About an hour ago the boys crossed into Kentucky, in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.  They've got beautiful weather for a gorgeous place to paddle.  They were up and at it early again this morning, posting a great shot of the moon of the water (see below).

At around 6pm the guys pulled up to a boat ramp just past Dover, TN, in the Barkley Wildlife Management Area.  They talked to some guys swimming nearby while they setup camp, with Job cooking "redneck ramen" to share (rice, ramen, lima beans, corn).  They paddled through more headwinds and some rain today, but feel good about their progress.  Close to 30 miles again.

We're trying to learn about the conditions on the Ohio and Mississippi given recent flooding.  The next day or two of paddling should be pretty as they head through the Land Between the Lakes in KY.

This morning the boys were up and moving by 4:30 - pretty impressive after the day they had yesterday.  Jonah reported having apple cinnamon oatmeal with butter instant grits, a pop tart, and Tang for breakfast.  I'm sure they're looking for calories wherever they can find them - paddling for nine hours a day under the sun will take all you've got.  Should be a little relief from the heat today, but 50% chance of rain with gusty winds.

The boys just checked in from the their first campsite after about 31 miles of paddling into a stiff headwind.  They sound good but tired - I'll bet none of them got more than 3-4 hours of sleep last night, and it reached the mid-nineties today.  Hope they can sleep in the tent since it doesn't sound like trees are available for the Eno hammocks.  They'll need the rest to turn out early tomorrow and go do it again...

This morning at about 7am Job, Luke, and Jonah shoved off from a sandy beach near Cheatham Dam and started their adventures under clear skies.  We helped them assemble their catamaran configuration with two canoes, gave them hugs, prayed for their journey, and caught lots of photo and video footage.  Grace and Phil joined the parents in supporting these guys and giving them a great sendoff.  The boys were beside themselves with excitement despite very little rest - we were all up by 3:15am for the final load and drive to the dam.  Their enthusiasm is contagious - many of us wish were paddling with them.  Can't wait to hear about their progress and hopefully see them this weekend.

The night before...

It's nearly 10pm on 5/28/2019, and the boys start their trip in about 7 hours...