Post #40: Devil's Creek BLM Tuesday, June 10

Speed: 4-5 mph

Miles: 41

Time: 6 am to 8:04 pm

Campsite location:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/47%C2%B037'07.0%22N+107%C2%B039'16.4%22W/@47.6185644,-107.65457,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en

I got a phone call from a local today that John had met at James Kipp Campground. Todd invited John to join him, his friends, and their kids on his pontoon boat for dinner! He asked Todd to give me a call, letting me know he had received his supply package and that he was doing fine. Nice people. Ellen

                                                        The alarm went off at 4:30 am. 

                                          It was a calm morning at Cow Pie Two campsite.

 The Missouri River becomes Fort Peck Lake 

   with little or no braiding and no current due to  the high water.

The kayak rested at Devil's Creek late in the day. 

          It was about 25 miles on flat water. 

              The wind was not a problem. 

I loved this section of the paddle. My alarm went off at 4:30 and I was on the water by 6:45 am. The river transitioned to a lake and the entire area was serene. The quietness was disturbed only by the lovely bird songs and my paddle strokes. When I left camp early in the morning, I was apprehensive about possible braiding of the river and sand traps. It was not a problem. Because the river is running high, I experienced little of the channeling and braiding that is common in this area. Only once did my paddle touch the sand beneath the kayak. 

About mid-morning I watched a good size coyote as it was walking the north shore heading down river. A few miles later there was a pair of coyotes making their way down steam. They gave me a few glances and then disappeared in the brush and behind the bank.  

I swung wide around UL Bend and the headed up the north side of the bend. This is a great refuge for elk and sure enough as I took out for lunch I noticed I was watched by a dozen or so elk high above me and yet they were only fifty or sixty yards away. Devil's Creek Recreation Area was my first campsite without a current. I am on the lake now. I found myself admiring the hills in this area. Their texture is enhanced by the low sun and their green grass make them pop against the blue sky. This is ready beautiful country. Stunning rough beauty was everywhere.

After lunch I continued up the north shore and encountered NW winds.  I cut a NE diagonal across to the south shore fighting the waves and rested where the lake heads east and found myself in direct line of the wind. The next straight line maneuver would cut out more miles if the wind would allow it. I tried waiting it out but the white caps increased. Devil's Creek Recreation Area was a short distance away so I made my way to it. My goal for the day was Bone Trail on the north shore but this campsite will suffice. 

The evening's stillness was overwhelming. My senses felt perfect. There is not another person in the area. This is total isolation. It was a lovely day's paddle. I may not forget this day. I slept well. John