10/9/2024: I was physically worn out yesterday but today I feel better. I'm about 35 miles out now and it looks like Columbia is a good reach by Saturday.
10/8/2024: (From Jess) Our team met John at Milltown Dam to help with portage and we were in for a little challenge here. It wasn't as straightforward as the maps made it seem! BUT, we managed! John managed to get back on the river and messaged a short while later to say: "Stopping for the day. All is well thanks to you guys!!! Let's see how far I get tomorrow and we can figure out Columbia. I will try to make it on Saturday."
10/6/2024: Another beautiful sunrise. Last night, a flock of wild turkeys roosted in the trees surrounding me. It was an incredible sight too dark to photograph, but a memory I’ll cherish for a long time.
10/5/2024: Can’t believe how quiet and peaceful my new campsite is. Just the trickle of water from the shoals and the warm glow of the afternoon sunlight makes it feel more like a spa treatment than a canoe journey.
10/4/2024: The river continued its beautiful prehistoric circuitous path. The only distraction was from the roads that followed nearby. The clear water coming from the dam started to turn a thick camouflage green. I don’t know if it is natural or runoff from the farms, but nevertheless, a few fishermen I met seem to be happy with their catch. Tomorrow will be my third portage. Mona is going to come down and help me get around Shelbyville. Then, it will be free paddling for a long while.
10/3/2024: Getting close to sunset, found a very remote spot that should be secure for the evening. The Duck is amazing. The banks are so high. It feels like you are in a primitive setting. There’s just nothing to see except river and limestone banks and trees, very peaceful, very beautiful.
10/3/2024: (From Jess) Today, Daniel Boone from
Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association and I met John to help him portage his canoe from Normandy Dam to the Duck River. It was great to see him in person. We had a film crew with us thanks to PBS Nashville, and we can't wait to see the documentary they're putting together about John and his journey!
10/2/2024: Evening Update: Weathered fossils line the stony riverbanks, reminding me that this was once part of a giant inland ocean. Then it became a freshwater river and now it’s a lake. I wonder what’s going to happen next.
10/2/2024: Normandy Lake is surrounded by a seemingly continuous forested hillside. Lots of bays. It’s easy to get turned around. Very peaceful and beautiful.
10/1/2024: Calm, quiet morning along the headwaters of Normandy Lake. Just me and the critters.
9/30/2024: Lovely day setting into the Duck. Quiet and peaceful. At the headwaters of Normandy dam. Beautiful surroundings and a perfect campsite.
9/25/2024: Yesterday we scouted the Duck for the best put in upriver and decided on Powers Bridge Road access. Beautiful spot but shallow water. May have to pull the boat a ways.
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