It's hard to describe the last 3 days as anything but tough as hell. I'm starting to think these lakes don't want me to finish them. Paddled and walked 13 miles straight into a South wind to finish up Big Bend and get down past Lower Brule.
It was a hot day, and time for a bath. I get this question a lot, so here's how I do it.
I set up camp about 12' up from the river's edge, but something around 10:00 p.m. told me to move up higher.
At that point, my camp was up over the high water point behind a burm in a stand of Cedar trees at least 20' from the river's edge. Around 11:30 p.m., the wind shifted out of the North, and picked up speed tenfold. Hank and I were pancaked flat and in the 10th under the storm tart for a good 30 minutes. Then then, not thinking the wind could get any worse, I heard crashing waves getting closer.
I squeezed out from under the tent only to see the waves had come up a good 10' and were now starting to splash over the top of the burm. We had to move again. In record time, I moved everything higher in the stand of cedars up on the top of one of the grassy hills. By this point it was after 2:00 am. We slept fitfully rolling downhill sideways for about an hour before the rain started.
Got a late start yesterday and made slow progress. Even with a NW wind, it can be tough when the waves are so big. Had to empty the canoe twice, and the second time Hank wasn't having it. Took me a half hour to get him back in the boat. All said and done, we arrived at the dam at 5:50 PM and I knew we had a few miles left in us.
Mentally, I'm exhausted. Physically, my body is screaming. Even with all that, there are moments that remind me there is a power and beauty in living and surviving in the elements.
I needed that day to end on a good note. Doesn't get much better than smooth sailing at sunset and a night with no rain or wind.
Great videos. Hope you get an amazing reception in St Louis & Hank gets a huge bone!!!
My heart skipped a few beats as I read through this. Your tenacity and endurance is amazing. God speed and stay safe. Give Hank a big hug for us too! He's a real trooper.
Amazed at your goal. I hope there is joy in His creation, and confidence in your endurance! Get a rest when you can!
When I did my trip in 2013 I thought Sharpe was by far the hardest lake, including the bigger ones. It's certainly the least memorable. The camping was bad, it rained for two days, and the wind was unrelenting. I had to walk much of the section after the bend just to get it done and over with like you did. You mentioned being mentally and physically exhausted. The good news is that Francis Case is more scenic, not known for the same type of wind, and all around more enjoyable. You'll also be able to take a break in Chamberlain if you need. It'll hopefully offer an opportunity to recharge. You are so close to the current, which absolutel…
That last sunset “wow,” keep pushing through!