We are hanging out at Camp Namekagon tonight, near Springbrook. We were welcomed with a presentation by Peter Gove, the past chair of the St. Croix River Association’s board of directors and a true driving force for the preservation of our rivers. A presentation by Jean Schaeppi, historian with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, just wrapped up. Both of them had to compete with tap beer and pizza, a pool table, and some very exuberant paddlers, but were well-received.

The river was rushing again today. It kept us all on our toes, and we looked to our paddling companions for companionship and a helping hand at times. Folks spotted three different black bears along the banks. I was lucky enough to paddle for a bit with Jim Fitzpatrick, recently retired as director of Carpenter Nature Center along the St. Croix in Hastings, MN, and also a true bird expert. It was great to finally identify a few of the innumerable birds we heard and saw.

We have completed three of six days, and things are really settling into a groove. It’s fun to drift from group to group, and still see new faces as we let the river carry us along.