Today’s word: AMALGAMATION. Today has a lot of everything combined: it’s Mr. Potato Chad’s last day on the water; it’s the return of Tickboy as we go to stay with him in Minneapolis, and it’s a first reunion with my wife Christin who I have seen since we plunged in 17 days ago.

It was difficult getting rolling this morning after a late night at the campfire. Camp breakdown went surprisingly quick, Chad and I can now bust down tents, stuff bags, load kayaks and be on the water in about 20 minutes; but today’s late start meant we weren’t afloat until nearly 9:45. We would have to make good time to beat Christin’s arrival at our planned rendezvous.

We started the day with a banana each that Susan had left us the day before: scurvy staved off one more day! Apparently scurvy is pretty rare in the US, but it seems like I read about sailors on exploration ships getting it, so I figure we’re naturally at risk on this exploration. Christin will be really mad at me if I die of scurvy, so I’m grateful for the banana.

We only had 17 miles planned today, but we missed the cool part of the morning and were breaking a sweat shortly after pushing off. There were no clouds and the water was fairly still, though an appreciable headwind came up; this is fairly typical (as we learned on Lake Winnibigoshish) that the wind picks up as the day starts to heat up, then it’s calm in the early evening. We chatted at times about taking a long break and maybe a nap in the afternoon, then peddling through the early evening; that’s what the Davenport Duo have done at times. But that never came to fruition and wouldn’t today with our deadline.

We saw the introduction of wave runners and a lot more pleasure craft today; it seemed there were always boats in view, though mostly on the shore (I think it’s Monday, so I suspect many people have chosen to go to work). I’m now more struck by the dramatic changes in scenery over the past two weeks. As the river pumps up the volume with more tributaries, I fear there will start to become more of a sameness about it. But I am excited to see it nonetheless.

It was hot, sweaty and exhausting, but we made the 17 miles by 3pm. We pulled the kayaks ashore and started unloading, when Chad’s “smart” watch gave him a message: “Nice job getting active!” It’s done this every time we’ve stopped to portage or set up camp, and it’s been a running joke for 9 days. We were on the equivalent of a stair master nearly non-stop for 5 hours, and Chad’s watch thinks he’s been sitting around watching TV.

Christin says I’ve lost weight. By David’s scale, it looks like 5-7 pounds. I’m approaching my high school graduation weight, which I haven’t seen since my marathoning days 10+ years ago. I’m feeling fit and am not sore everyday anymore, though many days, like today, do feel very physically demanding. I’m looking forward a rest day, to recharge all forms mental, physical, emotional and electronic batteries. Also, I’ll look forward to a full day of dry cheeks!

Today’s musical offering: Oh Sweet Nuthin performed by Hollis Brown – this is originally a Velvet Underground tune written by Lou Reed, but I prefer this version. I’ve chosen it as I’m looking forward to a little nothing over the next 48 hours. “If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” — Banksy