Expeditions

This expedition was introduced to me by a harbormaster in Prescott, WI. while on the Mississippi River adventure. I was told of a route that was about 5000 miles, but mainly powerboats and sailboats accomplished it. I thought about it for a second and thought, "Why could I not do it in a kayak?" I had no idea at the time how close kayaking would bring me to cultures from afar, wildlife on a scope and scale I could not have imagined, and people so kind with their time, knowledge, and understanding.

Prior to getting ready for this expedition, I kayaked from Seattle to San Diego in the summer of 2015. Once I am finished with this expedition, I will have had the fortune to see this country in a way so very few ever have, or ever will. The Pacific Ocean taught me many valuable lessons. It introduced me to the beauty of the colorful coastline communities and to majestic nature and wildlife. I developed the skill sets that will make this expedition a success.

In the process of kayaking the Mississippi River and down the Pacific Ocean, I began to find a value in my experiences. I began to find what was possible, and my goal became to begin conversations with school-aged kids. These talks include a big message about following your passion and chasing your dreams. I have always known that you have a lot more ground to stand on by actually walking the walk versus talking the talk. I want to make a strong statement by doing this expedition.

The route will begin in New Orleans. I will go through the Everglades and make my way up passed Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. I will paddle upstream on the St. Lawrence River into all the Great Lakes. Once I arrived in Chicago, I took a few days off before paddling down the Illinois River to the Mississippi River. I completed this adventure after a full 365 days on the water during my third year of the adventure.

I fully documented this expedition through videos, photographs, and written journal.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet, talk with, and hopefully inspire generations young, and old. I am looking to be a role model. I believe in the greater good of an expedition like this one. I enjoyed meeting friends that I have not met yet and to capture the heartbeat of our country from a rare perspective. Little would I know that this initial  5,000 miles trip would  turn into a 9,500+ mile expedition.

This expedition was not easy. I am grateful for my presenting sponsor, Seaward Kayaks. Their beautiful custom built sea kayak is a work of art crafted with dedication to the craft, precision in their workmanship, and passion for being able to 'get you there'.

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Never Miss A Moment