DakotaMiles
07-12-2014, 02:08 AM
Launched solo last Sunday. from Willy campground in a inflatable canoe. First night, made it just east of bridge for hwy 759,camped on a beach. Decision for that beach, I had promised my other half, that I would avoid anything that looked rough on the water. I know that the river is pretty tame for this area but all the same, I was eddying out of the current on every bend and a unexpected wave train caught me floating sideways. My boat is ultra stable, but I still decided time for terra firma. Stayed at the east end of Burtonsville Island for 2 nights. That was awesome! I was sitting on a log and 2 mulies came out of the bush and just walked right up to my tent before they figured out what I was and beat it! Bouncing away! The next morning, I watched a moose come down to the river on the southside, walk up the shore and then decide he liked my side and went for a swim over to visit! The current took him about 100 yards down by the time he got to my shore. All this while I am having my first cup of joe! Interesting how cell phones wont work in this area during the day, but come later in the evening you can get 1 or 2 bars of signal strengh. My other half, told me that Wednesday was supposed to have a big storm, so I told her I would be on the water by 8am and only travel for a few hours and then I would hole up for the storm. So, not staying current with my map and compass, I float by a couple guys swimming on their break from their job at a gravel pit and I ask them how far to hwy 770 (Genesse) their response is its right around the bend. My 2nd mistake of the trip! I decide since I am so close to Genesse, to stop and hole up right across from this gravel pit. I set up on another beach, expecting a good light show and heavy rain. I phone the wife, and tell her that I have made excellent time and since I am so close to Genesse that I will have her pick me up at Devon tomorrow. Well, the storm turned out to be 3 lightening strikes and a little overnight rain! Next morning, on the water at 8:30am, the Genesse bridge turns out to be 4 hours float down the river I had already committed to the wife that I would be back that night and my canoe being an inflatable is not quick at all, so I soldiered on did not get off the water until 7:30pm that evening. It is amazing, if your boat is very stable how many positions you can get into to relief sore butt, if you know what I mean! Oh! by the way, floating between Genesse and Devon, there is house on one side and a big target set up on the other side of the river. When I realized what that was, I was no longer lounging in my canoe but putting as many strokes as I could to get out of that area pronto! Got off the water at 7:30pm, wife picked me up, young man tinkering with his jetski, must of thought I was drunk because when I went to get out of my little canoe that you sit cross legged in normally, I almost fell over. Took me all night to get my land legs back. Today, washed out all the sand and grit for everything and started thinking about what other adventures to get into! Just thought I would share my little tale with everyone. Also, this is my first post and hopefully not my last!