Kip’s Comments - July 9, 2025 — LadagePhotography.com

“Oh Kip, I am so dizzy” Ray Reinke 9-24-1991

A recent social media post and a conversation with a friend indicated for the first time in years I may be able to boat from our cabin to the old Highway 63 bridge on the Wapsipinicon River. Such an effort has not been possible for many, many years due to downed trees cluttering up the river. Paddling a canoe or kayak was possible, but not boating. Today I went to learn if I could get my boat to the Bremer/Chickasaw County Line via the river.

For many years I did what I could to keep a path open on the river. In fact, I wore my chainsaw out cutting trees that were wet, dirty, muddy, and often partially submerged. To get to the old bridge with a boat would be no small undertaking. But, according to the social media post, a couple of good fellows had really opened the path and my buddy confirmed it after paddling it last weekend. So, with my old fishing boat I headed upstream. How far would I get?

After moving upstream beyond the typical boating range I tilted my motor and ran at idle speed as much as possible to avoid any prop or lower unit damage. The Wapsie is full of shallow areas and submerged logs, almost as if the river enjoys destroying boat motors. My intent was to avoid any conflict with the river and I did just that.

Boating on the Wapsipinicon River - Image 993738

Eventually, after reaching the “new” Highway 63 bridge, I recognized that maybe, just maybe, I would make it to the “old” Highway 63 bridge. As I motored upstream beyond the new bridge, my mind began to play its nasty tricks on me - the same stuff that happens almost every time I enter this segment of the river.

My step-dad Ray and I enjoyed many good times on water - in many locations. However, as much as I tried, I could not get him to go canoeing with me. Ray always said if he was going to be on the water he was going to have a motor on a boat. Finally, on September 24, 1991 he agreed to paddle with me. Our itinerary was to put my canoe on the water under the Highway 63 bridge - the old one - the new bridge had not been built - and paddle to the cabins in Frederika. Shortly after lunch we did just that. We carried my canoe loaded with fishing gear down to the river. As Ray was leaning over the canoe he said “Oh Kip, I am so dizzy” and collapsed into my canoe. I did what I could - CPR for many long minutes - but I could not save him. I/we lost Ray that day under the bridge.

As I continued motoring up the river thoughts of Ray and that early afternoon flooded my head. Think how happy Ray would have been to be joining me in a boat with an outboard pushing us against the current. Imagine the smile on his face when we reached the county line, with a boat and motor, on the Wapsipinicon River. But today, 34-years later, I was boating to the bridge alone - just me and my thoughts of Ray. What began as a simple challenge to confirm a social media post became a solemn effort weak on excitement but strong on sentimental memories. I had to make it to the old bridge.

Boating on the Wapsipinicon River - Image 993767

With no sounds other than my four-stroke outboard purring at idle speed, the song of prothonotary warblers, and the chatter of kingfishers I did reach the bridge. I did make it to “our spot” - the location where enjoying this section of the river changed forever. Now there is a muddy canoe/kayak launch near where I did CPR. Tall grass has filled in the area where I did what I could for Ray. A couple of wildflowers were in full bloom, as if in memory, on this quiet morning.

I spent a few minutes under the old bridge again before turning around for an easy float back to our cabin. As I looked around, that afternoon was as vivid as yesterday. My mind was messing with me again - regurgitating thoughts and visions I thought I had deeply wrapped and buried. After all, today was certainly not my first time back to the spot. I have been here countless times over the years. Yet today was different. The best I can guess was it was the boat. I made it with the boat. I did what Ray wanted to do. Finally, there were no canoe paddles and very little effort. Ray should have been there.

Boating on the Wapsipinicon River - Image 993764

After one last look at the bridge and our spot I turned the boat around and twisted gently on the throttle. It was time to leave again. I had to. Moving away would help with my thoughts and memories - the ugly ones that appear so unexpectedly. The time had come to realign with the present - to explore the Wapsie as I so often do. It was time.

I want to thank the young fellows who put in the effort to open a path on this stretch of the Wapsie. I do not know them, but I certainly appreciate the work they have done. I know it was not easy. Chances are I will not be taking my boat up the river again too soon. The river levels are dropping below my comfort level for my outboard. My canoe will work fine. I will be back. Thanks guys!

As you might expect, I did shoot some photos on my travel up the river and back. Following is a sampling of images.