10APRIL2010 @ Ulm, MT - I awoke and walked to the Ulm's Conoco Convenient Mart for coffee and saw the blinking sign displaying a temperature of 22 degrees. Now I understand why I felt a bit chilly during the night. Apparently 22 is about as low as my sleeping bags like.
Back on the river at 7AM things are perfect. No wind, lots of sun and no rapids ... just sit back and drift and paddle leisurely. After 4 days of wind this is welcome indeed. On the way to Great Falls the agricultural fields are interspersed with mansion-like riverfront residences. Of course the residences get more numerous as Great Falls get closer.
Wildlife seen were Beaver, Muskrat, Geese, Ducks, Bald Eagles, Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer. Insects were also seen for the 1st time. A honey bee, a mayfly and many horseflies drifted by plus a few insects unknown to me. Very few trout were breaking the surface. I surmise this to be because the river bed has changed to sandy ... not good trout habitat.
Early on six fast military jets took off in rapid succession and headed south. It is a bit disconcerting to think that I am out here out of touch and some national or world changing event could be happening. An hour or so later the scene repeated with four of the same type planes. Later I concluded that it was the Air National Guard having their monthly drill weekend.
Near Great Falls I happened upon Mssrs. Walker and Gopher at the Big Bend Fishing Access site. I always wonder at how I will be treated by native Americans. I feel I have a good heart and that that will show through - and that has historically proven to be correct - yet I still always approach all such meetings with care, particularly when the individuals are folks I have not known. They were very gracious and offered to telephone Felomina and tell her I would be in Great Falls that night,. Shortly after checking in at the hotel Felomina arrived ... bless those gentlemen for contacting her.