Having heard a report that there were swans on the river south of the Saylorville Dam, I had to get out on the river. 

Last weekend, I paddled about 6 miles doing the round trip from Birdland Marina to the InterUrban Trail bridge.  There was ice along the shore, and the water was frozen south to Center St. dam.  It felt good to be out on Lake Des Moines, so-called because there is no current to speak of.

This past week, I found the solution to paddling in low water in cold weather.  My Sorel boots are insulated and water resistant, but some water gets in when I have to get out and pull the boat over the low water areas.  That water is icy cold at first, then the boots warm my feet to tolerable levels. 

Wanting better than tolerable I set out for a solution.  Seal Skinz from Cabellas did not do the trick (water comes in over the top).  At Canoesport Outfitters in Indianola I found some neoprene muklaks (boots) that come up to my knees and  keep out all the water.  I put on neoprene socks, wool socks, Seal Skinz, the muklaks, and then the Sorel boot shells (with heavy duty soles) and voila, warm dry feet even in knee deep FREEZING COLD WATER.

Swans and new boots, too exciting.  Up at 5 AM, set up and ready to go at Sycamore Access at 6:45, it was dark and foggy. . . called my folks in New York to pass the time.  Finally there was enough light and I got launched.  No more than 200 feet upstream, trumpet calls and the beating of strong wings, and the flash of those great white bodies, was a sight like no other.

It was a great paddle up to Saylorville.  I had to get out of the boat at the rapids by Cottonwood  (several times), and the new boots worked great.  It was so foggy that I couldn't see the dam from the warning signs, but you can hear the rush of water, and I could see the lights on the road across the top of the dam.

Just before the dam,  the 3 swans took flight once more, and they passed overhead in a majestic formation.  On the return trip, I saw geese, an eagle, and a great blue heron, and I enjoyed again the clear water that I want desperately to have all the time.

So, if you've got some high rubber boots and warm clothes, make a run up to the dam.  It'll be the experience of a lifetime.  I'm really liking this low water winter kayaking.

Gerry Rowland
Des Moines
1/9/00