Smoke and mirrors...

Yep that's what I saw or I think I saw... A Golden Eagle on the Rock River North of Kanow Park?
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The key to this sighting was he was only 30 feet above my head as he flew right over my canoe. I did a bit of head scratching looked up a bunch of hawks, osprey, and other birds of prey on line, but it looked just like the picture. Is seeing believing?
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So I did some checking and low and behold there are Golden Eagles in Wisconsin, but mostly Western Wisconsin.

What has changed over the last couple of years is the usage of this section of the Rock River. Downed trees keep the fishing boats at bay, shallow waters and rock gardens have appeared that I have never experienced on this section of the river. I assume this change is do to the flooding of 2008. We had record river levels and hundreds of displaced families in Jefferson County.

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I had a drag over and a duck under that proved interesting with the dog and a full boat of gear. (Camped the night before at Sand Hill Crane State Park). Also saw a late hatch of turkeys and geese that proved equally entertaining.

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This section has a real remote feel to it, high tree lined banks should make this a fall colors paddling must. Stealth camping is possible but expect muddy banks and hostile land owners. I did come across one island that has camp possibilities; mums the word...

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Shhh; You can almost hear the banjo music. -The Capt'n

Number Nine (9)

Yahoo News:

Though technically there's nothing special about the symmetrical date, some concerned with the history and meaning of numbers ascribe powerful significance to 09/09/09.

Nothing special? No significance? Surly you jest:

• Cat has nine lives
• I presently have nine canoes and kayaks in the boat house
• In nine years I'll be 60!!
• I have had nine pets thus far in my life time
• I'm presently wearing underwear that is nine years old.

This is no coincidence my friend, I'm looking for crop circles - The Capt'n

The man the myth...

Outstanding 4 day trip on the Wisconsin River. The players: Brian D., Thor, Patrick, Gary, Judy, Cheryl Ann, Kathy, Sandy, "Koa", and myself.
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Weather was perfect, light breeze (no bugs); Sun filled skies, beautiful nights with near full moons.
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We camped mostly on islands. One would think that it would be pretty busy out there on Labor Day weekend, but it wasn't too bad. It's a big river.
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A parting shot of Patrick as he pulls out on Sunday at Pine River (Gotham). He has a big trip to pack for out in Utah on the Green River. There was something about chores around the house before he left. Almost had him talked into another night on the river. Thor and Cheryl Ann pulled out too, you can see them in the background. Cheryl Ann's first paddle trip, she did great!! Back to the interstate... back to the world.

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Judy, Kathy, Sandy, Brian D. "Koa" and I paddled on. Gary day paddled on Friday and had to take off. He was going an a MCP trip on the Lemonweir River on Saturday.

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Patrick is the man. A wealth of knowledge of paddling in general; but his keen observation and commitment to the Wisconsin River has made him a master guide in these areas, everything wild in Wisconsin. Effigy mounds, campsites, birds and plants. Did you know there are native cactus in Wisconsin? Well we do now.
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The man the myth... Patrick... he told me quite clearly he is working very hard to becoming a professional paddle bum. I hope he gives lessons, sounds very appealing.

Plenty of pictures to be had. Sandy's pics - Click Here

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Trip Highlights: (In no particular order)

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• history lesson(s)
• perfect weather
• great campsites
• outstanding group
• unbelievable food
• stimulating conversation
• sky lanterns, and drumming
• the greatest fishing story every told

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Back to the interstate, back to the world..... back to work. - The Capt'n

We...

Gone paddling... see ya on the other side of Labor Day!

I thought about it

Got this e-mail yesterday...

Brian,

I am looking for a paddling partner to help me set the Rhine River canoe record next April. Would you be interested in being that guy?

http://www.conquertherhine.com/


Call me for more details.

