I got in and paddled on Saturday, 2/3.  It was a cloudy day, just above freezing.  The river was frozen out some 40 feet from the ramp, so I "hopped" the boat out into the river.  I was treated to an eagle flying overhead.

There were a dozen or more eagles flying and perching, so I drifted downstream a half mile with the current.  Getting back upstream was more of a problem, and I ended up walking into a fairly strong current.   I propped the boat up on a tire so I could take photos.  It was a good spot to view the bridges and the skyline. 

I did note that the trash is still a problem.

I got several video clips of the area, including the bend below SE 14th, the river at sunset, standing in icy clear water, and the trash problem.

Central Iowa Paddlers had the season planning party on Feb. 4 at Walnut Woods.  I got there late, but learned that 3 dozen were in attendance, everyone had a chance to share a paddling story, and many events are planned, especially through June.  Robin Fortney and Phyllis Good man describe the event in a 60 second video clip.  Look for a paddler newsletter in March.

I have put together a thumbnail outline of recent images from the Des Moines area taken with my new SONY FD-95 digital camera.  Back when winter was a visual delight, I got pictures of the Capitol and of Beaverdale in ice.   Right after, I fell on an icy sidewalk and sprained my poor ankle, so count me among the ones who eagerly await Spring or the end of the pain in my leg, whichever comes first.

Making a river trail presentation.  View a gallery of canoe expo photos featuring Central Iowa Paddlers.