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Great River Rumble August 2009

Just returned from a week of paddling 120 miles on the Mississippi River. It was called the Great River Rumble (GRR) and they plan a different route every year. On one day of the trip there were 107 boats and about 125 people. There were mostly single kayaks; some doubles and some canoes. One large 'trade canoe" help up to eleven people.

I took my Perception Carolina 14.5 kayak on this trip and thought I'd have no problems keeping up! However the first day was very tough. The thought of six more days of struggling to stay in front of the "sweep boat" was daunting! The group was averaging over 4 miles per hour and sometimes a little over 5. Most of the people that do this event are dedicated sea-kayakers with bigger boats. I was able to try a demo 17.5 sea kayak the second day and that made a tremendous difference. By paying a very reasonable rental fee, I was able to secure the use of this boat for the rest of the trip. The boat was a current designs Solstice GT. Our longest day was 22 miles and I wouldn't attempt a trip like this again in a smaller boat.

The thought of going through the locks in a small boat was exciting. We paddled into this huge concrete enclosure, hung onto ropes dangling down the sides, the giant doors behind us closed. The water went down about ten feet very slowly. The gates in front of us opened and we paddled out. Nothing to it! That is until the last lock; there was a very strong tail wind, short choppy wind waves and maneuvering that many small boats in those conditions was chaotic!! But we managed. We must have made quite a sight because there were large numbers of people watching at every lock.

What made this trip really memorable was the people. I met some really neat people from all over the country. Every one was friendly, helpful and fun. Met two great guys: Larry and Carl from St Louis on the first day and hung out with them all week. Some one was always ready to lend a hand with luggage, getting your boat in and out of the water or just answering questions. All the people who organized and run the event are volunteers. Safety was a major emphasis; briefings were conducting every morning to explain details of the section of river we'd be on; pfd's were worn and zipped up at all times on the water. There were at least 3 power boats every day running escort. With over 100 boats on the water we were often strung out over a mile. The escort stayed between us and the barges and power boats.

We stopped and spent the nights in tents at parks and campgrounds in Genoa WI, Lansing, Harper's Ferry, MacGregory, Guttenberg and Finleys Landing IA. The people in the towns all seemed glad to see us and show us around. At some of the stops we took advantage of stores and restaurants and at others a local civic group would provide delicious and reasonably priced meals. We were up every morning as early as 5 am in order to be on the water by 8:30 am. The times varied a little depending on how far we had to go each day.

Shortly after completing this adventure, I was doubtful I'd ever try it again. The aches and pains are gone now and only good memories remain. Yes, I'd like to do another Great River Rumble, but only in a long sea kayak, or better yet, in a double sea kayak.

Me, Larry and Carl

To see more pictures of the trip, go to my Picasa Web Album or to find out more information about the Great River Rumble, visit their website.

Until next time