We are hanging out at Camp Namekagon tonight, near Springbrook. We were welcomed with a presentation by Peter Gove, the past chair of the St. Croix River Association’s board of directors and a true driving force for the preservation of our rivers. A presentation by Jean Schaeppi, historian with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, just wrapped up. Both of them had to compete with tap beer and pizza, a pool table, and some very exuberant paddlers, but were well-received.
The river was rushing again today. It kept us all on our toes, and we looked to our paddling companions for companionship and a helping hand at times. Folks spotted three different black bears along the banks. I was lucky enough to paddle for a bit with Jim Fitzpatrick, recently retired as director of Carpenter Nature Center along the St. Croix in Hastings, MN, and also a true bird expert. It was great to finally identify a few of the innumerable birds we heard and saw.
We have completed three of six days, and things are really settling into a groove. It’s fun to drift from group to group, and still see new faces as we let the river carry us along.
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- Jim Fitzpatrick.
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- Admiring the view.
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- Still smiling.
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- Namekagon River. (Greg Seitz, St. Croix 360)
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- Stinnet Landing chute.
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- Rumbling over.
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- Lydia Brawner and Andre Lougee on the 2013 Namekagon paddle.
Bill Cook:
Looks like you are really enjoying yourself and we are with you all the way. Maybe I will do it with you next year since I am getting younger year by year.
Be safe,
Mom and Dad