New Orleans or Bust! -An Adventure of a Lifetime

[ScottPugh]

It would be cool to find out when they will be going through the Elk River / Dayton area.  I could meet them anywhere along that way and bring some suppies to them.  I canoe that part often once bass season opens up.

[Woody]

I just spoke with Justyn's mom via e-mail.  She thinks they may have gone through St. Cloud today.  But with the winds the way they were-they may have hunkered down earlier-and not made it that far.  Hopefully he'll call her tonight and update her with his whereabouts.   

I know they may spend a night in Hastings, as Brian has family he'd like to see before they continue on. 

Right now it's kind of a guessing game until we hear from them.  I'll keep you (MNO)posted.   :rock:

[Spinach]

If I can get a little advance notice of when they stop in Hastings, I'd like to meet them down there, take some photos and wish them luck. We could even film a video and post it here.

[Realtree]

If I can get a little advance notice of when they stop in Hastings, I'd like to meet them down there, take some photos and wish them luck. We could even film a video and post it here.

That would be great to get some more video of the guys here for our members Pat.

Keep us posted as to their whereabouts as much as you can Woody, I would possibly be able to hook up with them further south of the Cities before they cross out of MN also if I know when they will be down that way.

[Woody]

Wednesday, May 23rd Update

*Taken from my e-mail correspondance with Mary (Justyn's mom).

Talked to Justyn tonight and he said to say Hi to you and everyone.  They made it south of Elk River tonight and everyone sounded in good spirits.  He called around 8 pm and they were all setting up camp and getting a fire going to help dry out their stuff as it rained on them twice today.  They traveled 41 miles today.  I would think they should make to to the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam by tomorrow sometime.  Just a guess on my part.

[Mayfly]

If I can get a little advance notice of when they stop in Hastings, I'd like to meet them down there, take some photos and wish them luck. We could even film a video and post it here.

Thats a good idea. Woody....can you arrange this??

[Woody]

I'm working on it!  I've been corresponding with Justyn's mom regarding this, and hope to be able to set something up!  I haven't said much because until I know something for sure-it's just speculation.   
 ::rockon::

[kevrobjohnson]

Hi everyone!
My husband is on the river with Digger and Brian! They have been having a blast and I'm sure they will enjoy seeing all the support they have! Things have been going well for them. I'm headed to Hastings this saturday to Pick up kevin and matt. They were set to be home last weekend but they couldn't pull themselves away and decided to stay on until they reached the cities! I can't wait to see them all!
 ::

[Woody]

Welcome to MNO!  When Kevin gets back and has time, he is more than welcome to share pictures and stories here on MNO with everyone!  (I'll gladly help-just let me know!)

Thursday, May 24th update

(Email from Justyn's Mom & Dad)

Hello everyone:  I am only attaching one photo so I don't log down your computers.  Our wedding went off without a hitch and Justyn made it home for his sister's wedding.  His good friends, Chelle and Bret Elmer picked him up on Thursday(5/17) evening up by Crosby, MN and he got to our home after 9 pm.  Our wedding took place on Friday and then early Saturday morning he was off again and back on the river before noon.  He camped on an island by himself that evening by Brainerd and then met up with the rest of the crew the next morning at the Baxter canoe campground.  For the next few days they really bucked the winds.  They said they had a couple tough portages by the Little Falls area.  Tuesday night they camped south of St. Cloud and Wednesday night they were by Elk River.  He called today (5/24) around 4 pm and was by Coon Rapids.  It has been raining alot the past two days, so everything is wet.  They plan to camp tomorrow night and enjoy the evening as Kevin and Matt will be leaving the foursome and heading back to Evansville once they get to Hastings.  Brian LeMay's mom lives in Hastings, so there might be a layover there.  Donn and I plan to head to Hastings after they arrive to bring Justyn a new paddle as his cracked.  I am sure we can get more details talking in person .
 
The picture I attached is one Chelle Elmer took when Justyn got back on the river in Crosby/Ironton, MN.  Back on the river again.  Thanks Chelle and Bret. 
 
