flow rate test float #1 (rbi to deep eddy)
our goal: to float along in the current and not get out at the southern tip of red bud island. evaluate rate of travel and find a good exit point.
the equipment: a life preserver to be worn diaper style, small insulated cooler of beer riding in an infant life preserver, koozie
not shown are my large whacky noodle that doubles as a koozie, my water proof camera that was strapped to a waterproof box containing my iphone and a my bank card.
a quick shot of one of the several camps of people who go to the island to relax.
we caught the current under the red bud trail bridge. it only takes about five minutes to pass the island, then the river (ladybird lake) widens and slows considerably.
a little over an hour of floating and we could see mopac. pic below is the direction back to red bud island, which was no longer visible.
we found a public dock at deep eddy pool was a good place to get out. after 1.5 hrs of floating in the water, walking on land seemed surreal and we were freezing. first, we got harrassed by this gaggle of geese. then, this woman ran past us screaming with a male in hot pursuit...
it was a tickle attack.
we made our way to mangia pizza and called our women folk. they brought the kids so we could all feast on pizza. we agreed not to judge mangia pizza until we've tried the chicago stuffed pizza they are famous for. (funny, the young couple seated behind in the pic above were visiting from Houston. we used some of their extra chairs. the waiter had explained to them that he can't split checks when they requested the bill; waiter had assumed they were with us! realizing the waiter's mistake, the young couple from houston tried to make a quick exit. I got our check as there were walking out the door and told the waiter, "we didn't have any chicken wings". BUSTED! they had to pay for their meal)
happiness prevails. I believe we attained our goal. we now know it takes about 90 minutes from getting in at the north point of RBI to getting to mangia pizza. deep eddy cabaret would be another suitable dry off location but they only accept cash and not really kid friendly.