12May2010 near Alexander, ND - Today I paddled 18 miles mostly against a breeze or wind. Underway shortly after sunrise, I paddled along the right bank until forced out into the river/lake by the thick willows. Basically I was forced to stay in the Missouri river channel because the willows had grown in over the several years of low lake level and this section of the lake had, until recently, been essentially a river. Well now it is a lake and I was getting out into the middle of it with no place to go except the left bank ... so that is what I did, reaching shore shortly upstream of the point the lake turns directly north. Paddling the next five miles to the Lewis and Clark State Park was very difficult as the wind got stronger and was on the windward shore making my way through the waves and swells. At Lewis and Clark State Park I took a break and during a discussion with Ranger Corcoran the wind changed direction and speed. Much slower and now over my right shoulder the way northeast was much easier. Due to the wind change and that the park did not officially open for several more days (meanining no hot water tonight) I chose to paddle on in hopes of reaching Lund's landing. I failed and stayed in a cabin that appears to be a place where Air Force personnel come and shoot pistols into the hillside. I think I am close to Lund's landing and plan to go there for breakfast. Wind may keep me there - maybe for a night - as I want to cross back over to the right bank and may need to wait for a period with a good, or no, wind.
Today I saw Muskrat, Beaver, Mule Deer, Ducks, Geese and Pelicans. Since I paddled free of the willows I have seen only birds.
This lake is much more peopled than Fort Peck. There is a strong safer feeling here - nice. Ranger Corcoran checked weather.com and we saw a WSW wind predicted for both Friday and Saturday. Despite what is written above about Lund's Landing, I plan to cross over tomorrow if conditions allow. If not tomorrow, then early on Friday so I can use that tailwind.
I built a fire in the wood stove. For a mattress I put four sofa cushions on a bunk. When darkness falls I will stuff the firebox, close all the windows and sleep great. Tonight would be a fine night for rain!