Day 31: 9/30/06

This is one of the those days that makes you feel justified in calling this trip an adventure. Last night, we paddled until dusk and had to scramble to find a campsite before it was too dark. Unfortunately, near Lynxville, WI there are few islands to choose from. We settled on a low, flat island. This island happened to be covered in poison ivy. At least we are seasoned veterans in identifying poison ivy. We were very careful in setting up camp.
This morning, we awoke to a flock of roosting cormorants in the trees overhead. It was also now that we realized that the light rain we heard the night before was actually cormorant poop hitting our tent. Lest I remind you that cormorants eat a diet solely of fish. Awesome. This pic shows the poo-covered fly with poison ivy fields in the background.
As if poisonous plants and copious amounts of animal poop isn't enough at this island, there are ridiculously huge spiders. This hunk of worthless land will now be known as Hell Island.
Our luck couldn't possible continue to be this bad, so upon arriving in Marquette, IA, we decide to make a stop at the Isle of Capri Riverboat Casino. First thing's first, we eat at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Here we rest and digest with our friendly server, Shantel.
We go to the casino, fully prepared to lose $20 each playing blackjack. After 15 minutes, Ben has won $40 and Joe has won $70. We quit and decide to pose with the casino's pink elephant (???) Do you know how much jerky you can buy with $110?!