Since I was going to be in Almonte for an early coffee meeting (Equator), I decided to bring my Widgeon kayak and go for a paddle on the Mississippi River at Appleton. Just below the waterfall, on River Road (CR11), there’s a boat ramp and parking lot (no charge). Below Appleton, there’s a wetland area of about 4km down the Mississippi River. The wetland area makes this part of the Mississippi River secluded and usually pretty quiet.
On this morning paddle, I stayed on the east side of the river, going downstream and return on the same side. The wetland area is wider on the east side and further from any development and roads. The wildlife that I mostly saw were small black & white ducks (buffleheads?), a few Canada Geese, and either beavers or muskrats swimming in a few places. The east bank is lined with deciduous trees (soft maples, TBD), and many were dying.
On the way back to Appleton, I went closer to the dam to better look at the fast-moving water. But not too close; the water is still freezing cold (i.e. it’s April).
Paddling the Mississippi at Appleton is not too exciting, but it’s convenient and a reasonably quiet place to get some fresh-air exercise!
29Apr2021, kayak, dg
ReplyDeleteI had a grat paddle from Appleton on the Mississippi River on a calm overcast morning. I went almost as far as the transmission lines. I observed quite a few birds and waterfowl -- all posted to iNaturalist. The creek on the west side of the river is the best place to explore -- lots of Tree Swallows in there today and Painted Turtles.