I went on a trip from Plainfield to Channahon State Park in a kayak. 19 miles. The current was up after some recent rains, so we flew down river. Except for one part... Just south of Shorewood, there is the rapids section, followed by a lake and 3 channels. We decided to take the left channel, which was partially blocked by a log the last time I went. And then this happened....

Not my best moment. The log forced our boats under the water line, and we were pushed into the river. It was wet and muddy, but fortunately not too deep so we could recover. 

​Besides that it was a good paddle. Just be warned!

Day 4 on the Wisconsin river would take us from Boscobel to Wyalusing. We'd finish off the Wisconsin river, and move into the Mississippi for the last few miles. The current was once again super strong, pulling us downstream fast. The water level was also way high the further we got, as the Mississippi back flows in the WI.

We'd go 33.6 miles in a single day. New personal record. We got to lunch, realized we could do it, and paddled hard to the very end. It wasn't as exhausting as it could have been, but I chalk that up to river current help.

We'd see a couple of power boats today, but still were the only kayakers. The river would get super wide at the end, as we'd pass some very tall hills. Eventually things really widen out, and you are at the Mississippi.

Getting to the Mississippi was a real highlight. The Wisconsin river is wide, but the Mississippi dwarfs it. It's also lined with hills, putting you in a sort of canyon. It was really a spectacular ending to the 92 miles of the lower Wisconsin river.

Day 3 on the Wisconsin river was 24.2 miles, as we'd make our way to Boscobel. Once the rain cleared out, we made solid time down the river. The sun finally came out this day, and we were able to dry off. We'd pass through Muscoda for lunch, then also see port andrew/blue river.

More of the same river wise. The water level was up, mean we could move fast without busting. It wasn't quite at flood stage, but was bordering on action. Lots of landscapes and rocks. This later section would start to follow up with route 60, so the majesty of nature was broken up a little bit.

We'd camp just outside of boscobel, on the south shoreline. It was a nice foresty site, not the sandbars we were used to.

​The next day would be the big one.

Day 2 on the Wisconsin River would consist of 18.6 miles. We flew down the river, getting started around 9 and wrapping up by 2. Mainly because we found a great shoreline campsite, and there was rain incoming. The river was really cruising, but we also paddled hard for a couple stretches. 

We'd pass under a few big bridges, but that was the only sign of people we'd see all day. The rest of the time it would be trees, landscape, and a few bald eagles. We'd stop for lunch right by the railroad bridge at 34.5, then continue on for an hour after that when we found our great campsite. As there was rain coming in around 5, we'd stop and set up camp. Good thing too, as it would rain off and on all evening, night, and a little into the next morning. 

This section started up some nice rock formations too. The river really cuts deep into the ground, so you get some tall edges. Basically, the river gets more and more beautiful the farther in you get. 

I completed a gauntlet. 92 miles of the lower Wisconsin river. Starting in Sauk City, we'd go into the Mississippi and finish off in Wyalusing. The original plan was to go 18.5 miles per day, and finish it in 5 days, but the current was way up, so we'd finish in 4. Day 1 was 15.5 miles. I did this trip with two friends, all in kayaks

We got parking permits form grant county to leave cars at wyalusing. We hired a shuttle from WI river trips to take us, our gear, and boats to the start at sauk city (about an hour and 45 minute drive). Because of the drive and shuttle time, we wouldn't hit the water until after lunch.

The current was up around 30,000, so we'd cruise through our 15+ miles in about 3-4 hours. It was very scenic. Lots of trees, and plenty of rolling hills. Once we got out of town, we saw no sign of man for the next 2 days. 

We found a high sandbar and would setup camp, and cook dinner. Then the storm would roll in. We had a strong line blast through, only in about 20 minutes time. Thank goodness we had everything up by then, so we hunkered down and it passed soon enough.

I really enjoyed day 1. The strong current and great nature was a solid combo. There would be much more to come.