Day 1: Ft. Benton to Wood Bottom

First day paddling a 17' fully loaded canoe, first day on the water, the first fish Jude caught. Traveled 20 river miles from Ft. Benton to Wood Bottom today. Arrived at our campsite about 5:30 pm because we were so busy floating and fishing we didn't bother paddling at all. We also had a bit of a head wind today so even though the river is flowing at 3-4 miles/hour we are feeling like we might be standing still at times. Thankfully no rain today, even though yesterday it rained a lot. In fact, dropping my car off at the take-out point was very slippery on muddy Montana backroads. Kelly was following behind with Brice as a passenger, I am pretty sure they were thinking a tow rope would be needed. But, alas it was not. I don't think the mini-van was intended for this type of adventure, but it is a great people and gear hauler so it gets to adapt to the job. I am glad I held out for AWD when I was car shopping. I just kept promising my mini-van that she would get the deluxe car wash when we got home. She must have agreed because we did get it to Judith Landing without sliding off the road.Read more