Well lookie-there, I’ve been living on the river for a month already. Time certainly is a movin’…but not as fast as I am, haha. Paddled 55 miles. Just needed to get to Rosedale for the water refill and data connection.
Heavy crosswinds from the NW caused me to use my left arm about 75% of the time today. So tomorrow I’ll need to be easy on my left. But the temps were certainly doing better today in the low 90s. Tomorrow is 88!
Should be in Greenville tomorrow which puts me in spitting distance of Louisiana. Thats an exciting thought.
Tonight I’m sleeping on a sandbar about 4ft above waterline. Mosquitoes getting bad and I want to see if they’ll come all the way out here on these flats in the middle of the river.
They arent the worst thing ever. 100% DEET does the trick. Theyre just causing me to treat myself like Fuller from Home Alone and not drink water after a certain time, bc I dont want to step out of the tent to go pee. There were hundreds of mosquitoes on my tent this morning. Several multiples of one hundred. So much buzzing I thought it sounded like Penderecki. Dont breathe too deep!
But, again, I cannot complain. Life is quite good these days. Mosquitoes and all.
Jamie Mitchell
Jul 28, 2014 -
What an amazing adventure. I am in awe of how brave you are! Continue to be safe. Love, Aunt Jamie
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
always always. believe me Im forcing myself not to become complacent and still go out sharp everyday. Love, zach.
Nana
Jul 28, 2014 -
If you find yourself near a market, you may want to pick up some Bounce dryer sheets. Rub it all over your clothes and skin. Maybe even the walls of your tent. It does repel mosquitos. Even tuck a sheet somewhere in your clothes. I don’t know how Mississippi Mosquitos feel about Bounce but Hoosier mosq.’s hate it.
Stay safe…I love you.
Nana
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
thats a good tip. i will certainly try it. love you, zach
Nikki Mitchell
Jul 28, 2014 -
Hey it looks like you are making good time. I am always amazed by your accomplishments daily. Wussy’s like me
just stay indoors to avoid all of that :D. But no, here you are roughing it out in the wild. So proud of you as always.
I say that a lot huh. Like its for me. Its not. Your accomplishment amazes me everyday. Get a mosquito net and wear
that sucker all the time. Also use bounce AND 100% deet off so you can be triple sure those little blood suckers dont
get anywhere near you! An entire month! Amazing! You rock. Love you and Good night son!
Love,
Mom
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
thank you, mom. just giving it what I got everyday. love you
Nikki Mitchell
Jul 28, 2014 -
P.S. Thats a gorgeous picture!
Wesley Mills
Jul 29, 2014 -
How would you capture the mood of the river? Are there sections and instances when you can become submerged in wildlife? Or do you constantly feel as if you but against society at each turn? I always enjoy those brief majestic moments that I can get lost in the wildlife around me and forget who and where I am for a moment. Most often reality comes back too soon with the sight of a bridge or home hugging the river.
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
Wes! good to hear from you. Its difficult to describe the river because its always changing. I see both. Where I am now on the Lower Mississippi is the most desolate stretch. They call them “wild miles”. There are river markers and wingdams built, but thats it. No signs of humanity at all. Its absolutely pristine for many miles. The area between osceola and memphis was also very beautiful…and on the ohio river just south of shawneetown, IL about 20 miles. Lots to see my friend.
Nana
Jul 29, 2014 -
My chorus sings a song, “I Hope You Dance”. I think of you when I sing the words…..(indulge me here…) “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, I hope you get your fill but never lose your hunger….”
Dance a little every day, My Dear.
Stay safe, I love you.
Nana
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
thank you for putting a smile on my face before bed nana. love you
roberta hoheimer
Jul 29, 2014 -
listen you nana and nikki about those bounce,ive heard they really help.have fun and stay safe.
Zach
Jul 29, 2014 -
haha, its certainly at the top of my shopping list.