Mileage: 8-9 Miles
Weather: Woke up to a short shower, then sunny and hot, apparently the last few days have been in the 90s
Portages: 0
Wildlife: Muskrats, two loons with two loon babies on Pensioner Pond (have never seen loon babies up close before), one real turtle and one huge turtle sculpture
Left the campsite and continued paddling downstream toward Clyde River Recreation. Most of the obstacle course lies between School Road and Ten Mile Road and this area seemed more agricultural. Felt like we kept seeing the same farm as we sashayed closer, then farther, then closer before finally passing it. Lots of evidence of cows along the banks. After hitting School Road, the river was less obstructed and became more cedar-lined, and boulder-strewn for several miles--a really pretty stretch similar to the stretch downstream of Island Pond by the short rapids.
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| The turtle near the outlet to Pensioner Pond on the Clyde |
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| Pensioner Pond |
Passed the turtle sculpture that I had seen pictures of on other blogs and then out to Pensioner Pond where we stopped for lunch by a beach and picnic table area. More trail magic! Met Scott and Betsy, who happened to stop by on their way to Newport and they offered us a ride after we got off the lake and checked back in with the outfitter, where I was able to leave the canoe. Beckie and I checked into a hotel where I was able to do a load of laundry and sit in the lobby updating my blog while eavesdropping on the desk staff, a gossippy group of people, I suppose like most offices.
Had another fine dinner at the East Side Restaurant (this time we walked), and could sit outside the entire time without needing to order dessert to wait out a storm.
Another 120-130 miles down thanks to the perseverance and good humor of my friend Beckie. We certainly had some challenges, but also really good times and some great laughs. She also avoided rain days--which doesn't bode well for my upcoming paddling partners--its gotta happen sometime.
Awaiting the arrival of Linda, Leg 3 and the passing of the baton.
