Tuesday, May 4, 2010

It's the river calling...


Muscoda, which means "Prairie of Flowers," located in the heart of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway . Great community for a start of any river trip. Did an overnight down to Woodman, home of the famous Whistle Stop Restaurant.
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There are a couple of put ins, one city operated and maintained with $25.00 a night camping, :-/ or you can go to the DNR launch paddle 600 yards and be on a pristine island with golden sand looking down river for free.
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Weather was sketchy on Friday night with a tornado watch in effect. We opted for the city camp ground as they offered picnic shelters in case of a down pour and we could keep the evening social instead of huddling into out tents. The city camp turned out to be very nice... only one other camper and he was in a motor home at the far end of the camp.
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Saturday we had high winds blue skies and temps well into the 70's... simply put beautiful. There were 6 in our group, which I personally find pretty manageable. Plenty of room on the islands to spread out and it's a big river so you don't feel pushed or crowded when paddling.
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We did a car shuttle and got on the river around 11:00am - so relaxed. Coming up on Friday allows you the opportunity to wash a bit of the city off before hitting the river. Usually takes me a few hours to get on river time.
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It was a cruise, not much paddling, in fact I got two naps in on a sun drenched islands Saturday and Sunday. It's great cause Koa goes exploring rolling in anything and every thing while I take it all in. She swims really well but doubtful she would cross moving water to get to the river's edge; So she can be a dog and run free with virtually no worries.
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The Players: Patrick, Sandy, Gary, Joy, Dave and myself. History lesson part ll from Patrick which is always a treat. The pups "Koa" and "Patch" were along as well offering comical dog antics, Koa with her rolling in everything smelly and Patch with his ability to pick up every burr possible in his long fur coat.
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It was a pleasure to paddle the Summersong fully loaded. In fact it paddles much better under a load then empty. I set it up for kneeling the first day and then tractor seating the next. Changing it up a bit. Had a straight shaft modified beaver tail paddle from Whiskey Jack paddles. (love this paddle) Got my paddles from Dan when he was making them out of his garage back in the day. Now I think he sells worldwide. Works of art.
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Brought along an epic comp kayak paddle for the high wind sections on the river, but never used it.
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Not sure I was 100% correct in coming off the river, what a Monday.
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Paddle Paddle - The Capt'n

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