Palisade — 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 15 Mississippi River

Today was a long and worthwhile day. I woke up to a mist covered campsite around 7AM, knowing I had a full day ahead (I've tried getting up before 7, but find it damn hard to roll out of bed, put on a headlamp and extra layers while everything is still dark and cold before sunrise). The goal was to make it 13.1 miles down stream of Palisade, MN (pop 167) making for a 35 mile day. A wonderful woman had found me on Facebook, and as she does for all through paddlers, offered to put me up at her place.

After a quick call with grandma to start the morning I hit the water full steam ahead. It was a beautiful fall day, with the sun poking in and out from behind a sheet of clouds.

Minnesota, Good PeopleWill CollinsMay 17, 2019Aikin, PalisadeComment