Day 1 - The Headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi, Lake Itasca, MN

Day #1 is in the books, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

Setting off from the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca State Park, Minnesota. August 23, 2017.

After finishing up last minute packing the night before, my Mom and I woke up early and drove from our hotel in Bemidji, MN to the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi- Lake Itasca. We arrived around 9:30AM and walked to the official start of the Mississippi, a small creek that trickles north from Lake Itasca. We met two wonderful women, Karen and Brenda, who were both Catholic Nuns. After chatting for a bit they shared their excitement about my journey, and asked if they could sing me a prayer. The two women closed their eyes, lifted their hands above their heads and sang a beautiful prayer song to bless me before the start of the journey. It was pretty moving!

From there we loaded up the boat and got ready to set off. We met lots of wonderful people, including Marty and Fin from Winona, MN and so many others. It was exciting to see all the hullabaloo I created!

The first day of paddling was less paddling and more pushing and walking. The Mississippi runs through a large bog to begin, and at times I was cutting a path through the swamp with my canoe, using all my strength to move a few inches through thick vegetation. For the most part it was slow going, but hey, the trip has begun!

I stopped well short of my goal for the day, knowing an evening rain was headed my way. I called it quits around 4:00pm, set up camp and made dinner before the rain started around 7:30.

All in all, a good 1st day! Slowly but surely I am one step closer to the Gulf!