River Ripple, 9/11/04

We honor those who died in NY, Washington and Pennsylvania

The River Ripple went well, 100 people and about 70 boats, mostly kayaks.   The Corps left some water in the river, so there was very little walking.  The pre-launch shuttle went well, there were volunteers to help at Eddyville and Ottumwa, all in all well-organized.  Thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters for a lovely day.   One first for me, a hot dog from volunteers who were grilling on a pontoon boat in mid-river.   Yum.  (more to come)

Sandy and Kelly launch the racing canoe from Hardfish Access, Eddyville


Tandem carry down, SOT kayak from River Basin outfitters

First time paddlers from Ottumwa get ready to take on the river.  With a gentle current and a soft breeze, it's a perfect day.

One mile downstream, Eddyville bridge on a sunny day

The scenic river loved by Native Americans, below Eddyville

There were dozens of inviting sandbars along the way.  Here's a friendly guy giving me a wave

Near Chillicothe, the new paddlers from Ottumwa have become a smooth paddling tandem machine

Chris and son near Chillicothe bridge

Ladies in colorful kayaks,   Photo.   The colorful sunflowers, the hundreds of silver maples and cottonwoods, the white of the sand and clouds, and the blue of the sky and water made for a scenic and pleasant trip.

Tasty treats from the Big Brother Big Sister barbecue barge, below Chillicothe (about 10 miles downstream from Eddyville)

Coming in for a landing, lots of colorful boats on the water by Blackhawk access.  It was great fun to watch the bringing in of the boats, especially the guys with cowboy hats who loaded their 5 kayaks into a nice clean horse trailer.

Boats and cars at Blackhawk access, Ottumwa at the end of a pretty good day  (better than 8 hours against a howling wind)