Eight kayaking enthusiasts recently floated down the Mississippi River from Canton to La Grange. The idea originated with Cindy Kell, who on social media invited anyone who desired to join her in a short kayak trip. A number of local people showed interest. The original date was to be July 20, but that day was rained out. They rescheduled for one week later, and Sunday, July 27, they gathered at 8 a.m. at the Canton riverfront. Joe Coelho provided several of the kayaks. After unloading them in Canton, the truck and trailer were shuttled down to La Grange. Meanwhile, Cindy Kell used the city's backhoe to pull the dock back, as it had slipped down in the high water. Upon the return those who had shuttled vehicles, the kayakers set out on the Mississippi River, carefully avoiding the remains of a dead carp on the launch ramp.
The colorful flotilla included a sit-on-top tandem, two sit-inside kayaks, and four sit-on-top solo kayaks, one of which was pedal-powered.
The river was high and the current was swift, making for relatively easy paddling, even in a headwind. The kayakers saw several bald eagles and great blue herons on the way. A great many turkey vultures were roosted on the UFC conveyer on the south side of Canton, some spreading their wings to catch the morning sun. Big carp were jumping, and a large fish, perhaps a quillback, followed them on the surface for a bit. No fishing was attempted.
It took only one and one-half hours to complete the route. The group pulled out in La Grange and loaded the kayaks back on the trailer. Several had lunch at Los Girasoles in Canton afterward. Participants included Cindy Kell, Joe Coelho, Jacob Zimmerman, Nellie, Zita & Zalan Robertson, and Joe & Rhonda LaCount. Johnny LaCount was the support team for his parents. All were awarded commemorative, laser-engraved, wooden medallions. Another outing is planned for later in the summer, with a route from Canton to Quincy.
