Friday, October 28, 2011

True North

It is pretty clear that the Mississippi travels mostly south.  So as far as which direction to paddle goes, I think we can leave our compasses at home.  If we get lost, we can just sit for a second, and the current will take us where we need to go. 
If only real life were that easy. Actually, it could be that easy, if you don't mind being swept away into other people's dreams.  It seems nowadays you have to have clear picture of what it is that you are chasing after or you can get distracted by life's constant marketing ploys.
I reject this inner-tube mentality. Where as long as you have a cooler of beer floating next to you, you're willing to let the current take you just about anywhere. 
This is where we are with this epic adventure that we have dubbed 'Canoe to the Future.' Yes, it started as an idea conceived in adventure and birthed from stagnation of the status quo.  But the idea has yet to grow, to mature, to find a current to paddle against.  This is destined to be a life changing adventure for us, and hopefully for all those who are along in spirit, but how will this small operation change the world of the future?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Called to Greatness


Where did our Heroes come from?  What are their stories? Why are the names Luke Taylor and Craig Loss shrouded in mystery and intrigue?



Monday, October 3, 2011

The Birth of an Idea

Although Craig Loss and Luke Taylor won't start canoeing until the summer of 2012, the journey started several years ago...

 While roommates at Purdue University, Craig and Luke where on an adventuring streak.  Whilst conquering the ever-present Everest that is the campus female population, these two adventurers  sought glory in action. Luke and Craig, along with any crew of fraternity brothers that dared, found their glory through many adventures, home and abroad. A yearly trip to Southern Indiana limestone quarries for some cliff-jumping was a quick fix for adrenaline. It became clear, though, that while near-death thrills are great, they were nothing compared to the thrill of living a life of purpose and meaning.  Without a doubt, their greatest challenge will be one that tests not only their daring, but also endurance and will.
The idea for canoeing the great Mississippi came on a weekend of canoeing the humble Brandywine in Greenfield, Indiana.  Although on this occasion, it seemed as though this humble creek had grown a pair;  Flood waters raged.  The sum total of canoe experience of all parties involved neared zero.... and our determined band of brothers couldn't have been happier.  Despite the challenging conditions, and several tipped canoes, the idea of a life-defining canoe trip emerged.

The Mississippi...

  The planned launch date is June 1st, 2012, but there will be many obstacles to be hurtled leading up to this date. This blog is going to be a chronicling of Luke Taylor, Craig Loss, and the journey of a lifetime.  Come back periodically to see how they are progressing.