Pelicans
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Scott and Todd in Judson
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Joe Michael
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Courtland (Entry by Todd)
(May 17th, 2005) Day 18 and we are in Courtland, which is about 15 miles (by river) from New Ulm. Yesterday we left Mankato after making the decision to skip around 25 miles of flood stage river. We were joined by 5 members of the Mankato Paddling Club (Mark, Brandt, Peggy, Tom and Joe) it was fun to have some company on the river. We took a break near a railroad bridge and said our good-byes. Joe Michael decided to stay with us as we paddled upstream. He is 70 years old and paddles nearly everyday on the Minnesota River. He kept up with us no problem (ok, he kicked our butts). We ate lunch in his field and said good bye. He mentioned he might see us later. We paddled on to Judson where we camped at a boat landing. After supper Joe stopped by and delivered some freshly made apple crisp. We were in heaven!!

Today we woke up to rain and so we stayed in bed for an extra 15 minutes. Broke camp and headed toward Courtland. We saw some pelicans and even managed to get a picture of them. We are once again camped at a boat landing and once again we were visited by Joe and his wife who stopped by just to say hi and see how we were doing. We have met so many nice people on the river. Wyane at land of memories park, Melvin who just moved here from Denver, and Steve and Lucas from Courtland, thanks for all your kindness.

Tomorrow we head for New Ulm.

P.S. This trip would not be possible for me without the support of my family and I just want to let them know that I appreciate their support. Molly – thanks for your love and your understanding at me being gone for 110 days. Becky - thanks for reading the book and using me as a prop for your book report. Caitie – Keep daddy’s stuffed polar bear happy while I’m gone. April (our dog) – bark, bark, bark growl, bark, bark.