Today’s miles: 19.9
Trip miles: 1084.7
My daughter, Erin, picked me up early Wednesday afternoon at Swift Creek Park, between Selma and Montgomery. It was a tough paddling day, with headwinds nearly the whole way, but still a good day to be on the river (or R. E. Woodruff Lake in this case).
I plan to head back to the river in about a week and a half, but that is subject to family plans and getting a manuscript written and submitted.
I saw this amazing natural formation on a log along the Alabama River. It was too cold for an alligator to be exposed like that, but I still had to get close to be sure.
Welcome home, Robert. You have truly earned this break with your family and I thank you for the first fascinating thousand miles. (I suggest you submit your manuscript with a few stains from river water and mosquito repellent for authenticity.)
Great idea, Joe. I may have added a photo after you saw this morning’s post.
Sounds like you were smart and agreed with the wife to be home for the holidays 🙂 . We met on Okaloosa Island and I helped you carry the canoe up the stairs. Enjoy the family time.
Bill,
Great to hear from you! I really appreciated your help then and now. That had to be a little weird, having this dirty stranger walk up and ask for your help, but you were both generous and gracious. I have been successful so far in not severely hurting myself, largely because of nice folks like you who have helped me out. I hope the rest of your stay was as good as mine. The former colleague/boss who loaned me her condo is a fine and generous person. When I left, I wheeled everything across the street to the Intracoastal, which saved me some 15 miles of paddling. Love those public access strips!
So glad to hear you’re taking a break for the holidays – but, I will miss checking your daily blog and finding out if you made it through another day ! Merry Christmas and here’s to a great New Year !
Thanks, Jean. I’m working on a manuscript now, after a wonderful holiday with family. If I can get this paper written and submitted tomorrow, I’ll be back on the river Friday. I hope you and yours had a great Christmas and that 2013 is a great year for you.