5MAY2010 @ Wolf Point, MT - Awakening in the Grimsrud's basement at 6AM I feel wonderful. After a shower Craig took me to the Sherman Inn where I was treated to a fine Montana breakfast, then a ride to the river and by about 8AM I was on my way once more. My first task was to bail out 40 hours of precipitation while keeping my feet dry by pressing them against the sidewalls. There was a lot of accumulated water; the bailing took 15 minutes and got my hand extremely cold. Eventually I got my feet on the deck and other than the cold - all today's showers were snow showers - the day went well. The breezes that came along on occasion did not meaningfully affect the pace, but being cold winds they were uncomfortable.
By early afternoon I began to feel much colder, so I looked for a campsite. Pulling off about 4 miles upstream frm Poplar - a 19-mile day - I found myself on a ranch owned by Gary McCrea. After explaining that should it rain/snow tonight then 11 of the past 12 nights would have had precipitation, Gary offered his hunting cabin to me. Outstanding ... it is even heated ... WOW! Contact Gary at mranch@midrivers.com should you wish to use the cabin.
Wildlife seen today were Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Beaver, Ducks, Geese, Antelope and Pelicans.
As it gets dark the sky is clearing and it is 30 degrees. Maybe it will stay dry tonight ... it didn't.