15APRIL2010 near Floweree, MT - Arising before sunrise I was greeted by ducks flying south and WackWackWacking as they flew. While packing up and securing my gear in the canoe, the sun burst over the badland horizon. I was off and thanking God for yesterday's success and for providing a wonderful, warm, calm day today.
The miles to Fort Benton went by in a whisk and I arrived at 1PM. That is 24 miles in about 6 hours ... much faster than I ever expected. On the way I paddled little and observed low grade coal deposits on the eroded banks, several snow banks, and wildlife including Geese, Whitetail Deer, Bald Eagles, and what I think were three Marmots. The Marmots were at some distance, were about 100 feet above the river, and scurried into several holes in the rock strata above the low grade coal layer. To me they looked like Racoons. I consider they may be Marmots because I am not aware of Racoons lodging far from (above) water.
At Fort Benton I checked into the Lewis and Clark room - appropriate, huh? - at the Pioneer Lodge. Given the speed with which I came downriver today, I anticipate a 30 to 40 mile day tomorrow.