Minneapolis — Mississippi River

103 Days. 2,300+ solo miles. A pen, pad, camera and the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing America by Canoe. A Mississippi River story.

In late August of 2017 I set out to complete a dream-to canoe over 2,300 miles through the heart of America on the nations largest artery, the Mississippi River. With no partner, few expectations and a yearning for adventure I packed my boat and headed north to the headwaters of the Mississippi in norther Minnesota. For the next 103 days I traversed the country by canoe, from the Northwoods of Minnesota to the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Along the way I was taken in by the kindness of strangers and stricken by the beauty of the river and the people who call the Mississippi home. These are the stories of that journey. The people and places, triumphs and tribulations. The adventure of a lifetime.

Day 26 Mississippi River - Nicollet Island, Minneapolis

After a long night with the Andrews sleeping in on a real bed felt great (first time this trip not in the tent or hammock). I woke up and hopped in the shower as both Andrew D. and Max knocked off the cobwebs. With Andrew C. off to work the three of us made a run into target for some supplies and food to make breakfast.

Once back we all chipped in on a delicious meal- egg scramble with onion and red pepper and yogurt topped with fresh strawberries.

Max and I packed up our gear and loaded up Andrew D's car. The plan was to drive us past the mile and a half portage at St. Anthony's dam. We also needed to swing by the local gear shop to grab a few things. With Andrews blue Subaru loaded to the brim with gear and 2 canoes on top we hit the road.

Minnesota, Minneapolis, Good PeopleWill CollinsMay 20, 2019Comment

Day 25 Mississippi River - The Andrews of Nicollet Island

After a late night of paddling, relaxing and a few midnight casts of the fishing rod Max and I rose early to break camp and get around our first portage, Coon Rapids Dam. We had stayed just 100 yards from the dam, meaning the portage was the first action of the day.

Making light work of the dam, we sat and made breakfast and coffee on the downstream side, sweaty and dreading the next and final portage of the trip.

Boats hit the water after grub and we worked our way toward the first legitimate city of the voyage, Minneapolis, Mn.

For me Minneapolis marked a special moment. It signifies the end of the Minnesota wilderness (and nearly the end of the largest of 10 states along the Miss), and ushers in the industrious side of the river that many of us associate with the Mississippi.

Minnesota, Good People, MinneapolisWill CollinsMay 20, 2019Comment