2MAY2011 near Pick City, ND - Arising as the sun burst into the valley I was aware of the cold. I felt it as I slept and I noted ice in my quart of milk. Later I learned it got down to 21 degrees. With no wind it seemed warmer that 21, and the frozen sand was easy to walk on - easier by far than loose sand. It took a while, but all the gear got over to the beach and secured in the canoe just as the flat, frozen, sandy, beach/bank was becoming inundated. The Corps of Engineers announced a gradual (2000 cfs every day) increase in the dam release and that was happening. I actually got one foot slightly wet pushing off.
Moving south without paddling was so enjoyable that I did just that for 30 minutes or so when I was surprised by a "Hello, nice day for a float" from across the water. A hiker with dog was enjoying the calm, sunny morning. I paddled over and noted that I was once again conversing with Rick Longtin. Maah Daah Hey trail walker, canoe wheel retriever, river bank walker ... Rick is definitely Mr. Outdoors. As I floated close by, he told me the news that America's #1 enemy, Osama Bin Laden, had been killed. I resisted an urge to give a standing ovation to that, not out of any love for Mr. Bin Laden's life, rather because I choose to not turn over. Just as Felomina and I chose to NOT veer off and view the grave of Billy the Kid, I choose to NOT get myself wet in celebration of the death of some other criminal swine (antiPC metaphor intended).
As I continued downstream the day got warmer and progress got easier. I paddled intermittently for about 15 miles when I passed the power plant near Stanton. I think it was David Isaak stnnding on the lawn and waving, but one of the few wind bursts of the day kept me away from the right bank, so I am not certain. I am certain, however, that at that point the river turned east and I began regular paddling in an effort to reach Washburn. Lewis and Clark spent more time at Washburn than any other place on their 1804-1806 expedition. Charlie Russell's painting of York being shown to the Indians is set at Washburn. Extensive interpretive sites and displays are there and I want to stay two nights while looking into all of that. By 1800, I had beached and by 1900 was at the Scotwood motel, checked in for two nights. Though two miles from the boat ramp, I got a ride to the Scotwood and at 2200 the desk clerk took me back to get the rest of my gear and store the canoe. Today I traveled over 30 miles.
Every TV station is talking about Osama and Obama, Trump and Bush, Seals and Cheney ... and I cannot stay awake ... last night's chill is fading ...