You'll have that...

The first week of spring. I'm slowly getting my MTB built and have finished getting my road bike tuned up for some spring riding. So in the meantime I figured it would be a great day for a Kayak jaunt down Otter Creek, catch the Eau Claire river, and then onto the Chippewa to finish at Hobbs Ice Arena. I figured two hours on the creek/river and be home in time for supper at 7:00. Yea...

My brother drove me so that I could put on Otter Creek below Kohl's. Things were looking up for a great afternoon on the river, 55 degree temps, fairly high river, fast currents, and not a cloud in the sky. Adam drove off and I was soon paddling down the mighty Otter Creek...well not really mighty.

It was only 1 mile into the trip, literally, one mile, when I came into a wind fall that landed across the creek. Now you must understand Otter Creek is not really meant for a 13' kayak. And so being pushed into the fallen tree sideways, with a brisk current, it didn't take long, maybe a blink of an eye, and I was upside down in freezing cold water checking out the bottom of the creek.

This is what happens when you float the Otter Creek in a 13 ' kayak

I had to pull my spray skirt off, swim out from under the tree, and proceed to run down the creek trying to catch my paddle. It was cold, it was wet, and it was a blast. I thought it was going to be a simple trip so I had phone, wallet, and camera with me. They got soaked and are still drying out today!

After gathering everything, I managed to finish the trip in 3 hours. A little longer than I thought. I got out of the river at the Archery Park off of 53 seeing as it was 7:30 and the sun had well gone under. I walked my cold, soaked butt home, threw my clothes off and stood in the shower for a good half hour.

I think I'm going to ride tomorrow instead. Needless to say, I'm about giving perspective from the middle of the pack. In most races you will see me somewhere in the middle, but for right now how about a perspective from the bottom of Otter Creek!

Kayak On,

Sturgie