The conditions for paddling were near perfect with no wind and smooth water with at least some current. We covered our first dozen miles to Lock and Dam 3 in good time. Shawn called the Lock Master and they had the outer doors open when we paddled up. The river is so high the gates on the dam were pulled up and water flowed through without a drop. The lock dropped us less than a foot and we paddled towards Red Wing a half dozen miles away. We stopped at the river front park for lunch and a resupply on water before pushing down stream. Next we entered Peppin Lake a 20 plus mile lake and paddled 6 miles across dead calm open water. It took some work to find what remained of a public beach to take a break on. The water was up to the parking lot and a large group of kids were playing at the ramp. We took a short break meeting a man and woman who were working as long term peers for a couple of troubled youth. The next few hours were spent in the frustrating search for a campsite. Everything we checked was underwater and everyone we asked said no. Finally Shawn's girlfriend found us a free place to stay at a campground down the lake. We arrived hot, tired and frustrated. A quick trip to the coin-op shower and a cold drink and all was well. 35 miles traveled and a great sunset to top it off.
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