Mary and Donn

[Realtree]

Thanks for the update on Justyn and the guys Woody. Is he doing better now with the new Kayak? Are they meeting or talking to many people as they make their way down the river?

 ::  8)

[Dinger]

Thanks for keeping us all up to date Woody.  I know all of these guys and I'm jealous they get to do something like this.  I'm with Woody in that I have a family now and probably will never get a chance to do something like this, so with all of the updates and pictures, I get to live it through them.  Woody, if you every need help making another video or something, let me know.  I'd be glad to pitch in.

[kevrobjohnson]

Hi everyone,
On Friday Kevin, Matt and Brian made it to Hastings. Digger was running a day behind and he decided not to paddle in the rain on Thursday. I picked up Kevin and Matt Saturday and we were on our way home when digger called and said he had made it to hastings. The boys are all doing well, a little sun burnt and scruffy but otherwise okay. Brains mom Debbie fed them well!! They have meet some great people along the way, and it was a great adventure. I have pictures from Brian's camera I will try to work on getting a few of them posted as time goes on. Kevin has an Itch now that he would like to complete the whole river as well someday!!.... we will see how this goes!
Thanks!

[Woody]

Wednesday, May 30th Update

Hi Everyone:  just a little update on Justyn and Brian's river run.
 
They had a day's layover in Hastings, MN, where Brian's family lives.  We went there this past Sunday.  We brought more dehydrated food and exchanged some paddles.  The boys looked good and were drying out all their gear and rearranging their kayaks once again to make everything fit.
 
They all experienced going through the locks in the twin cities and am glad they have a little experience with that now.  It is now down to the two men going the rest of the way to New Orleans.
 
They headed out Monday afternoon with, of course, gusty south winds.  They made it 18 river miles and set up camp on a small island.  Yesterday they made it to Lake Pepin with nasty white caps.  Justyn did say the boat traffic has settled down with the Memorial weekend behind us.  They are only about a mile north of Lake City, MN.  Today's plans are to stop in Wabasha for a "burger" at the place they filmed Grumpy Old Men.  They were camped on a little peninsula last night.
 
They talked about the large house boats, barges and tug boats on the river, and how they create large rollers and they have to be cautious to stay out of their way.
 
Justyn met some nice people one night  before Hastings that are affliated with a barge company and they talked to him about barge employment and opportunities.  I think his ears perked up.  They also invited him for hot dogs and a beer.  He accepted their offer and spent a few hours visiting them. 
 
Well, all for now.  They are safe and are in good spirits.
 
More to come.
 
 
Mary

[Mayfly]

I would love to see some pictures. Thanks for sharing.....This sounds like a lot of fun!!!

[Woody]

I would like to see pics as well!  How I envy these guys!  ::rockon::

[ddmason]

Just a quick note to let you all know that the guys are on the front page of the Hastings Star Gazette, Brian, Kevin and Matt. Digger didn't arrive until Saturday. They are doing well and seemed to enjoy a weekend of rest. I could tell that Kevin wanted to complete the trip. The web site is www.hastingsstargazette.com the article is pretty good it states that Brian is a resident of Hastings, we all know he is a Evansville boy. The reporter got a little confused. For the most part it's worth reading. I am glad I found the web site. I will try to load some pictures this weekend.
Debbie ( Brian's mom)

[Woody]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this with us!  It was a good read!  Can't wait for further updates and pictures!

Paddle on guys!   ::rockon:: 

[Woody]

Sun. June 3rd, 2007 Update

Hello Everyone:  Donn and I set out Friday morning to find Justyn and Brian.  We met at the Green Island ramp in La Crosse, Wisconsin around 2 pm.  Thanks to the local Chamber in La Crosse, we found the ramp just fine.  We grilled food and the boys ate very well.  Of course, mother nature arrived the minute we pulled into the ramp and it continued to rain the entire time we were there.  We didn't let it bother us and took shelter under some tree's. 
 
