End of the river - Its all over!

After 65 days and over 3000 kms of paddling I have finally reached the end of my journey. While at times it has been tough and challenging it has been a great way to see the American Mid-West and to meet a lot of wonderful people in the process.

Now that the journey is done I guess its time to think of something else to amuse myself and no doubt it will involve travel. Enjoy

Washington, Missouri - last days!

My time on the river is quickly drawing to an end as I expect to be in St Louis in the next two days. It will be weird not to spend my days paddling, swimming and camping by the river as the trains roar by at night. The last couple of days have been more social than what I have been use to. First I camped at Coopers Landing, a must stop spot for all river rats. Caught up with Jim a house boat owner out of Kansas City and Brendan, a fellow Aussie who was cycling across country. Even had time for my first shower in over two months - think I prefer the river wash.

A day down river I caught up Steve Schnarr and his fine crew doing volunteer work with Missouri River Relief. Over a few drinks and an excellent meal I got to meet some excellent folk and learn all about the great work they are doing to keep the river clean and encourage more river use.

Without a doubt the prettiest town on the river has been Herman, Missouri. Settled by Germans in the 1840s it has retained all of its charm and understandably lays claim to being the German capital of the USA.

Boonville, Missouri 2980 kms down, only 320kms to go!

Its worthwhile noting when travelling by river through the state of Missouri, you can catch an unlimited supply of carp a day but only 5 bullfrogs.Curious as to how one catches bullfrogs, local research informed that a large flashlight is required as once it is shined in the bullfrogs eyes they freeze making capture an easy task. And of course they taste just like chicken. On a side note, carp when surprised seek suicide by jumping meters out of the water. This makes for an interesting though a touch disconcerting sight as they weigh anywhere between 1kg and 20kgs.

Local wildlife trying to wrestle a fish up the shore.

Only 320kms to go until I reach the end of the Missouri River in St Louis. I have a flight out on October 6th which means I have slowed down my pace so I don't arrive too early. And now time to get some food.

Atchison, Missouri - Home of Amelia Earhart

Below is a link to a recent news story a TV station out of Omaha did on me. Havent watched it myself but sure it will be riverting.


http://www.ketv.com/news/29237207/detail.html

St Joseph, Missouri 2574 kms down, only 720kms to go.

Just got into St Joseph, Missouri and while I haven't really had much of a chance to look around the downtown area is really pretty though also really quiet. Still not really sure about which sections of the river are closed or were closed but have started to see other traffic on the river so things are looking good. Aside from yesterday I had a four day stretch of really nasty weather that made for some cold and wet paddling. The upside though was the river was flowing nicely meaning I covered a lot of distance in a short space of time, clocking up 90kms one day without too much effort. It has slowed down a little now.

The above two pics come from downtown White Cloud in Kansas. Not a great deal happening there with the only places open being the Post Office and a bank that was straight out of the 1850s that wouldn't have looked out of place when Jesse James dropped by for a withdrawal. Speaking of Jesse, St Joseph is his hometown and there is a museum devoted to his life around here somewhere that I'll try to see.

Well that's about it. Plan on a lazy day around town before getting back on the river late this arvo. Should be passing through Kansas City in the next day or two though I try not to spend much time in the bigger places. Enjoy.

Iowa & Nebraska - The river is closed???

Due to serious flooding over the summer many parts of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers were closed to all boating traffic. I had been lucky that by the time I reached the closed sections they had been reopened, up until yesterday that is. The section of the Missouri that goes through Iowa and Nebraska has been closed all summer but I have heard that it all reopens September 15th. The water is running fast though not as fast as places up north and the river level is dropping. Means that I get the next 300kms all to myself.

Passed through Sioux City which is probably the biggest city I have visited on the river. The weather has turned cold with it dropping to o degrees overnight. As the days and weeks pass my tent continues its terminal decline. I has now reached the point that is it rains I must make sure to wear my raincoat in the tent. And now its off to Omaha.

Farewell South Dakota, the last of the dams!

Finally earlier this morning with great happiness I crossed my final dam just above Yankton, South Dakota. From here on in, all the way down to St Louis we are 'dam free' which means easier,faster paddling and more to see and do. One thing in favour of the dams is the fact that towns are able to be situated closer to the river saving long walks into town. Pierre 160kms up river was an excellent case in point and aside from lots of cool old buildings to see some friendly locals Julie, Faith and Leanne took it upon themselves to show me the sights and treat me to a steak dinner at Mad Marys - most tasty. They also introduced me to Mr Mac a renowned teacher who has been teaching Latin for over 40 years - I was of the impression that the teaching of Latin stopped many years ago.

Roger and his wife who helped me portage around the dam at Pickton.

The above baby deer had fallen down the bank breaking or injuring its back leg and as a result was unable to get back up the hill. Sadly there was no room in the kayak for it.

Portage over the dam at Yankton, South Dakota.

With Labor Day having passed, summer is well and truly over in the USA. There are few boats or people on the river and lakes and many of the marinas and shops have closed for the season. Luckily in the next couple of days I will cross into Iowa where there are more people and greater access to towns. While I carry a radio on the front of the kayak I find myself listening to podcasts as I paddle instead. Each town I get to I find a wifi spot and download as much as my itouch will handle. - Might have overdone it today as the itouch froze for about an hour though luckily it is up and running again. Well best run, grab some supplies and get back to the river as Sioux City is only days away.