New Orleans or Bust! -An Adventure of a Lifetime

[Woody]

Thanks for the update Debbie!  It seems it's going faster than I thought it would!  I wonder if Brian will stop by a suburb of St. Louis with his name "Lemay"?!   

[Woody]

Monday, June 18th Update

Greetings:  We heard from Justyn and Brian last night.  Donn and I were on business up in Grand Marias, MN so we were not sure our cell phone coverage would be adequate, but he came in loud and clear.  They made it through the arch in St. Louis, Missouri and were camping on a sandbar and could see the arch from their campsite. 
 
While going through their last lock and damm near St. Louis, they met up with two other men who had left Itaska about a week or so after Justyn and Brian, and are using one canoe between the two of them to travel the length of the Mississippi River. One man is from Avon, MN and the other from southern Sweden.  These two men had been told by seveal lockmasters that there were two men with kayaks ahead of them, so they were all excited to finally meet up with them.  They all set up camp last night together, and I am sure had many tales of the river to share with each other. The boys were able to leave their kayaks briefly yesterday to go into St. Louis to get a cheeseburger, which was a real "treat."  As they travel further away from us, I think they really appreciate the value of clean water and real food.  They are too far south now for us to make a quick run with food and necessities.
 
Justyn and Brian have been having some very hot days on the river.  The current, according to Brian,  has picked up from 4-6 knots to 7-9 knots when they reached the confluence of the Missouri river.  This is something they expected to happen, and so they probably have their lifejackets in a very handy place, within reach.
 
The boys are all done with all 27 locks and damms now.  They will begin traveling the lower part of the Mississippi.  They will need to keep up with their water and food supplies, as there will be fewer towns that will be accessible from the river.  Many cities have dikes built around the town so it will be impossible to get supplies. 
 
We were warned we may not hear from Justyn for a few days until he can charge up his cell phone somewhere.  We will
be sure to keep you posted.
 
Also, if I did not mention this, a former 1997 Alex classmate of Justyn's, Brad Westphal, has designed a website, keeping a legend (map) of their progress on the river.  We thank Brad for doing this, and Brad said after one week of being up and running, the site had something like 1200 hits on it.  It sure makes us feel good that people are interested in their journey.  It really keeps their spirits up when I tell them how many classmates and friends are asking about them.
 
Here is Brad's site:  www.paddletheriver.com
 
One of Justyn's and Brian's co-workers, Jeff (Woody) also is keeping updates on the MNO website, so feel free to check this out also.  It is a neat website and lots of valuable info.  It deals with fishing, and outdoor discussions, etc. 
www.mnoutdoorsman.com
 
Thanks everyone!
 
Mary and Donn

[mnboater]

Better late then never...

On Friday, May 25th, we had the pleasure of meeting Justyn.  Our group of houseboating friends had set up for Memorial weekend at a favorite spot - mile marker 826, south of St. Paul.  We Invited him to eat whatever we cooked over the fire and pitch his tent.

We had an interesting and fun evening listening to Justyn's plans.  My husband gave him the name and number of a river barge contact we have in the Louisville area in case he wishes to continue his river adventures after this trip!   

Having been on an extended river trip, from St. Paul to Pensacola, FL., I was feeling a bit jealous.  I would make another trip in a heartbeat...well, probably not in a kayak though!

We were surprised at how much he had in the kayak.  Really well provisioned for the space.  I was very glad to see the river charts.  You can't make a river trip without them.

I have enjoyed reading the updates and passing them along to those he met. 

Good luck to both guys!

J. Hall

[Woody]

Thanks for the post and picture!  And welcome to MNO!    

[*River~Rat*]

What an amazing experience!  I am 1 of the 3 teachers that met Justyn and Brian 1 wk ago from today, they had been on their journey for 38 days.
I grew up at the Missississi on the weekends, always pulling lines and cleaning fish with my father.  I love the river! 
The day we met, we were just out for a relaxing day.  We had seen them earlier between Burlington, Iowa and Fort Madison, Iowa and had wondered where they had started and where they were going.  We never expected to hear what we did!  Hopefully we didn't annoy them with our MANY questions!  We saw them the day after they almost had a tent mate (4 ft long snake)!   We offered them a couple of "beverages" (which they accepted)!   ::cheers::  The look on their face was like children in a candy store!  Priceless!!  We just have 1 question...(I think we know the answer)  Just what did you want to keep those empty bottles for!!!!????  He-He!  Hope that the rest of their journey goes as well as it has so far.  I'm addicted to the updates, keep 'em coming!

