The Rum River | My Return
It was everything that I had hoped for. On Labor Day weekend two years ago I paddled a 70 mile stretch of the Rum River between Spencer Brook and Anoka. I then described the Rum River as, “A wild, winding, postcard-perfect Minnesota river.” I could only imagine its beauty in full display of autumn colors of red, yellow, purple, black, orange, and magenta. This past weekend I returned to paddle this same stretch of the Rum during peak fall color. It was all that I had hoped for. The weather was perfect for taking in an amazing display of color and wildlife. Let Me Take You With Me.
Below is a story highlighting this weekend's journey. To the right are my Top-10 favorite photos from this trip. Click on an image to display it in full size. In the section below is a slide show of nearly 60 photos capturing its incredible beauty. On this Saturday morning I launch from a remote river bank near the small unincorporated town of Spencer Brook. For several miles the thick canopy of trees provides cover from the the bright blue sky and sun above. It is the many fallen trees that disrupt my plan for a care free journey. Before being pulled into the center of a thick snag of fallen trees, I stop to study which of two narrow passages is my safest way through.
Not much later I come across a much larger collection of fallen trees which has made this section of the Rum impassable. I have no other choice, but to paddle through the flooded woods to make my way around. I pause and momentarily reflect on the events from this spring when I did not fare so well when paddling during high waters, a large debris fields and flooded woods. This trip is not about achieving record speeds or traveling great distances. It is about taking my time and enjoying the outdoors, serenity, and being on the water. For much of the way the eagles are soaring high above, the blue jays are thick in the lower branches, while ducks and geese are pooled up in open pockets found in the woods. Stealthy otters slip below the water while chatty squirrels are busy preparing for winter. There are many groups of turkeys of 20 or more and the toms are pridefully displaying their long beards. While I know it is only a garter snake swimming across the river in front of me, it may as well have been a water moccasin. Yech. It is the sightings of two deer that excite me the most. About an hour into my trip, other than the sound my paddle breaking the water the area is absolutely silent other than the sound of nature. This is one of the reasons I so enjoy paddling. To take advantage of the windy river and stealthiness of my nearly 18 footlong kayak, I stop paddling before each turn to see what's ahead before being detected. After just a few turns on the river my plan works. To my left I notice the slightest of movement, something out of the ordinary in the woods. Not too far away is a large bodied, thick necked, 12 point buck laying near river's edge. It was the slight twitch of his left ear, his shiny battle worn tines, and large watchful eye that gave him away. While startled he didn’t get up and run away. His decision to not run will serve him well during the hunting season which is now only a couple weeks away. It is midday Sunday and both sides of the river are in full color. I don’t know how many times I catch myself saying “WOW” aloud. I can't help it. As I make my way around yet another scenic bend I spot an animal swimming across the river. It is too far away to tell what it is. It must be either a fox or deer. As I get closer I spot what I think is the rack of a deer. I pick up my pace to get a closer look and determine it’s a four point buck. I have always wanted to catch a deer swimming across the river, and today I do! He has swam two thirds of the way when I stop paddling to pull out my camera. I am not hopeful as all I have is my smartphone and the east side of the river is covered in shadow. When the buck turns to his left to swim upstream to find a path to climb this near vertical riverbank he spots me. Startled, he begins to scramble. The bank is too steep and he falls back in the water several times. After a brief struggle, even climbing over a few fallen trees, he makes his way up to never be seen again. The Rum River is an incredible scenic river and among my most favorite. It is trips like this that fuels my passion and inspires me to return and travel more. |
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Since picking up kayaking four seasons ago I have paddled 3,565 miles.
I have solo paddled across Great Lakes Michigan and Superior, and Straits of Mackinac. I have raced in Washington, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. I have paddled under the threat of tornadoes, pummeled by hail, blanketed in snow, and burned by the scorching sun
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Favorite sections of rivers traveled include the headwaters of the Mississippi and St. Croix, Namekagon starting at Hayward (WI), the St. Croix from Taylor Falls to Stillwater, and the Mississippi from Wabasha to the Iowa border.
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To read more about my top adventures, favorite subjects, and near disasters click here.
I hope you enjoy my stories and photography, and most of that they inspire adventure in you.
I hope you enjoy my stories and photography, and most of that they inspire adventure in you.