Day 20: 9/15/06

Today, Minneapolis rose on the horizon. We are definitely feeling sweet/sour about leaving the infant Mississippi and entering the "Old Man River" Mississippi. There won't be nearly as diverse wildlife from here on, though we'll leave those pesky rapids behind too.














No, this isn't a crafty plug for any particular product...Ben is simply ecstatic to reenter civilization...and possibly enjoy a cold pint of a particular product.










Joe might be a little too excited to enter the first lock of the trip, just above Upper St. Anthony Falls. Before entering the lock, you pull a cord that signals your arrival to the lockmaster. They were very friendly at this lock and we only had to wait 15 minutes for the chamber to be filled. This lock has the biggest drop (49 feet!) of any lock and dam on the river. We were shocked to learn that it alone accounts for 10% of the elevation change between the Twin Cities and St. Louis!

After being lowered to the level of the river below the lock and dam, the gates open and we are free to go. We were surprised to find complete strangers standing on the Stone Arch Bridge taking pictures and cheering on the lone craft in the lock. How many of YOUR tax dollars were spent simply allowing our 18 foot canoe to pass?






Joe's mad scientist friends from the U of MN's CIDMTR lower down a care package from the Washington Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis. The package made it into the boat using the paddle-reach method. Thanks for the support you guys! Excellent choice in treats Sunny! Thanks a ton!