14 June, Day-6, Total-8; Miles-42, Total-214
- Chuck
We hated to leave our perfect campsite but the river is moving on and
we need to be on it. Since Bill's canoe is slower than mine, he departed
about a half-hour before me. This is kind of pleasant, it gives each
of us time to be alone on the river, go at our own pace, and enjoy the
nearly silent wilderness around us.
In late morning, just before catching up with Bill, I passed Little
Salmon Village. This unique little place has miniature houses that First
Nation (Native Indians) relatives have built for family members who
have gone to the "spirit world". The colorful little houses
are about 30 inches high and some are furnished with items that were
treasured by the deceased.
We passed a couple from NC who were kayaking to Carmacks, about 30 miles
down river. Bill and I chatted all afternoon and found a spot to camp
on the downstream point of an island just a mile prior to reaching Carmacks.
As we were finishing dinner, the NC couple paddled by. When they learned
we were from Florida, they said they spend six weeks each year in the
Everglades. Something clicked in my mind and we quickly asked their
names, I think they said, Jack & Nancy Lamar. They were nearly out
of shouting range when I asked if they knew my friend Jack Horner. Jack
had told me about a couple that canoe & kayak lots of places and
like to spend their winters working in Everglades National Park. I wished
I had more time to talk with them, unfortunately, they are taking out
at Carmacks about one mile downstream.
Today was overcast until about 7pm when the sun started peeking through
the clouds. We did an easy 42 miles. Tomorrow is the day we will go
through the Five Finger Rapids. Everyday we pass a lot of places with
riffles and rocks to dodge occasionally, especially since the water
level is lower than normal, but, Five Fingers is the only section really
classified as rapids. I have read that they are usually Class 3 but
it really depends on the conditions at the time. We do not expect them
to be a problem.