One of the Expedition participants told an interesting story about a college football camp orientation. The parents of the players were told to expect a call from their sons on the third day asking their parents to pick them up. Their parents were advised to tell them “I can’t come tonight, maybe tomorrow”, the idea being that by that time the players would overcome their exhaustion and realize they really wanted to stay at camp. This story is not that far from being on the Expedition. After three days on the water, many of us hit a wall today.

This afternoon was not easy. After Dimondale the river slows down and widens upstream from the dam in Lansing. On a hot, windy afternoon, paddling a kayak with very little current is not a fun task. And we encountered our first motorized craft today – a few pontoon boats and fishing boats. Unfortunately, understanding things like stay to the right of the channel and no wake were not concepts they understood. One no-wake sign had been riddle with shot. Apparently the motorized craft up here are not keen on going slow.

However, there’s lots of good news. Today we had about 125 paddlers with us – our largest number yet. Many folks we can’t be on the entire Expedition will be with us on the weekend. And, I began to notice a lot more wildlife. More turtles sunning along the river, and caddis flies whose presence here bodes well for the quality of the Grand River water at the former dam site in Dimondale.

For those keeping track, today was the first of my significant other’s days on the river. 23 miles and he did very well. He may actually be able to sit at work next week.

So, to all her friends at the coffee shop in Grand Ledge, if Pat calls you tonight and asks you to come pick her up, tell her you can’t but maybe tomorrow.