Today was our longest run in terms of mileage, and we reached a total of 112 miles for the Expedition – about half of our goal. What made today’s 27 miles manageable is the current from Grand Ledge to Portland. The water is clear, and it’s easy to see the gravel and rock bottom of the river and the green river plants that followed us all day. Today is one of those days when you appreciate the beauty of nature that humans can’t reproduce. One participant said that she felt like the plants going back and forth in the current along the sides of her kayak made her feel like they were dancing with her as she paddled down the river. If you haven’t kayaked this section of the Grand, it’s a very manageable and beautiful trip. Put in below the dam in Grand Ledge and take out at Thompson Park in Portland.
(Click on image to view larger version)

Now, the previously promised note on hygiene. The folks in Portland treated us to a much-needed shower at the high school tonight. Most of our kayak clothes have a permanent odor that all the Fabreeze in the world is not going to get out. River shoes smell so bad that we can’t keep them in the tent at night. People are simply throwing away socks, and today one was actually used by an anonymous Expeditioner as toilet tissue for an emergency situation on the river. All pretense of dignity was lost somewhere between Eaton Rapids and Grand Ledge. Our primary toilet is fondly known as the “portable loo”. It follows us everywhere we go, including our lunch stops. It’s unpleasant, but reliable.

You do what you have to do.