If you read my last post, you know that I’ve completed my Mississippi River Source to Sea Adventure. It’s been an amazing journey exploring the Mississippi River and seeing a wonderful part of America that most people never get to see.
From the headwaters at Lake Itasca.
To the Gulf of Mexico and Burns Point.
Every twist and turn was a new and exciting experience. Some were a little more challenging than others, but all of them were very memorable.
I love seeing places from an entirely new and different perspective. And this trip definitely provided a unique point of view of the world.
I’d like to thank all my family and friends who believed in me and helped me take this from a childhood dream to a reality and then to completion. I really appreciate all that you have done for me. And I don’t know how to thank you enough for all that you’ve done.
And let’s not forget the River Angels. Without them, the journey would not have been so enjoyable. They have helped me (and other paddlers) in so many ways that it’s hard to explain what they do and what it means to those of us on the river. You can be having a tough day and someone hands you a cold drink, And the weight of the day is lifted and you feel good again. Or a complete stranger invites you into their home for a night or two. It’s hard for me to express my gratitude. Saying thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough. I think the term River Angels is very appropriate for these people. I hope to share the kindness that they have shown me to others in the future.
For those of you that know me. You know I can’t sit still for long. My next trip will be in a few weeks to Minnesota, to get my truck. From there I plan on driving The Great River Road from Minnesota all the way to Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. My plan is to stop and visit the new friends that I made while on my Source to Sea Adventure. I learned about interesting and fascinating places that I wanted to visit, during my adventure but I was limited in my travels to the area near the river. So, while driving the Great River Road I will have the chance to go back and see these places.
As a final note, I feel very fortunate that I was able to make this adventure without any major issues. I’m not saying that it was easy, it wasn’t. There were lots of challenges and difficulties to overcome. Some days were better than others. But, it was worth every minute. This trip was an amazing trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see what else this wonderful world has for me to explore.
On a personal note. Now that I’ve paddled the Mississippi River from Source to Sea I consider myself very honored to be included in a very select group of individuals that are called Mississippi River Legends.
Did you know that more people have climbed Mt. Everest than have paddled the Mississippi River?