
big zero
little zero?)
this is me typing
me = karl

first
thank you owenby
or correctly (ragin) cajunly spelled
eauxenby
he's been able to take 160 characters of information
dive inside my head
and turn it into actual sentences
that fit my thoughts
perhaps he, anthony, and many other of my good friends
perhaps yes
we have a code when we speak
perhaps again
you are/were right

and with hotlinks
i can't wait until i have more internet time
lots of clicking

second
thank you everyone else
your support
well wishing
be safe(s)
have fun(s)
have been a great way to open back up to the internet
i will try to repay in kind
i have the best friends

(doc remains an exception
i will find the cause
down the river
for this effect)

third
i should probably type
serendipity
the beloit college cross country team has their regional meet in the quad cities
i am just a few miles from the quad cities
ergo
i got picked up by a beloit college van
free food
(thanks bliese)
free lodging
(thanks eckburg)

also should be typed
this lodging is not the newton inn
this is holiday inn and suites
there's a fountain in the lobby

but the actual best part
i get to be with the team again
and watch them take advantage of all that hay in the barn
yes doug
do it

fourth
i feel extremely guilty for not having brought a fishing pole
most of the people i have talked to along the way have asked
did you bring a fishing pole?
and when i reply
no
there's a sudden change in tone
there's no lunacy in this canoe trip
only in not bringing a fishing pole
as one man clearly noted
"so
you're not living off the land"
nope
more along the lines of
zatarains
and peanut butter and honey sandwiches

fifth
i have not seen skunks
raccoons
or coyotes
i have only heard them
(at night)
i have a
as seen from the canoe
non-squirrel
non-domesticated
non-human
mammal count
the first nsndnhm appeared wednesday
one woodchuck
yesterday
three deer
today
one otter

birds
35 species

for those who are not familiar
this is the usual type speak for me
the lack of sentence structure makes for faster typing
thanks for reading
and following along

Today's Coordinates:

41 29.198 N     90 22.210 W

but since there's a non-tented roof
climate controlled room
plus that fountain in the lobby
i've moved

41 32.370 N     90 31.133 W

no worries though
after this spoiling i'll return to
41 29.198 N     90 22.210 W

life continues

Day Nine

Karl and Nico find themselves relaxing in comfort at a Holiday Inn!  More details to come...

Today's coordinates: 41 29.198n 90 22.115w

New Photos

Day Eight

Compared to yesterday, today was a walk in the park.  Or maybe a float down a river.  Either way, there was substantially less effort and quite a bit more distance covered.  As there is only one more dam left to portage on the Rock River, the current flowed more swiftly than in past days.  The wind was relatively calm and temperatures remained unseasonably mild.  Karl knew it was time to get off the river when he heard the sound of an owl.  He and Nico are resting comfortably in camp and ready for the possible rain tomorrow.  If the tent is wet in the morning, they will remain in camp for the day.  Otherwise, it is back to the river.  

Today's coordinates: 41 37.645n 90 04.836w

Day Seven

Today was a tale of two portages.  The first portage took over an hour and a half, contributing to an average of less than one mile per hour over the first 5 1/2 hours of the day.  In comparison, the next five miles took one hour.  To add insult to injury, a new, shorter access route was built on the north side of the Rock.  Unfortunately, Karl didn't see it until he had already completed the longer, old portage.  The next time he travels down to Houston by canoe, he will be sure to remember to take the new route.  Karl will certainly sleep very well this evening.

Today's coordinates: 41 44.786n 89 47.731w

Day Six

Today was a big day for the fauna, with sightings of raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and a great horned owl.  On the river, Karl had a portage in Dixon, the birthplace of Ronald Reagan.  It seems like a high time to share Karl's favorite Ronald Reagan quote: "You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans."  Last night was the second spent in close proximity to the railroad tracks, which makes for a cacophony of glorious train noises and sweet dreams for a locomotive lover.  There will be two more portages today, in Rock Falls and Sterling.  They will start at 9:30 AM and any help would be appreciated.  Compensation will be in the form of peanut butter and honey sandwiches.  

Today's coordinates: 41 47.674 n 89 37.23 w

Day Five

Karl was back on the river today, making good progress in lieu of a headwind.  As he journeyed past the nuclear power plant in Byron, Nico was on the lookout for Blinky, the three-eyed fish.  Thankfully for her digestive system, she was unsuccessful in her quest.  No owls were heard, but the coyotes were in full effect.  There was a constant hum from Illinois Highway 2 throughout the day.  Karl and Nico climbed the 203 steps to the statue of Black Hawk near Oregon, IL, the second-largest concrete monolithic statue in the world (a special prize for whoever can name the largest).  In the words of Karl, "The climb was more than worth it."

