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Dear Mom and Dad,

The fair weather continues.  There was snow on the ground in shady areas, but Saturday was perfect for kayaking from Ottumwa to Selma, about 15 miles through some very pretty country.  390 miles down, 14 to go on the big project.  I have help now from the city of Keokuk webmaster, who is putting together a river trail web site and getting our campaign organized.

I left home at 4 AM.  After breakfast at McDonalds, I pulled the tow car and boat to Shidepoke Access by Selma, Iowa.  This had been the starting point for trips to the south in October.  I had then moved my paddling to  NW Iowa in November to finish up before the cold weather set in, although it hasn't yet.  What I had was an absolutely gorgeous sunrise, a deep pink against the brown hills, and coils of steam rising off the water and reflecting the sky.  Where's that camera when I need it!!!

The trick was to find the Cliffland Access upstream.  To get there, I had to find a way through what is called the Fox Hills, which are deep woods on rolling hills near the river.  I had entered the GPS coordinates and checked the alleged "roads" in the Iowa Atlas, but I kept running into dead ends.  Finally, I got through the hills and bang, I was there.  I loaded the boat and got launched by  9 AM.

Now, winter kayaking is a little different.  I just read about a sea kayaker who died of hypothermia out in the Great Lakes.  I'm much more careful now.  I can get out of the boat quickly, of course.  I stay near shore.  I wear a lycra body suit, a thick wet suit, and insulated boots that are tightly laced above the knee and fully waterproof.  I am wearing waterproof gloves, and a life jacket is a must.  I also carry extra warm, dry clothing in a waterproof bag, plus a sterno stove and material to start a fire, if needed.  My supplies include extra food and water,  and cooking gear, so even if I get caught in a remote area, I'll stay warm and dry.  Yesterday, the only problem was the sun in my eyes.

The cat-in-the-hat once again was warmly received by citizens and wildlife.  This stretch of the river has lots of hills and trees, but also numerous sections with cabins, cottages, and trailers along the riverbank.  One fisherman complimented me on the headgear, and chatted about the eagles.  We had both seen 4 in the area, and he said that in the winter it is not uncommon to see 60.  By Eldon, a lady stopped her car, turned around, came back, and asked me where I was headed.  When I told her "Selma", she had all the info she needed, and tore off .  It was a lovely day to be out, with a light breeze, plenty of sunlight, and temperatures near 50.  I averaged near 4 mph, so the river is still running full and fast.  I saw two deer swimming across the river, but at some distance.  They are magnificent, powerful swimmers.

The big story was the eagles.  They are such large birds, especially when they let you float right under them.  They take flight on those great wings, but they drop down before they are fully launched.  The eagles were flying out ahead of me the whole 5 hours.  At one point, 2 were perched on a branch about 75 feet up.  A third eagle landed on the branch, and suddenly there was a loud crack and a crashing of branches as the overloaded branch broke and fell.  Three eagles were also tumbling down as they got untangled and managed to pull out without harm.  I was laughing so hard , it was an eagle clown show.  Then later, the light  was just right to catch an eagle soaring in circles above me, with the white plumage on head and tail shining in the sun.

I was happy to find the tow car at Selma, recover the boat, return to the van at Cliffland, and get on home.  I found that the city of Ottumwa is just a few miles from the Cliffland Access.  For a state-run park, there are precious few signs (none, actually) to help the boater.  We'll have to work on that.

I'm glad your band concerts went well.  With all the Christmas music we're playing, you'd think we'd have a little snow!!!

Love, 

Gigs and Megs