Today was another short day on the water – 17 miles. So much nicer than getting off the water at dinner time. And a beautiful trip with Bald Eagle appearances, no portages, and a stop at the Ionia Free Fair. Thank you to the people of Ionia for our fair lunch.
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Now that we’re in the Lower Grand, it feels like we must be close to finishing (I’m telling myself this about 2:00 each afternoon when the sun is hot and so far it’s working). The river here is wider and not as fast, and there is the occasional headwind to deal with. We’re seeing more boats on the river (only pontoon and fishing boats to date) but still not a lot (not enough, in my opinion) of people out enjoying the Grand. But those people who do live on the river are still coming out to watch us go by which makes my day.

My fellow Expeditioners are really great people, and it has been such an honor to meet them all. The common bond is the love of the water, but beyond that we are a very diverse group. We are still all laughing and helping one another out when it’s needed. There have been a couple of injuries that go beyond the minor, and everyone has helped out when needed.

A Gloria Miller update – I paddled with her most of the day Wednesday, and she’s doing great. She was talking about going to the Boundary Waters to canoe next. She is such a remarkable woman and role model for all of us.

Erich Ditschman is also doing great. He’s paddled the back of the canoe every day, and we’ve had the opportunity to meet the volunteers who’ve paddled with him. Want to laugh for awhile at funny stories – paddle next to Erich.
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