| Return | River News and Views 10/2/05 I was out for a paddle yesterday. As I was getting ready to put in at Harriet St., a dozen pelicans flew over, then circled back and did a fly by right over my head. There were several eagles and ducks in great numbers. At one point there were at least a hundred pelicans and as many ducks on a sand bar. They took flight in this great salt and pepper cloud. I love to watch the pelicans turn in slow circles so high up, I wonder what the purpose could be. Several pelicans swam with me for a while. One took flight just a few feet away, pushing off the water with webbed feet and slowly lifting off with beats of the magnificent wings, four beats and airborne. Such a treat. It was a warm day, with plenty of water from rains up north. It was good to be out. I paddled 10 miles, and used the tow car system to get down and back. The leaves are starting to turn, it was a pretty trip. I've been reading Bill McKibben's Wandering Home, a book about hiking in Vermont and upstate New York. He has a nice way of finding larger truths in everyday life. I did a little of that kind of thing when I was living in the commune outside Burlington VT in 1970. His wilderness thoughts are kind of like the conflicts that led to my ending the water trail activities. Some people want the people to leave, I would like the people to come and appreciate. Congratulations to Hardin County and Boone/Webster/Hamilton County for over $100,000 in water trail grants
I really enjoyed the overnight canoe float starting at Bradgate access to Rutland. Participants were to spend Friday night at Rutland's campground, then float to Humboldt in the morning. I was the only one paddling to Rutland, but I was welcomed and thanked by numerous friends and dignitaries. See the photo album for the beautiful scenery and awesome wildlife, including a photo of a heron and a fawn on a sandbar. The water was amazingly reflective, I had to put my hand in the river to see if the branches were growing upward. Also, Willow Access near Bradgate has been wonderfully restored after last year's terrible tornado, as have the trails and the town. I had many visitors at the Rutland campground, and a very restful night. In the morning
I was joined by canoe craftsman Jim Dodd and by Julie and Luke, of the Kellmorgen clan. We
had a lovely paddle down to Lake Nokomis, with gentle riffles and a giant eagle nest along
the way. At about 500 cfs by the Humboldt gauge, we grazed a few boulders but never had to
walk. Riverfest was going on by Reasoner Dam, with proceeds going to the new river
restoration project. There were river lovers of all ages having a good time, and the food
and the T-shirts were awesome.
8/5/05 The North Raccoon Water shed group invited me to a meeting and a canoe float. It was a pleasure to talk with them about water trails in Iowa, it looks like the group will make that part of their significant agenda. The float from Perry to Minburn was lovely, about 500 cfs and just a little scraping of the bottom. The highlight for me was the 2 young ladies who spent more time in the river than in the canoes of their respective fathers, and who said "can you believe this is Iowa?" Thank you, Mike Delaney and all. For more information about the watershed project, or to join the group, contact Mike at Medelaney54@aol.com . 7/11/05 Canoe Van Buren was well-attended. The weather was perfect, the river was running well but not too high. Thanks to the more than 100 people who paddled and about the same number of volunteers that make the trip so memorable. Plus, the T-shirt is wonderful and the new water trail brochure is ready and waiting for the new kiosks that are being constructed.
7/5/05 It was great to be on the river Saturday, July 2. Thanks to the powerboaters who showed courtesy to a paddler on the Des Moines from Sycamore to Birdland. People were very friendly, and the trip was scenic and satisfying. This is the Des Moines River Water trail, shared by paddlers and powerboats, a wonderful place for recreation.
3/21/05 I took my annual tour of boat ramps over the weekend. Here are some highlights: I found the marker for the old military road just south of
Keosauqua, where it intersects with the Mormon Trail. The DAR marker for the
intersection of the Dragoon Trail and the Mormon Trail just south of Stockport is missing.
That has got to be one of the most historic places in all of Iowa, it
deserves better. The Dragoon Trail marker at the bank in Libertville is in excellent
repair and is worth a visit. 2/28/05 2/20/05 Iowa Water Trail Association and friends, Happy news for February is as follows: There was a good turnout for the IWTA presentation at the Paddlesport Expo. I got a good solid round of applause for my movie, and the presentation by the Big Sioux Water Trail group was well received. The Expo was excellent and well attended, and many thanks to Canoesport Outfitters for asking us to participate. I attended the Central Iowa Paddler's Armchair Paddler presentation Sunday, 2/20. Brian Soenen from Project Aware reviewed the success of the first 2 years and gave us a look at this year's event on the Little Sioux River aka the Inkapudata Trail from Spencer to Cherokee. For a good time with 150 people who are doing a good thing for Iowa rivers, lakes and streams, see the web site: http://www.iowadnr.com/volunteer/aware/index.html 1/1/05 We had a glorious day on the Des Moines, 1/1/05. The roads were slick, Steve saw a sand truck overturned. Sycamore Access was a sheet of ice, but we moved around carefully and had no falls. Three groups paddled on New Year's Day, for a total of 19 paddlers. Ye-Ha! We were 10 boats and 11 paddlers (one canoe). The day was overcast, about 30 degrees, no rain, but the boat ramp was incredibly icy. Once launched, we had a good hard pull to Saylorville, then back about 12:00 (we could hear the noon whistles going off). We watched out for each other, and shared treats at the end of the day. It was quite glorious, with clear water, 2 trumpeter swans at the start and eagles and geese along the way. Let's do it again next year, when the Ames crowd can be with us again. See the web album here. Special condolences to Scott B, whose boat froze to his car. Thanks for the report, Gerry. I looked at the photos
on your website, too. We didn't have the ice that you did, probably a combination of our
later start-time (noon, just as you guys were having end-of-trip snacks) and the more
southern latitude of at Red Rock Dam. There was only one remnant ice-patch in the Howells
Station parking lot, so no slip-sliding or kayak sprawls here. I left the Des Moines
Airport about 11AM and arrived at noon at Howells Station to find John Craun
(kayak-builder from Monroe) and Scott Evans (from Knoxville). We paddled up to tailwater,
then 2 miles down to the new ("million-dollar") bridge and back. We saw about 20
bald eagles, about 200 Canada geese, lots of gulls, miscellaneous ducks. Stiff wind was
blowing directly against the downstrean current, making small standing waves in places. We
struggled through shallows near the bridge. The wind helped push us back upstream.
Drizzled on us a few times, but the big downpour held off until we drove away at 3:30PM.
Great way to start the New Year!Here's a photo of the "Howells Station
Gang"...-John Pearson And from Ames: HEY! STOP THE PRESSES! Sorry we missed you at Sycamore, but we did make it in the PM - and probably didn't miss you by much. We would have written it off, but Dave convinced us all it'd be okay. (And it was) Had Dave, Greg, Carolyn, Scott, & myself. Don Wall had planned to come. You'll probably hear from one of them & hopefully a few more pics. GREAT PHOTOS! Rick Dietz
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