Iowa Paddling and Camping: trip report on Turkey River float 9-5-04

This report is on the string from kj29 on Labor Day weekend float down the Turkey River From Elkader To Garber.
As planned we all meet @ 9 Am: as well as a few more, which worked out just fine. There was a total of 8 canoes & a kayak with 17 persons ( aged 2 yr old to early 50's). We had two groups that ran two shuttles; one to Motor Mill & the other to Garber.
We all together launched around 10:15 Am & went on down to around 2.5 miles into the float; where the "family group" of 5 adults & 5 kids, in 3 canoes wanted to take a break. The sandbar on the river right; looked like a popular "bar" for taking a break by all the empty beer cans that was present. As always, we left the sand & took all evidence of the "bar" with us. Rememeber, we are "the Keepers of this land." WE must preserve it & leave OUR waterways cleaner than what we find it.
Since, the rest of us had to cover another + 16 miles; to get to Garber, we bid a farwell to the "family group" & headed on our way. With all intentions of Chuck & myself; we were planning on camping on this sandbar some 20-21 miles downriver. As part of our two day float to Millville; +/- 13 miles from Garber. The 3 brothers from Dysart; that was with us, were kind enough to stay & "keep a watchful eye" out & assist the family group to Motor Mill.
Just down river, I spotted an opportunity for me to put my trusted saw into action & clear an overhanging strainer on the left run of a gravel island. I'm always looking to perform a SAFE "LOGGING" operation & clear away a potental hazard. Within minutes the strainer floated away.
Arrivial to Motor Mill around 12:30 Pm; about 6.5 miles from Elkader, which is quite pretty from a canoe. We pulled out onto the boat ramp; on river left just around the bend, for a lunch break.
Having had our 1/2 hr lunch break, we were setting out & the "3 Brothers" showed up. They reported that the family group was doing fine & left them to catch up with us. The brothers said they'll have their luch break & catch us or not. They understood that Chuck &
I had another +15 miles to cover & make camp before we lost daylight.
From here on downstream is where the "prevailing winds" were constantly "in our face." It seemed like no matter which direction the river went, the wind was going the opposite direction. KJ was keeping pretty go momentum in her sandpiper, with the use of a kayak paddle. Greg was doing great; not catching wind with his kayak. Chuck's tandem was tracking fairly well, being packed in for the overnight. While I chose to daytrip; planning on packing from my car @ Garber, was really having a much more difficult time.
I really didn't hear much complaining from the other three about the wind. I just was remembering of my last headwind float & didn't like this one to have stronger headwinds.
As we finally approached Garber; where the Volga River joins the Turkey River, I thought the fight would be won. NO! The river widened, allowing more winds battle me. Arriving @ the Garber boat ramp; @ 4 PM, I threw up my white flag. I decided not to go on to the river campsite some + 3 miles &/OR one hour downriver. With the rain forecasted for the early morning hours & constant wind. Chuck also agreed with this arguement; last weekend paddling, he got rained on pretty good & wasn't looking forward to a repeat.
This float was completed in 5:45 hrs with 1:10 hour of down time, in spite of all that headwind.
I'm sorry that I can't @ this time give an accurate report on the river level @ Garber. The latest gauge reading was from 1300hrs 0n 9-3-04. 6.86' & 849 CFS. I'll report on the river levls @ Garber as soon as the gauge gets up dated to 9-5-04. I, personnally would say that the river @ the sundays' level would be alright till it drops about to around 5.85'.

trip report on Turkey River float 9-5-04

Thanks to all!

Made Another new Paddling Partner!

river level for 9-5-04