Grand Rapids — 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 10 Mississippi River

Today was the toughest day yet, but still a great day.

I woke up to the sunrise and my small makeshift campsite drenched in dew. Throughout the night I heard several big fish rise and feed off the surface, making big splashes. All kinds of waterfowl and river life was bustling around me.

I knew today that I needed to reach Grand Rapids, MN as my beloved CU Buffs kicked off their season with a rivalry matchup against little brother Colorado State.

The day called for cloudy skies, a stiff wind and a chance of rain. Clouds and rain are no worries- but that wind....ouch. Small white caps were being blown my way for much of the day, making it look as though I was traveling upstream. It was tough, slow going. The thought of watching the game with a warm burger and beer in Grand Rapids kept me moving toward my 35 mile goal.

Video, Storms, Minnesota, Good PeopleWill CollinsJanuary 4, 2019Grand Rapids, Cohasset Comments