The sleeping bag was $150 for four nights (thus far).  A much better value than La Quinta, although it doesn't come with free wireless internet or a continental breakfast.
 
Today's coordinates: 41 54.462 n 89 25.824 w

Day Four

Following the example of God in the Book of Genesis, Karl decided to make Sunday his day of rest (even though it wasn't quite the seventh day).  Beautiful weather, good times with the BCXC folks and Eckburgs, and a BREAKFAST OF INSANITY; what more can you ask for?

Today's coordinates: 42 05.825 n 89 19.317w

Week One Photos

Day Three

Starting the day with a sleeping bag coated with ice (due to frozen condensation) is usually not a good sign.  Thankfully, Karl stayed warm and woke up once again to the sound of a great horned owl.  Cold toes have been a recurring theme thus far, but today's headwind is a harbinger of warm weather to come.  Unfortunately, it also made for a tough day of rowing.  Camp was made near the friendly confines of the Mount Morris Boat Club (where all one must do to receive the highest level of hospitality is simply mention the name "Urish").  

Today's coordinates: 42 05.825 n 89 19.317w

Day 2

Hononegah Forest Preserve-An Island in the Rock River, Rockford
The highlight of any visit to Rockford, other than the portage point downtown, is a visit to Uncle Nick's.   Karl dined on a combo (with Mr. Pibb, of course) and his digestive system lived to tell the tale.  Huge houses with big windows and no people marked the journey upstream of Rockford, with the tables turning to empty factories dotting the shore through the city.  Last night was warm and dry, although there was a bit of hail as Karl set up the tent.  The day was bookended by a barred owl in the morning and a nice step into Nico's poop in the afternoon.  Ah, wildlife.  In lieu of human contact, Karl's brain has already began speaking to him with the voice of his Hulk Hogan toothbrush.  Things should be ok as long as the conversation remains one way.
 
Today's coordinates: 42 14.477 n 89 06.446 w

Step One (We can have lots of fun)

Day One began in the most auspicious manner possible-with Eagle Eye Cherry and "Save Tonight" as the final song on the radio before putting the canoe into the Rock River.  Thanks to a speedy current, Karl made it to his campsite well before dusk (42 25.883n 89 02.931w).  There was been a bit of rain, but all in all a pleasant first day on the river.  Karl and Nico braved the confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek (never to be known as Buccaneer Creek) and lived to tell the tale.  The only bird of note was a northern harrier.  Oh wait, maybe it was this one.  Until tomorrow...

Stats O' the Day 
-1 portage
-1 box of jambalaya
-high temperature: 49 degrees

Futile Devices

Feel free to follow along via latitude, longitude, and your mapping preference.  (Google Earth works just fine, but USGS quad maps are wonderful.)

Each night that I have cell phone reception, I'll text the coordinates of my camp site to Eaux who will post the fun on here.  I'll even use the remaining characters in my texting as a way of providing a brief update.  Perhaps, if I'm lucky, I'll develop some Sarah Palin Twitter skills.

Refudiate.

Starting location:

42 30.320 N, 89 01.686 W

Point of entry to the Rock River:

42 30.309 N, 89 01.941 W

Changes Aren't Permanent, But Change Is

I am about to go canoeing.

Due to the late hour along with last second tidying of the great clutter, I won't be able to devote too much time into this.  Apologies (one).

So, the basics:

What - Beloit, Wisconsin to Houston, Texas.

How - In a 17 foot canoe.

Where - I'll walk the canoe from 817 Church St to the Rock River.  From there: Rock River to the Mississippi River.  In Louisiana I'll lock over to the Atchafalaya River and travel south until the Intracoastal Waterway.  I'll make a right hand turn and head to Houston.  And if I'm feeling up to it, a finishing upstream paddle of Buffalo Bayou.

Who -  Just me and Nico (dog).

When -  November 4, 2010 until ????  I don't have a clue.  Apologies (two).  But I'm going to try to find out.

Why - For the same reason that was given to the Panama City Beach security guards when they inquired about digging holes in the sand.

Apologies (three).  All of you deserved finding out about these plans in a much more personal way.  I really had planned on it, too, but the whole great clutter of my house (if you've ever visited 817 Church... you know) took a bit of time to sort out/throw away/donate away.  In fact, if my parents hadn't of arrived to help, I'd still be sorting through the mess and I wouldn't have been able to leave until it was really (really) too cold.  As it turns out, I have quite the keepsake/sentimental value problem.

But I've released my possessions (well, some of them).  I've released my lease.  I've released my employment.  My shoulders feel light... I'm ready to paddle.