Hannibal — 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 55 Mississippi River

Once again I slept in, lulled by the comfort of a soft bed. I walked downstairs to find a cup of Joe and Jane.

After a bagel and egg sandwich I began packing up all the gear scattered across Janes garage and began tossing it in the back of the Jeep. By 10:30am or so we were loaded up with the canoe strapped to the roof rack.

We hopped in the car and Jane drove me past Gary's work at Gardner- Denver and dropped me off below Lock #21 in Quincy, IL. Crashing waves splashed and teetered the boat with every pass as I worked to load the canoe. The rolling waves forced a quick thank you and goodbye between Jane and I.

I pushed off and hit the water around 11:30am, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The day brought sun and a slight headwind along with a quick current.

I worked my way South, making it past Hannibal, MO and passing through Lock #22 a few hours before sunset.

Illinois, MissouriWill CollinsMay 28, 2019Quincy, HannibalComment

Day 54 Mississippi River

After sleeping in, I walked downstairs to be greeted by Jane and a waiting cup of coffee. Scrambled eggs, fried breakfast sausage and buttered toast soon followed.

Garry had headed back to the lake earlier in the morning to attend to a few tasks before heading out to Milwaukee for work in the afternoon.

Following breakfast and small talk I came to the conclusion that it made sense to stay the night with Jane and Garry again this evening. Game 2 of the NLCS, plus the opportunity to go to the grocery store and make the short trip to check out Hannibal, MO was all too good to pass up. After making the decision I retreated to my room to knock out some writing while Jane worked on finding recipes and ingredients for a family get together at the lake this coming weekend.

Missouri, Illinois, Good PeopleWill CollinsMay 28, 2019Hannibal, Mark TwainComment