Day 29: Eagles, the current, and peace of mind

Prescott, WI to Red Wing, MN.
I headed down to the marina today. I ended up talking to Dick, one of the owners, and he began to tell me about the adventures I will be encountering. He also gave me some sound advise as I get further south. He has been down this river and most other river outlets in the states. I will heed his advise as my journey progresses. I took off with my big lens attached to capture images of eagles I may encounter along the way. I am glad I did. I was able to capture a lot of eagles as I moved towards Red Wing. I was told that this would be some of the heaviest populations along the river.
Once again, I was one of the only crafts on the river. It was a relaxing and amazing feeling. I made my way down to Diamond Point where I saw a busy bar on the left side of the river. It was the Nauti Hog Bar and Grill. I paddled across the river and docked up next to their flooded staircase. I had a few onlookers watch and ask me questions as I tied up and made my way up the hill. I was the only boater there this afternoon. I rolled in and ordered lunch. I felt a little out of place in a long sleeve white t-shirt and gym shorts, but I didn’t care too much. I ride and have ridden, now I am just paddling. This was a quick stop as I wanted to make good time going downstream. I pulled into this cove on an island just downstream. I talked with some boaters and jet skiers. It was just fun to socialize.
I jumped back into the current and headed down as they were out playing on their jet skis. I passed my first nuclear power plant. That is the point where I will not tap into the Mississippi’s water, even with a filter. I approached Lock & Dam #2. I called ahead as this was my first lock. I was waved in and handed a rope as they lowered the water. It is normally a 12′ drop. Due to the floods, it was about 1′. I was a little disappointed, but it was still a cool experience. I headed towards Red Wing. I was beginning to get tired, so I was keeping an eye out for places to set up my tent. I came around this corner that had some rough and fast moving water and I saw some homes. All of their lawns were flooded. I found one that looked like it had a docking area (which was under water). I pulled up, got out and whet up to the owners house. Charlie answered and told me I was welcome to set up in his lawn. He was 2 weeks out of a shoulder surgery, but was very friendly and hospitable. I set up the tent, watched the sunset and was asleep a little after 10:00. Needless to say, I must have been tired. It was a good day filled with experiences I know I was the only one experiencing. Having no boat traffic can be a wonderful thing sometimes.