Posts in Good People
Day 10 Mississippi River
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. 

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Video, Storms, Minnesota, Good PeopleWill CollinsGrand Rapids, Cohasset Comments
Day 6 Mississippi River
Day 6 Mississippi River

Today was a day full of unexpected pleasant surprises. Things started off with a beautiful clear morning on Lake Irving. After hitting a coffee shop with a new friend for a quick cup and banana bread I broke camp and hit the water for my first lake crossing of the trip, Lake Bemidji. The weather could not have been better. 85, clear sky's and no wind. Perfect for a lake crossing that could have been made difficult by a stiff breeze.

I took my time crossing Lake Bemidji, stopping in the center for a quick swim. The outlet poring out of the lake was the first time I recognized the river as a full blow river and not just a winding creek. Progress!

As I leisurely drifted along the newfound width of the river I noticed all kinds of fish swimming below. A school of perch seemed to be following me. A few walleye, a couple Northers and some small mouth bass were also spotted.

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Minnesota, Good PeopleWill CollinsBemidjiComment
Day 5 Mississippi River
Day 5 Mississippi River

People are good.

Today was by far the best day on the river yet. It started out early, once again, with rain. I had made contact the night before via Facebook with a fellow named Barry, who offered to make me hot breakfast and help with a resupply should I be able to make it to his house ("in the wooded area before Bemidji. Look for the Minnesota state flag") in the AM. It was about a 2 1/2 hour paddle from my campsite. I broke camp and got on the water around 7:30AM, not wanting to miss the opportunity, and boy was I glad I did.

I pulled up to the Minnesota State flag with a light drizzle in the air and Barry walking out on his dock barefoot to meet me.

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Good People, Mississippi Stories, MinnesotaWill CollinsBemidji Comment
Day 1 - The Headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi, Lake Itasca, MN
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. 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!

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Minnesota, Good PeopleWill CollinsMississippi River, BuffaloRoamer, Canoe, Lake ItascaComment