Day 17: 9/12/06

Today was our most difficult day on the river so far. We fought with rapids, wind, and two lengthy portages. In Sauk Rapids we were greeted with some class III rapids. We've found that although nerve-wracking, rapids are a blast!

Although the rapids are a blast for us our canoe disagrees as you can tell. Being a drought year it makes it even harder for us to avoid getting hung up on rocks and riffles. We have had to get out and drag our canoe numerous times starting just south of Bemidji all the way to the outer suburbs of the Twin Cities. We shouldn't have any problems once larger tributaries like the Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers join the Mississippi.
We reached Clearwater, MN that afternoon greeted by our loving Aunt Joan and Uncle Randy. They took us away and spoiled us with meals, showers, and beds.