M.Brewer ~ IL

[Woody]

Welcome to MNO River Rat!  It's nice to have you here, and to hear you visit with the guys was a memorable one!  They are great guys-I know this because I work with them (well-when their not out Kayaking!) 

You'll never meet more down to earth, fun loving guys!  I'm almost 110% sure they didn't mind the questions!  They love to share their story with anyone.  And that's why I'm doing this (the Adventure of a Lifetime story), to keep everyone informed of their progress and any adventures they run into along the way-even 4' snakes! YIKES!

Here is a picture I came across on the www.paddletheriver.com site.  That map is by far cooler than the one I posted earlier!  Thanks for that Brad!  ::rockon::
 

[Woody]

Thursday, June 21st Update

We are happy to report the boys cell phones are getting charged up, as of last night.  They are both at a nice campground with SHOWERS.  The price was right at $5.00 a night to camp, shower included.  Their location is near Grand Tower, Illinois.  I have attached an aerial picture of the river near this town, barge included. 

Speaking of barges, Justyn said they saw a barge pulling over 30 containers.  They give off 4-5 foot waves, so everyone with small crafts keeps their distance.

The boys had a nice visit with a couple staying at the campground named Dick and Dottie Jones.  They had a 5th wheel and only live about 100 miles north of the area.  They enjoy camping and Dick educated the boys on the different types of snakes they could encounter down south, and which ones to stay clear of.

Brian and Justyn got separated for a short time Monday.  Justyn thought Brian was ahead of him, so yesterday he paddled hard to try and catch him, going over 40 miles by 4 pm.  Then he thought it best to stay at the campsite, and shortly thereafter, Brian was spotted on the river. Brian thought Justyn was behind him but then talked to someone who confirmed Justyn was ahead of him, so Brian kicked it in gear to catch up with him. Nice to know the cell phones are charged up now so they can communicate.

Justyn did say that the towns are getting further and further apart now and other than weekend boat traffic, they are pretty much alone out there with the barges.  There are not as many sandbars either.  They did get into a grocery store and got some supplies, which is always an enjoyable event for them.

It sounds like they will be leaving Missouri/Illinois and moving into the Tennessee and Arkansas states within 3 days or so.  They expect the current to become even stronger when the Ohio river comes into the Mississippi River.  They feel they will travel about 60 miles a day when the current picks up.

Justyn frequently mentions how the southern hospitality is so noticable, and of course the boys stick out like a sore thumb with their Minnesota accents.

When asked if they have any idea when they will hit New Orleans, they stated about 18 days from when they leave Missouri/Illinois, which puts it into the middle of July.  I know they want to kayak into the ocean and see the dolphins and spend of few days relaxing in the Gulf of Mexico.  Can't blame them for wanting to let their muscles rest a bit.

Thanks

Mary and Donn

[Mayfly]

Sounds good and again thanks for keeping us to date.

I do have a couple questions though.....

I may have missed this? Can you tell us a bit about these guys? How old are they? Do they have jobs? Go to school?

Thanks!

[Woody]

Justyn aka "Digger" is single, just turned 29 on June 1st.  He currently is between jobs, using this trip to do a lil "soul searching".  His last job he was a welder.  But his talents are not limited with that alone.  His #1 love is the outdoors.  It doesn't matter if it's winter, spring, summer or fall-he loves to be outdoors enjoying what mother nature has to offer.  Whether it be fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, picking up antler sheds, hunting for mushrooms, berries or wild asparagus.  Or looking for agates or arrowheads.  He simply craves to be outdoors.   

Brian also worked with Justyn, but took a couple months off to make this trip.  He's in in mid 20's, single and like Justyn, has nothing to hold him down from taking this trip.  It's something both of them wanted to do for a long time.  And like Justyn, Brian is a big time outdoorsman.  He fished in a local fishing league last summer, and enjoys ice fishing as well. 

Both guys have nothing to "hold them down", no mortgage, no vehicle payments, no wives-nothing.  So it was the perfect time to make this trip before "life happens".  Both guys are down to earth and fun loving and selfless. You couldn't ask for better friends.  Neither can stand to be cooped up indoors for very long.  They are always on the go. 

I've known Justyn for about 6 yrs, and Brian about 4 yrs. I don't know what else I can say.  I don't know what their favorite foods are, favorite colors, or any of those things.   :ROTFLMAO:  But I CAN tell you neither would pass up an adult beverage if offered one!  (or 2 or 3 or floor!)  ::drunks::

Paddle on my friends, have fun and be safe!   ::rockon:: :rock: ::rockon:: ::cheers::

[ScottPugh]

Sounds good and again thanks for keeping us to date.

