My friend Ben Duke has been messaging me throughout my journey this week. Ben had the unique privilege to participate in last year's total sufferfest that was the ColoradATHON. In replying to my photo of kayaking, he had just two words to share, 'best part'.

And he should know too. Last year Ben, Rebecca Boozan and I traversed Colorado in a similar style and time frame but with an additional 150 miles to cover. It was, by even my accounts, a difficult trip.

Having those memories, meant that taking a relaxing morning at Riveredge while organizing gear and fine tuning the rudder adjustment felt all the more... relaxing (again).

My mom (read: super hero of the #WisconsATHON) showed up with my kayak gear as well. Quite honestly, I couldn't have done this trip without her help.

I visited with a few friends at Riveredge and then outlined rendezvous plan with Executive Director, Jessica Jens. It turns out that a group from Riveredge will join me on my last afternoon's paddle to Lake Michigan.

I waved goodbye and was off and while I've enjoyed the hiking and biking so far, I am originally a waterman having cut my adventure teeth on the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin and Minnesota. And then, there's the whole 'current' thing which was what Ben was referring to when he said the 'best part'.

The Milwaukee is a humble river despite its namesake. It is relatively narrow - around 150 feet at it widest - and shallow too. For most of my paddle yesterday, I could see the bottom.

I am also very impressed with my Old Town Kayak. Having never used this boat before, I wasn't sure how it would handle, but it is well designed, very comfortable and responsive as well. We are raffling this kayak off as part of our Riveredge summer camp fundraiser (but full disclosure) I wouldn't mind getting the winning ticket. It's a great boat.

My old high school friend, John Krueger, a teacher at Homestead High School in Mequon is playing hooky for the day and will join me paddling. We spent the night by the campfire reminiscing about old stories... lots of good memories.

I have paddled this next section of the Milwaukee many times as a kid and I remember thinking (back then) how cool it would be to be able to do expeditions to remote places... What would my 13 year old self say if he knew that dream would come true?

For those of you interested in giving the gift of adventure to today's youth, please support my effort to raise $5000 for Riveredge Nature Center's summer camps. Donate here and check out the great 'thank you' swag as well.

https://www.classy.org/campaign/wisconsathon/c204957