September 8 The wind was already blowing when I launched my kayak, but I hugged the shore and made steady progress. A strange object was bobbing up in the river ahead of me. As I got closer I realized it was an otter chewing happily, …

September 7, Day 168, 170 miles to go  It was crazy early when I started rousing myself. Orion was bright in the sky.  Breakfast was cold cheeseburgers, a pastry, and excellent coffee, all of which John had brought. Possibly my favorite breakfast of the trip.  …