Thanks Mike

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It's would seem somewhat foolish to turn down fully sponsored all expense paid paddling adventure abroad next year, but in the scheme of things; Racing and records really isn't what I'm looking for.
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I paddle for the freedom it brings, how it touches the soul as you silently push from shore and the people you meet have all slowed their being down to a reasonable hum where you can hold an enlightened conversation.
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Challenges, which for me are not races, but an opportunity to look deep within one's self. You get a glimpse of yourself in the best and sometimes worst of times. I'll do more challenges, organized or not. Racing doubtful, but I thought about it.
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I started paddling when I was a wee lad. Who knows the actual date or year, but my first paddling adventure was with my cousin Dave. An uphill paddle as we headed up the Oconomowoc River. I was about 10 years old Dave about 8; Right after getting a first run addition of Tom Sawyer from my Great Grandmother Lake. Yes her name was Lake.
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A day trip it was, but the freedom it gave us, a sense of adventure.... and our parents never knew we were gone. Or did they and have the sense to leave canoe and paddle so conveniently by the shore in hopes of our discovery? It's a mystery.
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I'm pretty sure they knew what they were doing. They let mother nature babysit us while they went through their daily routine.
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Up by six; Home by dark. Meals at home optional - Ah to be a kid again in the Lake Country area. - The Capt'n

A Short Story

Some times you just have to force a hug from your daughter!

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Three Days with the Captain of the O Dark 30 -A MCP Paddle
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The Players: Kathy, Laurel, Lois, Marissa, Sandy, “The Firewood Fairy” Debbie, Chris, Jim, Skylar, Tom, Vern, The Capt’n (of course) and Koa (the wonder dog)
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Friday - was a pleasant paddle up the Rock river and back to the Conservation Club. The group enjoyed blue herons, river otters and a hornet’s nest over hanging the river; something like you would imagine in a Winnie the Pooh fable.
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Jim arrived and with him he brought the thunderstorms and his grandson Skylar… The group opted for dinner out at Applebee’s where we enjoyed the lightening storm from the comforts of the restaurant. Good call!!
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The weather cleared and we enjoyed another fantastic camp fire by Vern. If you haven’t paddle camped with Vern, you are in for a treat. He is the Fire Master.
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There was a lot of discussion and stories on rabbits, dogs and the abuse of camp chairs. Each of us took or shot at upping the last story. Vern wins – but the story will never be repeated.
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Saturday - found us altering the paddle a bit to accommodate the high winds and brisk temperatures. We dropped the Lac La Belle section with its two portages and large fetch. All were quite pleased to forgo the whitecaps and wet ride across the lake.

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We put in on Fowler lake made our way up the Oconomowoc river then portaged to Oconomowoc lake. We then dropped back into the Oconomowoc river up to Okauchee lake. On our return we stopped in at the Kiltie Drive Inn for lunch and custard. Kathy was duped by the car hop; We thought for sure she was going to boil over, especially after getting hefty speeding ticket on the way to the put-in. She amazed us and took it in stride.
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We celebrated our successful paddle by review at the “German Bar” nestled on the shores of Fowler lake. Now the events at this tavern are very clear to me, though others may express their own views, but the fact of the matter is; Jim lost his pants! Ask me no questions I tell you no lies… but truth be told!! There was a MCP depanting!!
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More pelting rain during the dinner hour, found us tucked in to Fiesta’s Mexican restaurant for a Mucho Bueno Dinner and more laughter at Jim’s expense.
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True to form, the rain subsided after dinner and we had another fine camp fire by Vern.

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Sunday - the sun shown bright! We almost forgot what the sun was, but relished in its warmth on our faces.
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A short shuttle and we were off! We put in at Prince’s Point on the Bark river and made our way down to Fort Atkinson were we were greeted by the remains of the music festival Rhythm on the River.

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It was extremely windy and Skylar (10yrs. Old) struggled in his play boat. I set up a tow and it was working pretty well, until the wind caught his bow pushed him sideways and he dumped! A quick rescue found him nestled in my canoe and we towed his kayak to a quieter section of the river.
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We all made it off with out other incident. Safe and sound we said our good byes. Till then… paddle paddle.
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The End.

Out with the old and in with the...

Wasp nest over hanging the Rock River. Very active indeed. Marissa was not to keen on getting close to get a picture. We tried to get Jim to take it home and hang it in his living room. :-)

Out with the old and in with the not so aesthetic new. I'm into bridges that are old and have character, not sure why their cool, but I like them. Must be the craftsmanship.

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There is a great DNR launch on the far side for fisherman and boating enthusiasts. This launch puts you on the exclusive Oconomowoc Lake. Oconomowoc was known as the Newport of the Midwest.

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The premiere of the Wizard of OZ was here at the Strand Theater, Mark Twain spent many a day at the Pine Terrace Estate and also had quite an influence on me as a young lad. My Mom and Dad got me out on the water, Twain gave it a sense of adventure.

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I fancy my self a riverboat captain - The Capt'n