Last weekend, I cruised through 11 miles on the Dupage River. I decided to get out for a day trip of 11 miles from Naperville to Plainfield. It wound up only taking about 3 hours. My start point was weigand park in naperville, by washington and ring roads. I ended at riverside park in plainfield, by the merge of naper-plainfield and rt. 59. My wife drove me from end to start, so i could plant my car for returning home.
This trip allowed me to hit 100 miles for the year, which is 1/3rd of the way to my goal of 300. I've been lucky to paddle a bunch of different rivers so far this year. I paddled hard just about the entire time, and cruised through in about 3 hours, maybe even a little less. The current was definitely flowing at least 2 mph, but I was hitting a ton of eddies the entire trip.
This trip allowed me to hit 100 miles for the year, which is 1/3rd of the way to my goal of 300. I've been lucky to paddle a bunch of different rivers so far this year. I paddled hard just about the entire time, and cruised through in about 3 hours, maybe even a little less. The current was definitely flowing at least 2 mph, but I was hitting a ton of eddies the entire trip.
The dupage river is perfect for kayak paddling. Even though the water level was high, it was still low enough in a few places before the merge where a canoe would definitely get stuck. Fortunately my kayak was light enough to glide over all the rocks and sand. Even if I was fully loaded for a multi day trip, it still wouldn't have been that bad. I do need to get a canoe out there to test the water levels.
The weather was perfect for paddling. Mid 60s, some sun, not much wind. I've been taking some bad weather while paddling, so this was a nice change of pace. I love traveling down the dupage. Between the strong current, and many woods you pass through, it's a hidden gem not too far outside of chicago.
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