Inland Sea Kayakers: Hidden Falls, Dec. 15, 2001

Hidden Falls (and Cecil's Deli), Dec. 15, 2001

It is almost hard to call this one a winter paddle -- one might think of it as more of a late fall paddle as mother nature had been so kind to give us a meteorological "stay" (possibly to make up for last year?).

Getting boats ready to go and jumping into our paddling gear was a bit chilly but once on the water it was very pleasant with temperatures in the low 30's and little wind to speak of. Many that started with heavy hats and pogies stowed those items a short distance downstream. The water was cold but most of us stayed out of it!

We paddled downstream from Hidden Falls on the Mississippi to the confluence with the Minnesota where we headed up the smaller river and then off the main channel to circumnavigate Pike Island. Passing Fort Snelling, one wonders what this place was like back when soldiers watched out over those walls. Meanwhile along the shore of the river, people ran sporting dogs and maybe stop briefly to wonder just what we are doing on the water in mid-December. On our return to Hidden Falls some wind came up and, combined with a swift current, made for a bit more adventure. Off the water and then off to get warm over lunch at Cecil's Deli. Another great day on the river.