Elaine M: At one time or another I have paddled the Mississippi between Wabasha, MN and Clinton, IA as well as feeder rivers such as the Black (Black River Falls to LaCrosse] and the Wisconsin [Sauk City, WI to Wyalusing]. Two excellent (overlapping) week-long trips were from Winona, MN to Ferryville, WI and from New Albin, IA to Cassville, WI. I paddled both these stretches in late July, but the very best paddling on the Big River, as mentioned previously, is in September and October. A few notes about the Mississippi. First, most canoeists and many kayakers are afraid of it. It's big and windy. On the other hand, there is nothing a sea kayak can't handle easily, and there are countless charming and protected backwaters. Second, you will be told it's dangerous because of barges. That's baloney! Barge props spin relatively deep, producing long swells rather than sharp waves. Kayaks seldom even have to point into the wakes. Besides, barges must stick to the main channel, so you are almost always a long way away from them. Third, you will be warned against power boats. Again, most of the time you will be far away from them, since they too stick mostly to the main channel. They do create chop and their wakes refract from shore. This might challenge an open canoe, but it may actually add a little welcome excitement to a kayaker's trip. And, in fall, power boats are mostly absent from the River. Fourth, plan to camp on the islands. You can almost always find a sandbar or camp in the woods (except perhaps in the large pools above the dams where islands may be few). Firewood is always plentiful. My experience has been that on-shore parks are usually posted against camping (sometimes at the road rather than the takeout, so that you won't know of the restriction and will be told to leave after pitching camp!). If you want to camp on shore, don't just start looking for a park in late afternoon. Check out the parks ahead of time to ascertain that you can camp there and what they charge. Fifth, the Mississippi is not wilderness. On the other hand, it is a vital part of Americana. I suggest taking time to hike into some of the river towns. Often, the only thing they have to sell these days is history, and they will regale you with it. Also, enjoy the barges and the trains and the bridges and the locks. It ain't Huck Finn's River anymore, but it's still awesome. Finally, as for maps, the US Army Corps of Engineers River Charts for the Upper Mississippi (above Cairo) are about all you'll need. There are some other maps published by states and towns along the River that show more detail, a couple of which I can recommend if you're interested. If you want a guide, get in touch with me before you come. Always looking for an excuse to paddle on the river. Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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