The boys are doing well.  They have been getting through the locks and dams just fine and most of the lockmasters visit with them and some even call ahead to let the next lockmaster know they will be coming through.  They have camped mostly on islands.  They are between the Minnesota and Wisconsin shores but we are confident that today they will be completely out of Minnesota and into Iowa and Wisconsin.
 
They talked about seeing a fox on the shoreline on Friday morning and Brian was able to get within 20 feet of it and take pictures and a small video clip.  They were amazed the fox allowed them to get so close.  The boys talked about seeing how the Corp of Army Engineers dredge the river and actually saw the dredger and how it operates.  This is to keep the waters deep enough for the large barges to be able to get through.  They have seen many huge barges along the way.
 
They really seem to enjoy the river and especially when the winds are calm.  Going across Lake Pepin with 25-30 mile an hour winds was not too fun and a little scary.  They said they hugged the shoreline the whole way.  They stopped shortly in Alma Wisconsin and Justyn walked up to a convenience store for a Mountain Dew.  He said it was such a pretty town. 
 
From what I can tell, they use the maps we got for them alot.  I was able to get a CD from the Army Corp of Engineers and printed a copy of the lower half of the Mississippi, so now they will have maps for their entire course.  They really have no time set for reaching New Orleans.  We hope to have a small caravan going down to bring them home once they reach their goal.
 
I have attached a couple pictures for you to see.
 
Until Next Week,
 
Please keep them in your prayers for a safe journey.
 
Mary and Donn

[clelmer]

Go DIGGS & BRIAN!!!  Good job on all the updates, Woody!  It is so awesome to tag along with them on this amazing venture! 

Here's a pic of Digger!  (Just North of Crosby/Ironton, MN).

[Realtree]

Thanks Woody, Debbie, Mary & Donn for the recent updates on the guys and their trip. I'm sure they will have even more great things to share with us when complete their journey and return home. Thanks for taking the time to keep us all updated on their progress. 

[Woody]

Wednesday June 6th Update

Hello Everyone:
 
Even though it is the middle of the week, we thought an update on the boys is necessary.  The boys are doing great, and this evening went through  Dubuque Iowa.    We have a little story to share!
 
Last week Donn and I made a few connections with some key people who were in Minnesota filming a documentary about the Mississippi River.  It is called "Big River Blues."  Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Almereyda and humorist, Andrei Codrescu are embarking upon a unique journey of discovery along the entire length of the Mississippi River ... creating an edgy and exciting new feature film that promises to strike a deep chord with audiences eager for meaningful, thought-provoking entertainment at the Cineplex.  They began their production at the Itaska headwaters shortly after our boys began their journey on May 5, and are filming all the way down to New Orleans.
 
Big River Blues is being shot in High-Definition video, a format suitable for both theatrical and television release.  Brian Doubleday as Producer.
 
So, what does this have to do with Justyn and Brian?
 
Well, through some cell phone calls, Justyn and producer, Brian Doubleday, made arrangements today for the production crew of Big River Blues, to meet our boys on the river in Dubuque, Iowa to be videotaped and interviewed, and possibly be a part of this 2.5 million dollar documentary. 
 
The boys said the entire time they spent with the production team was awesome.  They put microphones on them and Andrei Codrescu did all the interviewing and they filmed them on the river with their kayaks and said when they get to New Orleans, they are suppose to call Andrei and if he is in town, he wants to take to boys out for a true southern dinner.  They plan to take him up on it. 
 
We would have to say this is a big highlight of their journey.
 
If you are interested in finding out more about Mississippi Big River Blues go to:  http://bigriverblues.com
 
Have a nice evening.
 
Donn and Mary

[Woody]

Chelle has sent me a bunch of pictures from when she and her husband Brett (whom I work with) picked Digger up a couple of weeks ago so he could make his sister's wedding.  They also dropped him off after the wedding. 

Emerging from the woods after stashing his Kayak and gear





Digger's good friends- Chelle & Brett



Returning the day after the wedding-Ready to tackle "Ol Miss" once again!





