I woke up around 6 am because a fisherman was launching his boat to try his luck on the river. I was not able to go back to sleep, so I figured I would get moving as I had a big day ahead of me. I walked up to a gas station and filled my bags with ice water. I had a nice talk with the woman behind the counter before launching my day. A gut down by the boat launch helped me get the boat back into the water and I was off. Paddling in the early morning hours meant calm waters, no boat traffic, and a smooth paddle. I watched the trains pass by and checked out the town from the water. I approached a train bridge that they were doing some work on. They were loading in the support pillars with heave rocks. I passed by and realized I would be having the river to myself for most of the day. I also knew I would be facing a strong headwind all day. This would be my challenge. The water acts funny when there is a head wind. Swells are kicked up and can come from different directions depending on the bends in the river.
\nI tightened everything up and charged forward. Some parts were not too bad, but as I hit some of the open water sections, it became a fight. The swells were 2′-3′ with white caps. They were crashing over my boat as I worked to get my timing down so I could avoid that from happening. It was exhausting as I worked my way towards the Clinton Lock and Dam. I arrived and called ahead as I was crossing some of the worst parts. I saw an approaching barge and wanted to get and a time estimate. They told me to approach the long rock pike and to hold tight. I now know that hold tight translates to about 2 hours. I pulled up on the rick pile and got out. I was tired from the previous 30 miles of hard paddling and wanted a break. I ate some granola and waited. Once I was able to get through, I knew I would be able to get food in Clinton. I finally was able to lock through and I was off to Clinton.
\nI arrived at the marina, docked, and headed up to get some food. I sat at the bar and ordered a big burger. I realized my eyes were more hungry and I was looking at the menu with my old eyes. Those old eyes were when I weighted 265 and ate a lot. My stomach has gotten smaller along with my shape on this adventure. I ate the whole thing, but also committed to not doing that any more. I like this being trimmer and fitter. It feels great. I got back in my boat and had some more miles before getting to Princeton. I began to paddle and realized my arms were spent. I was exhausted from a hard day of paddling. I made it to a town called Camanche. I did not have much left in me. I made it to one of the first houses on the river. I docked and went up to ask if I could camp on their front lawn. They agreed and I set up camp. It was still early, but I was beat. I called a few friends and my mom before passing out. t was a very long day. My arms were shot and my fingers were very sore from gripping the paddles through the waves. I was glad this day was over, but still happy to be on this adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I woke up around 6 am because a fisherman was launching his boat to try his luck on the river. I was not able to go back to sleep, so I figured I would get moving as I had a big day ahead of me. I walked up to a gas station and filled my<\/p>\n