Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Embarras River Facts
The Embarras River (pronounced "EM-brah" or "AM-brah") is a tributary of the Wabash River, 185 mi (298 km) long, in southeastern Illinois in the United States. The waters of the Embarras reach the Gulf of Mexico via the Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers. The river drains a watershed of approximately 1,566,450 acres (2,440 sq mi/6,320 km²) in an agricultural region. The name comes from French explorers, who used the term embarras for river obstacles, blockages, and difficulties relating to logjams and the like.
Course
The Embarras River rises in Champaign County. The upper reaches of the Embarras include: the detention ponds near the intersection of Windsor Road with U.S. Route 45 in southeastern Champaign; the southern portion of the University of Illinois campus, including the small creek near the Vet Med Building; and Meadowbrook Park in south Urbana.
The Embarras flows generally southward through Douglas, Coles, Cumberland and Jasper Counties. In Jasper County it turns southeastwardly for the remainder of its course through Richland, Crawford and Lawrence Counties. Portions of the river's lower course have been straightened and channelized. It joins the Wabash River 6 mi (9.7 km) southwest of Vincennes, Indiana.
Along its course the Embarras passes the towns of Villa Grove, Camargo, Charleston, Greenup, Newton, Ste. Marie and Lawrenceville.
Course
The Embarras River rises in Champaign County. The upper reaches of the Embarras include: the detention ponds near the intersection of Windsor Road with U.S. Route 45 in southeastern Champaign; the southern portion of the University of Illinois campus, including the small creek near the Vet Med Building; and Meadowbrook Park in south Urbana.
The Embarras flows generally southward through Douglas, Coles, Cumberland and Jasper Counties. In Jasper County it turns southeastwardly for the remainder of its course through Richland, Crawford and Lawrence Counties. Portions of the river's lower course have been straightened and channelized. It joins the Wabash River 6 mi (9.7 km) southwest of Vincennes, Indiana.
Along its course the Embarras passes the towns of Villa Grove, Camargo, Charleston, Greenup, Newton, Ste. Marie and Lawrenceville.
Day 4 -- July 12, 2009
Jay's Report
It was another beautiful day on the river. It feels so solitary and remote on the Embarras and just perfect that you almost expect a mechanical hippo to rise up out of the water just to tell you it’s not real.
We had another catfish today – 4 or 5 pounder – but it wasn’t enough to raise Roger’s spirits as he ran out of cigarettes today and since we have no river map or speedo, time and space go undetermined.
We saw several bald eagles today, deer and beaver, but the highlight that sticks out is the big river bird that took a huge shit as we passed by. On that note, Roger says, “Good night.”
It was another beautiful day on the river. It feels so solitary and remote on the Embarras and just perfect that you almost expect a mechanical hippo to rise up out of the water just to tell you it’s not real.
We had another catfish today – 4 or 5 pounder – but it wasn’t enough to raise Roger’s spirits as he ran out of cigarettes today and since we have no river map or speedo, time and space go undetermined.
We saw several bald eagles today, deer and beaver, but the highlight that sticks out is the big river bird that took a huge shit as we passed by. On that note, Roger says, “Good night.”
Day 3 -- July 11, 2009
Jay's Repot
Early wake-up call by Mother Nature promptly at 6:30 a.m. and the Bitch started to shower. That was it… no more sleep for me. Roger didn’t give a shit, however, as he’d been up for hours listening to me snore… hmmmmm
We finally made it to the MVP and took on much needed provisions – fresh water, new tent poles and college breakfasts (pizza and OJ).
After nearly riding the lightening in the dually outhouse provided by the fellow at the Happy Holler, the rain subsided and we were back on the river for the day. Wildlife has been sparse today and so has been the human activity… most of the time it’s just me, Roger and the water. The Embarras feels very remote for a river in the middle of America, surrounded by trees and hills, but it sure is nice pulling up to a perfectly uninhabited sandy beach at the end of the day.
We named tonight’s Roger’s Beach and yesterday we found a new toy so named the beach Frisbee Beach… and so it goes.
Early wake-up call by Mother Nature promptly at 6:30 a.m. and the Bitch started to shower. That was it… no more sleep for me. Roger didn’t give a shit, however, as he’d been up for hours listening to me snore… hmmmmm
We finally made it to the MVP and took on much needed provisions – fresh water, new tent poles and college breakfasts (pizza and OJ).
After nearly riding the lightening in the dually outhouse provided by the fellow at the Happy Holler, the rain subsided and we were back on the river for the day. Wildlife has been sparse today and so has been the human activity… most of the time it’s just me, Roger and the water. The Embarras feels very remote for a river in the middle of America, surrounded by trees and hills, but it sure is nice pulling up to a perfectly uninhabited sandy beach at the end of the day.
We named tonight’s Roger’s Beach and yesterday we found a new toy so named the beach Frisbee Beach… and so it goes.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
River Report Days 1-3, July 9-11, 2009
Jay’s Report:
We were down the river at 12:30 pm after loading the canoe. Roger – more commonly known as Falldown -- had to activate a new cell phone at Verizon after falling in the river the day before. Today was familiar and so were the stories we had to tell as we passed such beaches and old party spots such as Hookah Island and Turtle Beach
The highlight of the day, however, was navigating “the spillway” at Charleston Lake. I would have preferred to portage the canoe around the obstacle, but Roger had thought too long and too hard about what the outcome might be if we lowered the canoe by rope in hand down the dam. I’ve never been one to deny someone their long hard-fought dreams so I quickly got on board with this idea.
