Grand Forks, ND

Hello

Currently I am hanging out in Grand Forks. I have a very kind host and access to a computer.

Progress is very steady lately. I can do about 50 miles a day. Had some storms a few days back that made me sit out for a while. They weren't all bad, got to test my new rain gear and take a rest. Except for that it's been nothing but sunshine.

I got to paddle with my good friend Chuck a few days back. That was a nice change. We met some nice folks in Wolverton who gave us a spot to camp, a fire to cook on, and all the Hamm's we could drink.

Hope to make Winnipeg in a week or so.

Rudy

Russ and I met up with Rudy today in Browns Valley. Here's what he has to say:

Made it to Browns Valley, a wonderful little town that happens to be on the continental divide. Happily that also means my down-stream traveling begins. I spent so much time and energy on the Minnesota it was (almost) hard to finally be done with it.
My parents came to meet me and help me with the two mile portage from Big Stone Lake to Traverse Lake. Nice to spend the day with them.
Wonderful sunny days lately, hope it continues.
Hope to update more often.
Rudy

No more up-stream nonsense

Howdy

I've made it to the Lac Qui Parle dam. After this there really isn't a lot of current left on the Minnesota. It was a tough trek up the Minnesota at flood stage. Hopefully it will make everything else seem a little easier.

The folks from CURE have been doing an amazing job at taking care of me. I have had a couch or bed to crash on for the past 4 days now. I am truly thankful for all the kindness I have been shown.

This sure has been fun so far.

Rudy

Granite Falls

Howdy

I'm spending the rest of today in Granite Falls (and tomorrow actually). I got a very kind and hospitable family to stay with. I've already met the mayor and got plans to be interviewed by the local paper.

Paddling has been kinda rough lately. The wind and rain really haven't let up in the past two weeks. I've decided not to paddle when it's what I call "really hard rain". I tipped about a week ago and thankfully it was a sunny day otherwise I wouldn't have dried out very quickly. If I tip when the rain and wind are coming down hard it's likely to turn into an emergency situation what with the hypothermia and all. Despite the weather, my spirits haven't been dampered. There is so much adventure to be had.

I did get a letter from KU saying orientation is a week earlier than I originally planned. This cuts off a week on an already time crunched trip. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and make up some of this lost time on the Red River.

All in all I'm having a great time. I really appreciate all the comments written on the blog and I'm thinking about friends and family back in Hutch town.

And a note on writing letters: if they are sent "express mail" the post office will only hold them for 5 days.

Peace,

Rutherford

Letter from Rudy

Here's what Rudy has to say:"Been some hard paddlin' going upstream, but still making progress. Made it to St. Peter on the 1st. Can't wait to head down river again." As written to Mom in a letter.