After waiting for 30 minutes, Aaron and I realized we were on our own. We headed south with the temperature in the teens. We traveled along roads lined by ice-covered cliffs. After dropping of gear and boats we jumped back onto the dirt roads to drop off the car. The whole while, the temperature slowly climbing to 20 degrees warmer than it had been for a week. After putting on the beautiful, clear, and blue water, a team of ducks took flight around the bend, all I could think was: I am so happy to be on the river!
The ice structures formed along the banks were like small settlements from a Jim Henson production. Each new formation similar but with a special uniqueness. We found a site with an abundance of firewood and within 30 minutes, had a true bonfire that provided more heat than my old furnace at home. Sitting in complete warmth, we prepared chowder and crab cakes. The clouds rolled in shortly before bedtime, hiding the amazing stars, but holding in heat for the evening.
The rain came almost on cue at 7am on Sunday. The fine mist was unable to extinguish the fire, so we sat and drank our coffee. We were back on the river by 9 with an escort of 5 eagles, 4 adults and 1 adolescent. They moved down the river in front of us like an honor guard on point. We were finished by 10am, were loaded by 11am, and back in Springfield halfway through the 2nd quarter of the Packer-Cowboy game. All in all, a fabulously awesome float! The only thing missing was the rest of you all!
Photos by Aaron Mihalevich.
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