Kayaking from Sunset Marina to Andalusia Slough
Our Mississippi River paddle took us through some of the most amazing and scenic views on the Mississippi. We saw pelicans, eagles, Blue herons, and even an occasional beaver or two.
We launched from Sunset Marina in Rock Island at 10 am before the weekend recreational boaters came out on the river for the day. Being on the river for many years, you learn the habits of the boating community and know the busy hours on the river which is another must for paddlers to remember before venturing out on a commercial waterway. (We never paddle on the main channel of the Mississippi.)
As we left Sunset Marina, we meandered downstream along the shoreline. We paddled past the mouth of the Rock River where it flows into the Mississippi, and then paddled alongside Big Island and went under the I-280 Bridge. Once past the interstate bridge, it wasn’t long before we disappeared into the heavily wooded section of the many islands in the Mississippi.
Twists and turns started our entry into the islands, before it opened up into a ½-mile long straightaway with towering 60-foot trees. The tree-lined shoreline was filled with wildlife, beauty, and thousands of species of migratory birds.
As we traveled this hidden waterway deep in between the islands, paddlers had a chance to just float, enjoy a refreshing bottled water, and feel the warmth of the sun on this 70-degree day.
Leaving this wooded wonderland, we ended up in the Andalusia Slough where we paddled down to our next stop along our route that day. Everyone was amazed when we landed on a huge, sandy island in the middle of the Mississippi River after 8 miles of paddling from the start. Everyone enjoyed digging their toes in the sand for the first time of the year. As some relaxed and enjoyed the views, others ventured off to walk the island and saw several Totem Pole-like designs of shapes and faces delicately carved into trees. It felt surreal…almost like you were lost on a deserted, tropical island.
After enjoying the beach, we packed up and continued the final couple miles of the journey. This paddle finished at one of the local, small businesses we like to patronize. At Ducky’s Lagoon, everyone enjoyed a beverage, talked about the day’s adventure, and shared their pictures. The cars were already staged at the finish so once we landed people could load up and head home.
This trip was organized by the Quad Cities Kayakers Group. You can contact Carlos Barreto, 309-714-5896, to learn more about their adventures. Carlos Barreto has been paddling area waterways for over 30 years.
The Quad Cities Kayakers Group offers guided tours on many of the Quad Cities regional waterways from the Rock River, Hennepin Canal and Maquoketa River, to the Wapsipinicon River and Mississippi River. This fun, family-friendly group offers adventures for all ages. They help with any needs or questions about kayaking. Find their upcoming Events here.
For safety, you need to know and understand the waterway first and foremost to have a safe and amazing outing. Before each tour, the guide explains the waterway and what to look for and where to paddle. They teach to always respect the waterway and it will in return give you an amazing adventure through amazing woodlands and landscape filled with wildlife and beauty.