The Kankakee River was running high after some hard rains throughout the week.  Some concern among group members arose as we viewed the old bridge at State Line Road that was close to the rising water.  I took out a tape measure and discovered that there was three feet of clearance from the lowest point of the bridge to the fast moving water below.  We kept out boats close to the bank and floated under the bridge with a few having to do the limbo.  My son and I sat on the hull of the canoe and pulled ourselves under the structure.  (This is supposed to be removed sometime in 2024).  We paddled west and followed the meandering river taking care to avoid strainers and logs that were jutting out from the banks.  The dank and cloudy morning gave way to an idyllic blue sky with the sun shining in all of its majesty.  Our lunch stop was at a quasi public park.  We dined on the beach taking care to be discreet so homeowners would not be concerned and request our departure.  After lunch, we continued paddling passing by well maintained and dilapidated properties.  The few motorized boats we encountered slowed when approaching us and the passengers waved a friendly hello.  Because the current was high and swift, we reached the take-out at Momence an hour earlier than planned.  The entire group of paddlers had smiles and exchanged pleasantries as we loaded our crafts onto the vehichles.  In sum, it was a delightful day.