This video is the perfect way to wrap up this amazing project. I offer it as a gift to those who were inspired by what was accomplished this summer.
The journey was just as life changing as they said it would be, and more. Words can't do it justice, but action can. That is the challenge. You don't have to have everything figured out; just take one more step (or paddle) toward your goal.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
The Future is Now
It has been great melding back into regular life, seeing that the lessons I learned on the river are transferable.
Video-
I am putting on finishing touches to the Canoe to the Future montage video. Just making it has been awesome; I can't wait for you guys to see it.
Video-
I am putting on finishing touches to the Canoe to the Future montage video. Just making it has been awesome; I can't wait for you guys to see it.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Gear Shift
It is a bit overwhelming to be home. The river was my reality; now it's not.
Still deep in reflection mode, I haven't yet wrapped my brain around such a memorable summer.
Nothing seems unattainable. I understand my strengths and weaknesses better now than ever before.
Local Livelihood-
We are going to continue working to achieve our $10000 goal for Local Livelihood. If you would like to help, click on the donation button to the right!
For those of you who generously pledged to donate when we finished the journey, thank you! We will be in contact soon.
Still deep in reflection mode, I haven't yet wrapped my brain around such a memorable summer.
Nothing seems unattainable. I understand my strengths and weaknesses better now than ever before.
Local Livelihood-
We are going to continue working to achieve our $10000 goal for Local Livelihood. If you would like to help, click on the donation button to the right!
For those of you who generously pledged to donate when we finished the journey, thank you! We will be in contact soon.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Closing Arguments
Being back in a city is quite weird.
A different situation with potential interactions everywhere.
Opportunities to take, or let pass by.
The river could definitely get boring; any 'entertainment' we could get was much appreciated.
Whether it was other boaters, wildlife, or mooning barges; any potential interaction was swiftly noticed and capitalized on.
'Walking down the street' will yield opportunities. Shops, artists, tourists, performers; anything has potential...
You can choose to interact or not.
By interacting, you enable your life to take crazy twists turns and be filled with excitement. By not engaging, you are letting opportunity pass you by.
Not every interaction will be positive or productive. To find out which ones are you must interact.
At any moment you have infinite choices to make. Go left, go right, climb a building, dig a hole, follow your nose. Engage.
A different situation with potential interactions everywhere.
Opportunities to take, or let pass by.
The river could definitely get boring; any 'entertainment' we could get was much appreciated.
Whether it was other boaters, wildlife, or mooning barges; any potential interaction was swiftly noticed and capitalized on.
'Walking down the street' will yield opportunities. Shops, artists, tourists, performers; anything has potential...
You can choose to interact or not.
By interacting, you enable your life to take crazy twists turns and be filled with excitement. By not engaging, you are letting opportunity pass you by.
Not every interaction will be positive or productive. To find out which ones are you must interact.
At any moment you have infinite choices to make. Go left, go right, climb a building, dig a hole, follow your nose. Engage.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Last Night on The River
Am I going to miss life on the Mississippi river?
My first instinct is to say no, I won't. I have been longing for New Orleans with every paddle stroke for a week now. Somehow it has been getting more difficult as we close in; the reality of modern comforts taunts me.
In a moment of probable heat exhaustion we even seriously considered asking a passing barge for a lift.
On second thought, however, I will miss this time I have been given. By far the most challenging project I have ever undertaken, this journey has tested my limits, and I have risen to the occasion.
Strength, perseverance, discipline, and endurance are some of the more obvious take aways, but 2300 miles has lent an even richer experience.
I've learned to live simply; what is it that I really need to get by in this world? One thing that makes the list that surprises me is human engagement. Accepting help from people I barely knew, individuals that were thrilled to help this traveler, has been nothing short of healing. My heart is bursting with gratitude; the river community has poured into me so much when it was obvious I could not give anything in return.
Thank you to everyone who has shared this wonderful experience with me.
The Mississippi river is now a part of me; I pray I never forget this amazing summer.
My first instinct is to say no, I won't. I have been longing for New Orleans with every paddle stroke for a week now. Somehow it has been getting more difficult as we close in; the reality of modern comforts taunts me.
In a moment of probable heat exhaustion we even seriously considered asking a passing barge for a lift.
On second thought, however, I will miss this time I have been given. By far the most challenging project I have ever undertaken, this journey has tested my limits, and I have risen to the occasion.
Strength, perseverance, discipline, and endurance are some of the more obvious take aways, but 2300 miles has lent an even richer experience.
I've learned to live simply; what is it that I really need to get by in this world? One thing that makes the list that surprises me is human engagement. Accepting help from people I barely knew, individuals that were thrilled to help this traveler, has been nothing short of healing. My heart is bursting with gratitude; the river community has poured into me so much when it was obvious I could not give anything in return.
Thank you to everyone who has shared this wonderful experience with me.
The Mississippi river is now a part of me; I pray I never forget this amazing summer.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Big Leagues
As we paddled into Baton Rouge, the Coast Guard welcomed us with a warning about vessel traffic from here on out. We soon saw what they were talking about.
As we rounded the bend, massive oil tankers, numerous barges, and a dredger stood in our way.
The margin for error is slim. Our underpowered boat will require foresight and quick decisions.
The next stretch is the most dangerous for paddlers, good thing we have over 2,000 miles under our belts.
As we rounded the bend, massive oil tankers, numerous barges, and a dredger stood in our way.
The margin for error is slim. Our underpowered boat will require foresight and quick decisions.
The next stretch is the most dangerous for paddlers, good thing we have over 2,000 miles under our belts.
Monday, July 23, 2012
So Close
As we see the finish line close at hand, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This has been the experience of a lifetime, and so many individuals have shown me so much love throughout.
Among the army of supporters, followers, and river community, two people stand out as integral.
My wife, Emily... Amazing. Her love and emotional support from afar gives me the courage and determination to push through when times get tough.
Joe Taylor, leader of Local Livelihood, and my brother, has been a consistent source of technical savy, and innovation for Canoe to the Future. Joe has been there from the beginning and hasn't let up.
Coffee Table Books-
Thanks to all of the great feedback on our photos, we are planning on offering commemorative books with our favorite photos! Stay tuned!
Wrapping Up-
As I write this, we have only three more full days of paddling, 160 miles, until New Orleans! I can't wait for a shower...and food... and a bed.
Among the army of supporters, followers, and river community, two people stand out as integral.
My wife, Emily... Amazing. Her love and emotional support from afar gives me the courage and determination to push through when times get tough.
Joe Taylor, leader of Local Livelihood, and my brother, has been a consistent source of technical savy, and innovation for Canoe to the Future. Joe has been there from the beginning and hasn't let up.
Coffee Table Books-
Thanks to all of the great feedback on our photos, we are planning on offering commemorative books with our favorite photos! Stay tuned!
Wrapping Up-
As I write this, we have only three more full days of paddling, 160 miles, until New Orleans! I can't wait for a shower...and food... and a bed.
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