May Update
May has arrived, and with it, the full force of spring has breathed new life into the world around me. The weather has taken a turn for the better, giving me the perfect opportunity to head out onto the river with some of my most crucial gear. While I've yet to put everything through its paces, a recent trip to Aqua Bound’s factory in Osceola, Wisconsin, allowed me to pick up one of my most vital pieces of equipment: my paddle. Huge thanks to the Aqua Bound team for helping make this happen. Working with a local company like them adds an extra level of satisfaction to the whole endeavor. Their factory, nestled on the shores of the St. Croix River, is just a stone's throw from Stillwater.
With my new paddle in hand, I wasted no time heading to a quiet boat landing to launch my packraft for the very first time. Setting it up was a breeze, and soon enough, I found myself gliding along the river, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. The dark waters shimmered under the spring sun, and the trees, in the early stages of blooming, cast dappled shadows along the riverbanks. With each stroke of my paddle, I propelled myself forward, aiming towards one of the many islands where I used to camp as a kid. However, this time of year, the islands appear smaller, thanks to the St. Croix swelling beyond its normal boundaries. It's a yearly reminder of nature's awesome power, fueled by snowmelt and spring rains.
After finding a quiet spot to beach my raft, I took a moment to reflect on the journey ahead. If the past half-hour is any indication, it's going to be one hell of a journey. Sure, July might bring scorching heat and a swarm of mosquitoes, but that won't deter me from exploring every inch of this river.
