paddling the wade branch creek

The plan was to get up early today and drive to Springfield, Mo. so my son Justin and I could paddle the White River. (Lake Taneycomo) We were going to put in at the fish hatchery and paddle to the boat ramp near downtown Branson, which is about 7 or 8 miles. I was a little nervous about all the rain the area has had recently (about six inches) and so I called the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The recording said that Table Rock was at flood stage and they were releasing a lot of water into the White river. They said that any activity on the river would not be safe, so the trip was cancelled. However, I did paddle Wade Creek on the Wade Branch of Hillsdale Lake. It was 46 degrees when I put in this morning and there was no wind. That is heaven for a paddler (no wind). I paddled about two miles until the creek was too shallow to go any farther. I had to portage three times. Three ducks were ahead of me about 20 yards. I'm sure they had never seen anything like my orange/yellow/red kayak with a human in it. I could never get any closer than 20 yards. They matched my speed and stayed ahead of me. It wasn't the White River but it was a very enjoyable time out on the water.