Yankton, South Dakota
November 1, 2023
Dear Family & Friends:
October 29. I made great progress today on the Missouri River with a really strong current. I launched in extremely cold weather from Pickstown at 9:30 am and arrived at my destination, Blue Moon Resort (it’s not a resort), at 4:15pm. I knocked on the door of a randomly selected house along the River to get permission to tent camp for the night. No one answered, so I started to pitch my tent. A man then came out on his front porch with a shotgun and said “what’s going on”? (I found out later his name is Dwyane and he is 90-years old)
I explained my situation and Dwayne gave me permission to set up my tent at the back of his house. Inside the tent, it was brutally cold-16 degrees-and getting colder by the minute. An hour later, Mike pulled up in his car and told me he has a cabin I can stay in tonight. I’m convinced he was sent by God. I was warm and comfy in the cabin and looking forward to tomorrow’s challenges. Life is sure an adventure.
October 30. I launched from Blue Moon Resort at 11am. My launch was delayed because the Resort was deserted and I could not find anyone who could transport me from the cabin to my campsite. The current and tailwinds were fabulous and I sailed down the River to Springfield. It was cold during the day but it didn’t bother me because the paddling kept me warm. Navigating was tricky because of the braided channels and numerous sandbars and tall reefs. Twice, I had to exit my canoe in the middle of the River and drag it into deeper water.
After paddling about 10 miles, I passed under Standing Bear Bridge and entered Lewis & Clark Lake, the last Lake on the Missouri River. I missed the channel leading to Springfield and shot past Springfield in the string current. I pulled to shore at the Santee Indian Reservation and called Bob Foley. He picked me up and transported my canoe and me to a motel in Springfield. We had dinner at Norm’s Bar where I was interviewed by an Alex, a female Reporter from the local newspaper. I slept sound and well.
Halloween. I was back on Lewis & Clark Lake at 10:30am, destined for Gavin’s Point Dam, 20 miles down the Lake. No current, but I enjoyed strong tailwinds all the way to the Dam. Along the way, I had beautiful views. I arrived at the Dam at 4:30pm. Bob met me at the boat ramp and transported my canoe and me to the other side of the Dam where I relaunched on the River and paddled to Dennis & Ann Menke’s beautiful home a few miles down the River.
This was a milestone day for me because there are no more dams or lakes on the Mighty Moe. It’s all River with current to move me steadily downstream. All I need is warmer weather and tailwinds. The good news is warmer weather is forecast for the next ten days-40’s & 50’s in the day and 20’s & 30’s at night. The nights will be cold, but, hopefully, not single digit cold.
November 1. Dennis gave me a King’s tour of Yankton, Gavin’s Point Dam, Lewis & Clark Lake and the many beautiful park areas near the Lake in South Dakota and Nebraska. He also took me to retail stores in Yankton to resupply with warmer clothes. Dennis, Ann and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner cooked by Ann. Tomorrow, I will depart from Yankton, bound for Clay County State Recreation Area.
I have 806 miles to go before I reach the terminus of the Missouri River in St. Louis.😀
Launching in the cold morning at Pickstown
Arriving at Blue Moon Resort
Bound for Springfield
Springfield to Gavin’s Point Dam at Yankton
Gavin’s Point Dam
Bob greeting me at Gavin’s Point Dam
Back on the River on the other side of the Dam
My canoe parked at Dennis & Anne’s dock
The view from Dennis & Ann’s porch
Another porch view
Night view of the bridge
Bidding a final goodby to my River Angel and good friend Bob Foley
Dinner with Dennis & Ann
Dennis & Ann
Greetings from Seoul, Korea, Bill. Hiked up Hallasan, Korea’s highest peak, last week and though of you.
Am getting chills reading about you pitching a tent in subfreezing temps and relieved that young Dwayne allowed you use of his cabin (and didn’t shoot you!). Another River Angel sent from above for sure!
Good wishes as you continue down the Mighty Moe unobstructed by dams & reservoirs.
k;-)
Bill, the connections you are making are priceless.-fabulous river angels.
Paddling another 806 miles will get you home for Christmas!
River blessings,
RockMan
My mother was born in Clay County. Nice people.
I had family in Clay County as well, though very “back in the day”. Can’t believe what a winding river you’re on. Good luck and Godspeed.
Hi Bill. You look great. I just don’t know how you can do all this!
When you talk about the cold I freak out.
My daughter lives in St. Louis. When do you think you might arrive in St. Louis.
I would like her husband and son meet you.
Keep up the power for your trip.
You are one super person!
Bill,
You are amazing! I am certainly living vicariously through you.
Bill, Thank you for taking the time out of your evening in Springfield to talk with me! Your one cool dude!! I will continue to follow your journey! Safe travels!
Bill,
I have b een following your adventures and I am always totally amazed about your perspective . You have a unique way of dealing with nature’s
harshness and meeting different people along the river. I hope you got
your wet suite.
God Speed
Michael
God bless you, I would not be able to continue in the cold. I don’t do cold LOL
Bill,
I came across your content on youtube. I’m entering my “third act” in life and you have given me the inspiration to finally take on mountaineering. I wasted my 40s pouring myself into unfulfilling work, but I’ve got a few good decades left if genetics play out.
Thank you,
Jon
Rumson, NJ