Kip’s Comments - August 19, 2023

Believe What You Read (X2)

Lesson Learned #1 - For a number of weeks I have been planning to drive to Burlington for the Celebration of Life for the father of friends of mine. Since I would be next to the Mississippi River, I thought it would make sense to take a canoe along for a little paddling after the gathering.

During my failed planning efforts I assumed the big river in the Burlington area would be the same as in Northeast Iowa - plenty of public accesses for the main channel and backwater sloughs., including in town. Even though I found no public accesses in town or close to the edge of town during my Internet research, in my mind I continued to believe there would be one or more for public use. I could not have been more wrong.

I found no public accesses to the river that were not several miles from town. Even a fellow I talked to suggested one and when I went there the “No Trespassing” signs made it clear I would not be entering the area.

So, I hauled my canoe down to Burlington and back and never put it on the water. Thank goodness that was not a big deal to carry it along.

Lesson Learned #2 - My second misreading or misremembering of what I read relates to the Celebration of Life.

Since I am unfamiliar with Burlington, the first thing I did when I arrived in town (hours early) was enter the “Elk’s Club” in my phone so I knew where I was going. I did not want to be late. I then drove around the town exploring various city parks, looking for a boat ramp, and driving down Snake Alley.

When it was time for the memorial gathering I drove to the Elk’s Club so I was on time or even a little early. As I parked the truck I looked around the lot and sensed few would be attending and I didn’t even see my buddy’s vehicle. Just before entering the Elk’s I got a bad feeling, checked Facebook for the official announcement, and realized I was supposed to be the “Eagle’s” building (several miles away). You guessed it…I arrived a bit later than intended, but I still made it.

Still, the day was good.

This was the best view of the Mississippi River I could find today from Mosquito Park.

Mississippi River at Burlington - Image 836001