It was a really good river trip on Sunday. There's still plenty of snow, so I was able to pull the boat up the hill from the Yellow Banks boat ramp (about 1/3 mile). On that hill, with the
snow and ice, there's no way a vehicle would make it up. I left the bike at the top of the hill,
then put in at 14th St. It was 10 miles downstream, and the GPS did a great job of giving me
speed, distance, and estimated time to the next bend in the river. There was a train crossing a bridge over the river. I started with about 10 eagles, and by the time I got to Yellow Banks,
there were at least 30 eagles in the trees and overhead. I actually counted 30 in the tree, and as I approached, all 30 magnificent birds took flight, wheeling and soaring right over the boat.
WOW. 

I was watching eagles, and missed the boat ramp. I looked down at the GPS, and saw that the ramp was behind me. So, I had to walk back upriver until I found the ramp, then I pulled the boat back upstream. It was 6:00 by the time I got the boat up the hill, then I rode the mountain bike back to 14th St.  From there, I got a burger and a cup of hot chocolate. 

Back at Yellow Banks, the ranger saw my flashlight and somebody pulling something, so he
came out to see what was going on. He was very helpful, holding the flashlight while I got
things stowed, and helping get the boat loaded. So, home by 9 PM was I, and most happy
with the performance of all my equipment. I kept in touch with MJS by ship-shore cellular
phone! 

I have eagle pictures, so I'll try to get them in the mail. 

I LOVE IOWA!!