I do have a couple questions though.....

I may have missed this? Can you tell us a bit about these guys? How old are they? Do they have jobs? Go to school?

Thanks!

I think you forgot one... 

What are they going to do for an oncore?  Thanks for the updates I have enjoyed following their journey.  Has anyone alerted the news papers / local channels on this journey.  I would guess that not too many people have done this journey before.

[Hog EyEs]

My grandparents live on the Mississippi in Grand Rapids.  My little cousin was in the back yard when he went by.  He was waving at the guy and he yelled "New Orlean's or Bust".  I believe theres a few guys that do this trip each year.

[ddmason]

Actually Brian asked the Lockmasters how many people they see make the entire trip each year and he was told around 6 to 8...that's not many. Brian and Justyn are adventurious for taking this on. As far as an encore that is a good question. Brian is 24 years old and he likes fishing, hunting, boating and pretty much anything outdoors. Brian is a man of few words and when he uses them he says exactly what is on his mind. Just thought you would like to know.
Debbie

[Woody]

Brian is 24 years old and he likes fishing, hunting, boating and pretty much anything outdoors. Brian is a man of few words and when he uses them he says exactly what is on his mind. Just thought you would like to know.
Debbie

Debbie-you called it right on Brian!  He is exactly as you described.  I apologize for not doing a better job on his description-it's been almost 2 months since I've last talked to him.  He definitely makes work go by faster when he is around!

Scott-I did contact KARE11 about this, as well as CNN, and some other local TV stations-as far as I know-no one is following along or planning a story of it.  I told them all that in today's world of war, corruption, and all the negative stuff-that this would be a GREAT feel good story! 

As far as an encore who knows?!?  It would be cool to see them follow along the "trail" as described in the book-"Canoing with the Cree".  I know Justyn is thinking of a BWCA trip.  If I hear of something, I'll definitely let everyone know!  I'd like to see a "video" documentary of the trip.  Something like the day to day-reality type thing.  (Lord knows we need another "reality" show!) lol  But something like this would be well worth watching!  Maybe Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs" or "Deadliest Catch" could get involved!   :ROTFLMAO:

[sunshyne]

Ah- Alas.. I should have known to look under adventures of a life time. Ha. Disregard my message Woody.
I met the guys in May at the Palisade Pub. We bought them all what they wanted to "sip"..   ::cheers:: (My boyfriend bought- he's a union Welder and fisherman.) I Wish we had started talking to them sooner (one of those nights).  Sorry we didn't get our dock out before you went by the next day, I wanted to cook ya a good brunch, but stayed out under the stars way to late the night we met.
 I live on the Mississippi just south of Palisade about 11 miles  (169)and have always wanted to do what the guys are doing. I did also meet the two guys that left after them. And there was another guy  a week after that who was Kayaking alone and only had one leg.  He was interesting... ::drunks:: 
This site is aw-some and so glad Justyn told me about it.  Sorry it took so long.  Keep up the fun and adventure- You'll love the Gulf. Hope to meet ya Next year!! hehe ::

[ddmason]

June 25th update
I spoke to Brian today, they where in New Madrid Kentucky. They have had a couple of action filled days. Brian and Justyn met a couple of Southern fellas by the names of Bloodhound and Rooster. They are retired from Goodyear and camp by the river for a month each summer. They showed the Minnesotains some true southern hospitality they shared many stories. Brian also wanted me to mention Bloodhound and Rooster's gals Robbie and Victoria, and their good friends Jim and Carla who opened their home to Brian and Justyn.  They got to shower and sleep in air conditioning not to metion the great food and drinks. These folks are all from the Fulton, South Fulton, Hickman, Union City area these are Tennesse and Kentucky boarder towns. Rooster and Bloodhound told Brian and Justyn that they are in a draught and that in the past 2 weeks the river has dropped 4 feet. Brian said it was hard to understand them at first their accents are so heavy and he said they say words that he has never heard before. On the morning they left Rooster and Bloodhound gave them two bags of groceries. Brian said he and Justyn got there phone numbers and addresses so that on the roadtrip home to Minnesota we can stop so that Mary, Donn, Steve and I can meet them. It will be a great honor to meet such great people!
Debbie

[ibroussard]

Brian LeMay is my nephew and I have been following his journey on your website and various other postings with great enjoyment!!  Thanks to Debbie and all the others for their timely information.  What a great time they are having!!  Keep the pictures and the stories coming.  I'm looking forward to hearing some tales after they return.
Irene

[Mayfly]

[

Scott-I did contact KARE11 about this, as well as CNN, and some other local TV stations-as far as I know-no one is following along or planning a story of it.  I told them all that in today's world of war, corruption, and all the negative stuff-that this would be a GREAT feel good story! 

