The trip back to Bennington was an opportunity to discover the southern terminus of county road F70, which intersects Hwy. 14 at Monroe.  I found 117th St., and followed the gravel road to the boat ramp.  The river was still just below bank full, and the lake was just on the other side of the greenbelt and extended as far north as the horizon. 

I was away and paddling at about 11 AM.  Within a mile it was clear that this would not one of those trips where you follow the river, enjoy the view, and take out downstream.  The lake and river levels were nearly the same, and it was difficult to tell which was which.  I had a chance to cut across flooded marsh directly to the Boxcars, but chose to stay within the treelines to the left and right.  Approaching the west bluffs, the downstream current stopped, the wind and the waves from the NW started to push me south, and the water was well above the riverbank.  I found a clearing in the trees, turned toward Elk Rock, and pushed off. 

I have paddled through trees, and I have paddled in surf.  I have never surfed through trees, and it was the oddest sensation.  Once I got through the treeline, it was another 11 miles to Elk Rock.  The first landmark to become visible was the Cordova tower.  At about 5 miles out, the mile long bridge came into view.  The view of the colored cliffs and the wooded bluffs was fantastic.  The waves varied, but were 3 and sometimes 4 feet high.  I made about 3 mph according to the GPS, and did the 14 miles in a little over 3 hours.  With a contrary wind and waves this would have been a much more difficult trip.