Galetta on the Mississippi River

This year, it was May 21st before I got the Widgeon out for a paddle due to a spring trip to PEI in April and an Algonquin Park fishing trip in early May. On this overcast Sunday morning, I headed towards Arnprior, still trying to figure out where might be a good spot for a leisurely paddle. Two weeks ago, the Ottawa River was exceptionally high (major flood) and would still be dangerous to cross in most places. So Black Bay was out, so I went to check crossing to the Lac des Chats islands/bays at Braeside -- but with an east wind and currents, I decided it wasn’t a good idea either. In the end, I decided to put into the Mississippi River at the old Highway 17 bridge and go downriver. It would have adequate protection from an east wind, and the current appeared reasonably slow.

The put-in at the bridge is excellent for a canoe or kayak, and I was soon on my way. This section of the Mississippi River (to Galetta) is a mixture of forested areas, fields, and homes. The distance to Galetta is just over 4 km and was a leisurely paddle with the current and a light crosswind. Most of the fauna observed were birds and one beaver. The Red-winged Blackbird was the most popular bird, but other birds observed were Canada geese, Mallard ducks, Blue heron, swallows, and even a pair of cormorants.

Once in Galetta, I was careful not to venture too close to the fast currents and rapids. I took a break on some rocks across the river from the Galetta slaughterhouse. The return paddle upriver took a bit longer due to the mild current, especially in some narrow river sections.

This section of the Mississippi River is an OK paddle for exercise but not too exciting. It would be better to paddle the more isolated section from Galetta to the Ottawa River on the lower Mississippi. 

I need to investigate further the Mississippi River access at Galetta and Morris Island.