In celebration of Robin Fortney's 30th birthday, we paddled from Yellow Banks to Runnells Bridge on a day that started off nippy and ended crisp and clear.

We were 10 people and 8 boats, very colorful in our canoes and kayaks and our cold weather gear.   The river was running at 5,000 cfs.  We averaged about 4 mph over 13 miles.

Boats were dropped off at Yellow Banks, drivers took cars to Runnells bridge.  Gerry and Dick Howard shuttled the drivers back.  It was 40 miles round trip.  We used the not yet complete Hwy.5, which is ok but you have to watch out for the construction.

It was in the upper 30's as we got ready to launch, with cloudy skies.  It was snowing a bit during out shuttle.

Walt, Robin and John on the ramp ... Phyllis was bundled up ... Robin and Lynn helped Diane with her gear

Ready to launch we had the boat launch to ourselves

We paddled about 90 minutes before we stopped for the birthday on the sandbar.  We had a flight of pelicans go overhead, and lots of herons.  The wind was chilly, but the clouds gradually lifted and the temps moderated.

Robin in her solo canoe   ...  Lynn and friend  ...  Diane and Jane   ...  heron in flight ... Birthday group

The water was clear and cool, the trees were green with pretty touches of colors, the sandbars were at every turn.  We were out by 4, with a convoy out to Hartford and Carlisle.  Thanks Robin for sharing your birthday with Central Iowa Paddlers.

Fall colors  ...   Fleet  ...   Sandbar stop   ... River bends

Runnells takeout

Thanks to John Washburn for "enhancements" to the photographs