It was a train wreck and just a plain bad idea. We almost lost the entire voyage in the first hour and a half on the river. As we lowered the canoe, it was quickly apparent that we were no match for the strength of the river or its courses. The spillway quickly sucked the canoe down its face without any fuss or muss as we let go of the hot rope. There was nothing left to do to but watch and see what was to happen with all at stake.
Within seconds, I found myself diving into the chase. Luckily, the rope that was still tied to the canoe for purposes of lowering said craft under control and safety into calm waters was erected toward the landing of our original aim.
In the end, all was saved and nothing hurt… besides if you came here to be a pussy... Falldown
River Expedition Beginning Inventory:
One canoe
Jay: dry bag with clothes – 4 shirts, 4 pants (polyester or wool for warmth)
poncho
Roger: 2 pairs of cutoffs, 2 t-shirts, 2 flannel shirts
One tent (now in need of repair as a pole fastener is broken and the rain fly has given up… “We’re at half mast with the tent”
10 gallons of water
Backpack with cooking items including a stove, pots, pans, utensils, plates, grate for cooking fish … “The first night Roger caught a 2-1/2 pound catfish. Perfect for two.
Food bag that contains “a lot” of ramen noodles, peanut butter, chili, baked beans, tortillas, apples, oranges, and raisins.
River Notes Days 1-3 (July 9-11)
We were hoping to reach the MVP Happy Holler – an “all American bar” on the Embarras River – by the end of the second day, but after 12 hours of paddling we camped on a sand bar at around 10 o’clock at night. Roger was a bit cranky so we didn’t make it to the bar and found out the next morning that we had been just a couple miles away.
It’s hard to describe the MVP Happy Holler bar…. Lets just say its “always ready for a party”… outside bar with balcony, big pro outdoor stage, horseshoe pits, self-hydrated stripper pole and trampoline. “It just opened in 2001 but it has an old soul.” It’s on the Embarras River between Greenup and Newton, Illinois.
We don’t really have a good idea of the speed we’re going or the number of miles to New Orleans, but I’d guess we’re going around 25 to 30 river miles a day… We’ve put in some long days – the first day we were on the river from noon till 7 or 8 pm and yesterday, the second day, we put in 12 hours trying to make it to the bar.
On day three we ate “an all American breakfast” – coffee, pizza and OJ –at the MVP Happy Holler Bar while listening to vintage vinyl and checking on the weather report. It’s supposed to be a wet one for the next several days so we’re anxious to head south.
We were down the river at 12:30 pm after loading the canoe. Roger – more commonly known as Falldown -- had to activate a new cell phone at Verizon after falling in the river the day before. Today was familiar and so were the stories we had to tell as we passed such beaches and old party spots such as Hookah Island and Turtle Beach
The highlight of the day, however, was navigating “the spillway” at Charleston Lake. I would have preferred to portage the canoe around the obstacle, but Roger had thought too long and too hard about what the outcome might be if we lowered the canoe by rope in hand down the dam. I’ve never been one to deny someone their long hard-fought dreams so I quickly got on board with this idea.
It was a train wreck and just a plain bad idea. We almost lost the entire voyage in the first hour and a half on the river. As we lowered the canoe, it was quickly apparent that we were no match for the strength of the river or its courses. The spillway quickly sucked the canoe down its face without any fuss or muss as we let go of the hot rope. There was nothing left to do to but watch and see what was to happen with all at stake.
Within seconds, I found myself diving into the chase. Luckily, the rope that was still tied to the canoe for purposes of lowering said craft under control and safety into calm waters was erected toward the landing of our original aim.
In the end, all was saved and nothing hurt… besides if you came here to be a pussy... Falldown
River Expedition Beginning Inventory:
One canoe
Jay: dry bag with clothes – 4 shirts, 4 pants (polyester or wool for warmth)
poncho
Roger: 2 pairs of cutoffs, 2 t-shirts, 2 flannel shirts
One tent (now in need of repair as a pole fastener is broken and the rain fly has given up… “We’re at half mast with the tent”
10 gallons of water
Backpack with cooking items including a stove, pots, pans, utensils, plates, grate for cooking fish … “The first night Roger caught a 2-1/2 pound catfish. Perfect for two.
Food bag that contains “a lot” of ramen noodles, peanut butter, chili, baked beans, tortillas, apples, oranges, and raisins.
River Notes Days 1-3 (July 9-11)
We were hoping to reach the MVP Happy Holler – an “all American bar” on the Embarras River – by the end of the second day, but after 12 hours of paddling we camped on a sand bar at around 10 o’clock at night. Roger was a bit cranky so we didn’t make it to the bar and found out the next morning that we had been just a couple miles away.
It’s hard to describe the MVP Happy Holler bar…. Lets just say its “always ready for a party”… outside bar with balcony, big pro outdoor stage, horseshoe pits, self-hydrated stripper pole and trampoline. “It just opened in 2001 but it has an old soul.” It’s on the Embarras River between Greenup and Newton, Illinois.
We don’t really have a good idea of the speed we’re going or the number of miles to New Orleans, but I’d guess we’re going around 25 to 30 river miles a day… We’ve put in some long days – the first day we were on the river from noon till 7 or 8 pm and yesterday, the second day, we put in 12 hours trying to make it to the bar.
On day three we ate “an all American breakfast” – coffee, pizza and OJ –at the MVP Happy Holler Bar while listening to vintage vinyl and checking on the weather report. It’s supposed to be a wet one for the next several days so we’re anxious to head south.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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