Woke up around 730 on a big ole sandbar that was exactly 13.5 miles from Paducah. So I had a nice litte paddle into town and made it in probably around 11 or 12…idk I didn’t check the time because of what happened as I was paddling to shore.
About 300 yards out I notice a guy tying up KAYAKS to his truck. This is the first kayaker I’ve seen all trip, very excite. So I paddle vigorously because he’s about all done and going to drive off. Just as he’s putting on his last strap I slide up on the ramp 4ft behind him. He turns around and I cant help it… I’ve got the biggest grin on my face, “Just the kinda man I’m looking for,” I said, “Zach Mitchell”.
We shake hands and I learn that I’m meeting Jimmie Golden…who’s been kayaking since before I was born. Jimmie is a veterinarian here in Paducah and deals mostly with dogs and cats with a few exotic animals here and there. Paducahans, take your sick animals to him. If he’s half as good a vet as he is a good guy, then he will cure some sick puppies. Jimmie drove me to Gander Mtn which would have otherwise taken me 2hours to walk to (says Google maps). This is important because now I have a solar charger and can finally ditch that little annoyance–I also bought another primus gas canister and ditched my sterno setup. Now Im all “champagne and propane” – hot air balloonist saying…but I digress. Jimmie would have gotten a hell of a shoutout for just the kayaking tips and the ride, but he helps out later (building suspense).
So Jimmie drops me off at the mall (where Gander Mtn is) and my first thought is “find the food court.” Chinese, triple entree with fried rice, I’m still hungry. Walk down to Sbux, double espresso, charge the phone. Get the goods at Gander. Walk over to Steak and Shake bc its happy hour and end up getting a double cheeseburger meal and shake too. I bus back towards the lower district go get my tent pole from the post office (I’ve been splinting it since day 11 or 12) and am walking back to the yak and see a nice cafe. Double espresso, heath bar cake. Im full, maybe.
So finally going back to the water around 6ish I get everything packed up and am about to fill up on water when I get into convo with another great dude, Chuck Christian. Chuck hooked me up with some great info on a camping spot (Unionville Hollows, Illinois side of river across from Paducah) and was about to go drive somewhere to find me some bottled water–I just needed a hose or spigot. I’m telling you, the nicest people in the world are on these rivers.
But, while I was talking to chuck about 200 yards from my kayak, Jimmie drove by and dropped off some chicken and potatoes for me in my kayak–dodnt even see him! WHAT A GOOD DUDE! He had called me up and invited me to supper just as I was getting on the bus, but needed to make time before the post office closed so I had to decline. He drove all the way back down to the ramp though and had it on ice and everything. It’ll make two good meals.
So now I’m camped up at chucks childhood spot, the hollows, and watching a nice sunset over paducah eating some good chicken and potatoes while listening to otis – “sittig on the dock of the bay”. Things are prettttty, pretty good.
Nikki Dilts
Jul 16, 2014 -
Sounds like you’re having the time of your life! Meeting great friends along the way. Maybe you should write a book when you’re done? Your travels remind me of an American version of Eat, Pray, Love. Doing things as you get there with no planning just doing and being. Can imagine through your eyes, your happiness. Stay safe son. I love you to the moon and back. Been raining a lot on the boat. (Your brother is there now) I’m inland but waking up this morning on the boat, after watching movies and having pan s’mores last night,! and having coffee on the deck and watching the manatees play right beside me this morning is something you need to experience too. Waiting on you to get to Florida, time to go boating for good
Nana
Jul 17, 2014 -
Your excitement is infectious. I’m excited for you. I know you’re having so much fun with this and that makes me happy.
I love you, stay safe!
Nana
P.S.
I still don’t want you to kayak in the dark.
Zach
Jul 18, 2014 -
i am having a good time, and im glad you’re getting a little smile out of this yourself considering all the fright its put ya through. 🙂
I love you too nana, and i promise i am making safe decisions. on the Mississippi i agree with you and intend to paddle only during the day. but i disagree with you on the ohio when it is as low and slow as it is. i feel comfortable enough on that water that id argue it is safer at night. It is a calculated risk, and I completely understand the levity of my decision to paddle at night. You’ll have to trust my judgment.
David Mitchell
Jul 17, 2014 -
Sounds like you had a great day. I agree with your grandmother. It’s not a good idea to be on the water after dark unless you’re a Navy Seal. Too many hazards, logs, branches, rocks, rapids, etc. Keep the pictures and posts coming. Love you!
Zach
Jul 18, 2014 -
love you. on the Mississippi i agree with you and intend to paddle only during the day. but i disagree with you on the ohio when it is as low and slow as it is. i feel comfortable enough on that water that id argue it is safer at night. It is a calculated risk, and I completely understand the levity of my decision to paddle at night. You’ll have to trust my judgment.
Bennie Mouser
Jul 18, 2014 -
River Rats Make Great Friends!!! Paddle Well My Friend
Zach
Jul 18, 2014 -
that they do! talked to Dave. I think he will be a very important source for me. thanks again, b!