Back into the woods for his Gear



Shoving off







On His Way







*Thank you Chelle for sharing these pictures!  ::rockon::

[ddmason]

Sat June 9th Dave and I drove to LeClaire IA to see Brian and Justyn, about five hours from the cities. The guys where happy to see us and the potato salad!!! It was one of their requests. We brought them some supplies and had a picnic lunch, they ate well. Their spirits where high!! They had been stalled due to the wind and where happy to be back in the kayak seats. We met some local fishermen that shared their tales of a tug of war each year between Iowa and Illinois a 900lb rope is strung across the river and all boat traffic is stopped for the tug of war this will be the 21st year, Illinois won last year. The Iowa men also share their fishing tips for catching catfish and actually caught one while we where there. We spend all afternoon with Brian and Justyn and had a great visit. So with full stomachs and fully supplied dry bags and fully charged cell phones they where on their way at about 5:00pm to do another 10 miles for a total of 30 miles for the day. Will keep in touch as the trip goes on. Debbie

[Mayfly]

Good read. Thanks for the updates!

[Woody]

Thank you VERY MUCH for the update!  I was wondering how far down river they were-and how things were going!  I can't wait to see more pictures! ::hittingself::

[Woody]

Thurs. June 14th Update

Hello:  The boys have left Iowa and are now in the state of Missouri.  They are making progress.  Last night they camped on the Illinois side of the river.  They encountered their first 4 foot long snake a few nights ago.  It wanted to sneak into Justyn's tent, but the boys coaxed it with a stick back into the river and it slid away without any problems.  They went through lock and dam # 19 yesterday and according to Brian the lock was 1200 feet in length and the lock dropped them about 36 feet before letting them out.  Once past the dam they were clipping away at 6 miles per hour downstream, a pretty fast pace with the current.  A few days ago they kayaked over 40 miles and this was because the Iowa river runs into the Mississippi and gives a much faster current.   One day they met a police officer and 3 teachers on the river and spent about a half hour visiting with them.  The boys said the southern accents are getting much more noticable. 

 

Last weekend they boys got a days visit with Brian's mom and Dave in Le Claire Iowa.  Of course the food was great and they had a picture perfect day to hang out with them at a park.  I have attached a picture Debbie took before they took off again.  The boys figure they will hit Saint Louis Missouri within 4-5 days.  They seem healthy, except for Justyn's tendinitis in his shoulder that acted up a little yesterday, but they stopped and bought a bag of ice and that helped. 

 

All is well.  Keep them in your prayers for a safe journey. 

 

Mary and Donn

[Woody]

Thanks for the update Mary & Donn!  I look at the picture and can't believe how much weight Justyn has lost!  And Brian-well that poor guy can't afford to loose any weight! 

A couple of side notes:
-everything sounds great EXCEPT for the snake part!
-In case anyone was wondering how they know how fast they are going-they have a GPS with them.   

Here's a map I've been working on.  It coincides with the updates.  (Hopefully this will work!)

[Mayfly]

We need that to be bigger

[GinnieB]

Brian LeMay is my nephew and I am so grateful to all of you who have visted with Brian and Justyn. It is very exciting (and comforting) to read posted updated about these two adventurers! As the saying goes: Keep us poted!

[ddmason]

Quick update 7/18/07
I spoke to Brian last night they where in St Louis MO he could see the Arch from their camp. They met a couple of guys in one of the locks, they are in a canoe one is from Avon MN and the other is from Sweden. They told Brian and Justyn that they have been hearing about the kayakers for the past month, by the Lockmasters and campers. They paddled together Sunday and went into St Louis and had dinner and a couple beers and shared their stories. So they where sharing a campsite at least for Sunday night "They are good company mom!" Brian was pretty excited about meeting them. Brain said they are like a well oiled machine and they have been averaging 68 miles a day, he and Justyn had a hard time keeping up. Brian and Justyn have been averaging 48 miles per day for the past week, the river is much faster now running about 8 to 9 mph. They made it through the last of the lock and damns so now it is smooth sailing the rest of the way!!! Thanks for all the good thoughts.
Debbie

P.S. Hi Ginnie B.!!!