Note: I actually got off my butt and dusted off my Mississippi River book manuscript today for some long-ignored editing. Enjoy
-JP
July 25, 2005
Mile 2,140
Atchafalaya River Fisherman
Today was rough. In order to make some big miles before dark, we stumbled out of the tent and were on the river by 4:30 a.m. From what we can tell from the weather radio, Hurricane Emily is blowing out to Mexico but we have no idea what’s behind her. It’d be nice to have better weather information, but we have what we have.
A sharp chill was in the air when we pushed off this morning. Sunrise wasn’t due for another hour, so Jess bundled up and slept in the bow while I paddled in the stern. Usually I just see the back of her head all day while we’re rambling on about one thing or another, but this morning not a word was spoken once we shoved off. There’s very little development down this way, and it’s very relaxing having the river to ourselves.
The afternoons have been scorching, but I guess it’d be too much to ask for an early frost this time of year. Getting off the water at 2 p.m. is frustrating because we want to keep paddling, but it’s so hot you feel like you’re going to burst into flames if you’re not careful. A dull haze covers everything by the middle of the day, and neither man nor and beast comes out until it cools off some.
We covered about fifty-five miles today and should be in good shape to reach Morgan City tomorrow afternoon. We’ll need to firm up arrangements with our ride home, then it’ll be time to head out towards the Gulf. To be honest, I’m having a hard time getting my head around the idea that we’re almost finished. No matter where we end up, the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers will always be a part of us. Watching a little creek grow into this astounding river has been amazing. What an incredible journey, and I’m blessed to have shared this with Jess.
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