Paddling... or Hiking?
June 11, 2024
mile 105.7-121.7 (Forest to Field campsite) (9.8 miles of portaging)
So chilly when we woke up this morning. I was up and moving before Henry so I did some of my morning chores and then made him some coffee to get him moving. We were packed up and moving by 11.
We knew we were starting out with what we thought was a 6 mile portage down Casey Road to avoid some class 2 and 3 rapids that were over our skill set. Every mile was tough, pulling the canoe down bumpy dirt roads, I even took a turn pulling for once and couldn't believe how heavy and hard it was.
I listened to my audiobook some to distract myself from how hard it was. On the paved road I could barely make it another step, the hot sun beating on the left side of my face no matter how far forward I pulled the hood of my sun hoodie. Finally there was a small pull off on the left side of the road that was shaded and we sat to take a break. I ate a snack and chugged some water (but not too much, we were starting to realize we should've brought more on this carry).
I was so happy to see the river again even if it was somewhat shallow. We waded through some mud to get the canoe loaded up and took off through the riffles. Spotted a Bald Eagle up close and personal on a dead snag that took off and flew upriver as we neared.
Then... you guessed it- another portage! This one was 0.4 and 50% wheelable so we had to carry the canoe and all of the gear 0.2 up a rocky, root covered trail and up a steep path to a parking lot. I was so. tired. My arms were shaking using all of my strength to carry my side of the canoe. My nose started to bleed and it was all so ridiculous I couldn't help but laugh as I rested on the ground and let it bleed before wiping off with some nearby leaves.
On the other side of our portage we carefully maneuvered down a steep bank and then back in the water. At this point we looked at our camping options and realized they were pretty limited. Thankfully there was a campsite a short piece down the road from our last portage. We texted the caregiver, Craig, to let him know we'd be arriving this evening and he replied back quickly that he would get a fire going for us.
Quick paddle once again to our final portage of the day where we took out near a dam and wheeled up and down some steep gravel roads before popping out on the pavement.
Walked past our put in and down the road to the campsite where we climbed Craig's driveway and walked past his pastures full of goats and horses and up the hill to the campsite. It was an incredible spot and he was there to greet us.
I collapsed next to the fire and gratefully drank a Sprite as Craig and Henry talked canoes while I zoned out and mentally counted just how many muscles in my body were on fire- I don't think I've ever been so sore in all of my life.
When Craig headed inside we set up camp, I slowly worked on the tent while Henry cooked because I was starving and he knew it. Gobbled down some mac n cheese and then stood on the edge of the hill and tried to stretch my aching body as best I could. The entire pasture below was lit up with fireflies and I almost didn't want to go to bed it was so beautiful. I popped a Benadryl, some Aleve, and magnesium and slept the hardest I have this entire trip, only waking once to a rooster crowing at 5:30 a.m.
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