April 22: Fair skies, no wind, and fairly easy going. Lots of wildlife today: beaver, deer, turkey, geese, ducks, turtles and a water snake. April 23: Easter - A dull, cool, overcast day with periods of light rain, but no wind and an ideal day for paddling. I put in my first full 8-hour day, and made20+ miles for the first time. I hadn't expected to be able to make such good time this early in the expedition, and I'm encouraged by the progress I'm making. I have a reasonable chance of making it to the Continental Divide before snow. Dredging on the Missouri river. April 24: Windy in the morning (in my face, of course), but the wind subsided by mid-morning. I saw some large black birds on the river bank that looked like vultures, and got a bit apprehensive when they followed me for a while. Do they know something I don't? A tug and barge passed me today going upstream, and the wake nearly washed me up onto the bank. I'm starting to look forward to Lexington and rest. April 25: Another 20+ mile day, my third in a row. It's amazing how much difference it makes not having a wind in my face. I saw two deer on the bank today who stared at me for the longest time before they finally bolted. They had the same look most people have when they see me: who is this guy in a kayak, and why on earth is he paddling upstream? The wind stirs up the river April 26: Made 22 miles today - sunny and mild weather with no wind. A catfish almost jumped in my lap this morning. I often startle them when I'm cruising along the river bank. The one I surprised this morning leapt the wrong way, conking his head on the side of my kayak. Comfortably survived the first heavy overnight rainfall. April 27: A grueling day with a harrowing experience. I faced 30+ mph winds, a stronger than usual current, and particularly troublesome dikes. While trying to shoot through the gap of one of them, my bow glanced off a submerged rock that I couldn't anticipate because the wind had churned up the surface so much. I got turned sideways in the middle of the gap, and then got wedged in that position between two rocks. As I frantically tried to free myself, the current began washing over the side of the kayak, and it seemed only a matter of moments before it would capsize. I wasn't worried about drowning, but I was afraid I was going to lose a lot, if not all, of my gear. Fortunately, I freed myself in time, was washed back down, and took the wide route around the dike on my second try. Thanks God I made Lexington today! Parked on the riverbank for a brief respite April 28: A rest day in Lexington, Missouri where everyone I met was friendly, helpful and supportive of my project. Kelly of the Lexington News interviewed me, and took my picture with the kayak. I did a load of laundry - much needed - ate lots of rich food, and found the necessary supplies. The bed & breakfast I stayed in on Main St. was fabulous, with a huge four-poster bed that I practically needed a step ladder to climb into. Click here for days 22-28 of Richard's journal