I woke up from under my bridge pretty early today. I try to do it before the sun is up so I can make breakfast and begin packing and try to maximize light/cool hours that I’m paddling. Right now thats 530am if I sleep on the Indiana side…430am if I sleep on the Kentucky side.

I wanted to do too much. Go into Tell City, get some breakfast while charging my battery pack, and stop by a drug store or a grocery store. Then, get in the boat and paddle to Owensboro – 25 miles away.

Would have worked yesterday, but as I’ve been told about kayaking, I am not completely in control of how far I can get. Both the river and the wind can work against you–apparently this is real life, haha.

A hurricane happened this week and were supposed to get residuals starting Monday night and the following 36 hours thereafter. Tuesday will be a tent day.

But what i had planned was to get to Owensboro today – 25 miles, and then be in Newburgh/evansville (25-30 more) right before the storm. Id have to rest tuesday no matter what bc of the storm and wanted to make up for the lost day.

But I can already feel this system moving in. The wind was the worst I’d had yet and I was only able to put away 17 miles – with a lot of effort.

I had direct headwind that would push me backwards if I didnt paddle from Troy, IN to Grandview, IN. It was a wind tunnel.

Tomorrow winds are supposed to be higher. So my realistic goal now is to make it to the Owensboro area (6-8 miles) before the storm hits. Shouldnt be a problem if I hit it early. The wind is lightest in the mornings and I’m at my best.

Now I’m going to get some rest. Tomorrow I need to find a great spot that will do 3 things. 1. Be at least 10 feet above the current water line. 2. Have easy escape to civilization if a tornado were to occur. 3. Be protected against lightning strike/have cover from direct showers (this would be a tree-y area as opposed to a beach, where I normally sleep). The forecast isnt THAT bad, but its like a fire drill for me.

Anyway, I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow. Goodnight from the bend across from Grandview, IN.

Also, if he ever reads this, thank you to Gary Marsh for the ride back to the dock. You’re a good man, I dont care what that Sunday crowd says about you, haha.