18APRIL2010 near Big sandy, MT - Today I started at 0700 and floated basically non-stop for ten hours. Despite paddling at a slow frequency a tail breeze pushed me on for most of the day and I was able to make 39 miles. In order to get in ahead of some ominous clouds I paddled hard for only the last five miles, arriving at the Judith Landing at 5PM.
What a wonderful day to float and look. The White Cliffs, Citadel Rock, Hole in the Rock, LaBarge Rock ... it's all there, just as Bodmer painted them ... just as Ambrose and many others described them. Totally fascinating! It is pretty well understood that no other day of the entire trip will match today's scenes. Regarding Hole in the Rock, it is still there. Friend Rick Graetz of Helena reported several years ago that the Hole had been destroyed. Say, Rick ... was that an April Fool's joke? Until today I had expected to round the bend and see a gap, not a hole. Folks ... the hole is intact and looking good. Also, Isaac and Margaret, do you remember our experience at the Hole in the Rock Campsite where we opted to tent in the open rather than get into the "rough" shelters - that had obviously been cattle windbreaks? No more. The area is now fenced and the shelters are fixed with concrete block floors, mesh metal tables, benches and clothes hangers. It is now a place to come for an extended stay, and I recommend it highly.
Wildlife seen today were Mule Deer, Bald Eagles, Coyote, Ducks, Pelicans and Geese. The goose concentration is decreasing noticeably. I saw the 1st butterfly of the year. In the flora direction, I saw many trees with that gauzy yellow/green look that says "leaves will be coming soon".
At the Judith Landing I was blessed to enjoy the companionship of Mason, Raedean (SP?) and Chase from Lewistown. Also camping nearby were impressive and accomplished young men Mssrs. Selph and Kelly from Lewistown. Good folks all.