The sun is still bright when I reach a boulder field alongside Pleasant's Island, about halfway to my paddle's end, and between the rocks ahead I see a small power skiff with two fly-fishermen aboard. It turns out to be the same pair who asked for directions at West View this morning. As I paddle past and say hello, the bearded fellow asks how far it is to Watkins Landing, the nearest downstream boat ramp. His eyes widen. He shakes his head.
Rapids gurgle up ahead.
More rapids follow those. It's a tough stretch of river for a propeller. I paddle for more than 90 minutes without stopping, and reach Watkins Landing as a trio of daredevils on Jet Skis are loading their machines onto trailers after a day of slicing the water. When Ian and I leave the landing for camp, the fishermen still haven't arrived.