I think this is very news worthy! Would you rather turn on the 10pm news and hear about the latest murder or would you like to hear about the journey down to Orelans on the Miss!! That would be cool! This world....... ??? ::)

[Woody]

I would first like to thank everyone who has contributed their experiences spent with Justyn & Brian along their journey.  It's nice to get another person's point of view once and a while.  So if you've been watching along, and been shy to post-don't be, we're all friends here, and we welcome anyone and everyone!  By all means check out the rest of the site while you're here! 

Secondly, thank you Debbie for the update!  I think it's great that people welcome the guys with "open arms" (so to speak).  People always talk about "Minnesota Nice", and while it's true-there are many areas of this country that don't get the credit they deserve!  Thank you "Bloodhound" & "Rooster"!  ::cheers::

Mayfly-as stated in my quote-I DO believe this is newsworthy!  Now to find someone out there who feels the same way and would be willing to cover this !  I haven't given up, I just need to find that one person, anchor or station that would be interested!  I realize Brian and Justyn aren't the only 2 to even paddle down the mighty Mississippi, but I would have to say that few have had the following & support like these 2 guys do!
Perhaps we need to bombard a preselected station with a "petition" of sorts to show the public interest in this story!

Anyhow, thanks to everyone!  Be safe and paddle on Brian & Justyn!    ::rockon::

 

[Woody]

How's that for coincidence?  I just got off the phone with Justyn, and they are in very good spirits.  But then if you knew either one of them, you'd know that's how they are most of the time!      

They made it to Tennessee and are camped on a sandbar.  The sandbar is about a mile long.  He said the weather overall has been cooperative, with only a few storms encountered along the way.  Nothing too serious or anything to be concerned about.  He also said that the snake that has been mentioned before was "HUGE"!  He wasn't sure of what kind of snake it was-but it wasn't a friendly kind of snake!  (Ever met a friendly snake in the wild?-not me brother!)

He said to say hi to EVERYONE here at MNO.  To all the friends, family and kind folks they've met along the way "Hi, hope all is going well for everyone, things are awesome here". 

As far as fishing along the way-they gave that up in Minnesota as they would have to get out of state licenses.  They are both in great spirits, good health and loving every minute of this trip.  They are looking forward to reaching the gulf and exploring it.  He mentioned that they've been forwarned that the further south they go, they may encounter Alligators and Bull Sharks in the river, especially in Louisianna.  But neither are too concerned at the moment with that. 

Well that was about all-I just wanted to share that with everyone, and to pass along their message to you all!   ::rockon::

[JohnWester]

woody... what about the local newspapers??

I wonder if they have seen any of those flying carp?

[Woody]

Our local paper here-the Alexandria Echo Press  has been printing the same updates.  The paper comes out every Tuesday.  Here is a link to the latest update from last week.  (June 22nd)

http://www.echopress.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48462&section=News

Note the plug for MNO at the bottom!    Thank you Mary!  :rock:

[mikeslunchbox]

 Hi From Mike's Lunch Box, Alexandria, Minnesota.  Mike here.  I love the spirit of you all, (or y'all, where they're at).  I have a friend who bartends down in New Orleans, and is from Duluth and Minneapolis.  I should turn you guys on to his place.  This is great entertainment. ::  I would like to treat you two to a Ginormous Cheesesteak when you return.  Press on, and good luck!  I would love to do a story on you guys if you would be willing.  Peace, out.     

[Woody]

Mike (mikeslunchbox), 1st welcome to MNO!   

2nd-if you like, pm me the info. on your friend in New Orleans, and I'll pass it along to Justyn and Brian!  That would be cool for them to meet another "Minnesnowdan" in New Orleans! 

3rd-what an awesome offer for the guys!  I'm from Evansville-never heard of Mike's Lunch Box, maybe I need to get out from under my rock more often!    But I tell ya what-Cheesesteak sounds great, and I'd be willing to send some business your way!   

[Woody]

Tuesday June 26th Update
(I apologize for being late with this update~Woody)

Due to very poor cell phone reception, we were not able to communicate with the boys for over 3 days.  Brian's mom was able to make out a few sentences before the weekend so we knew they were safe and made it through Cairo Illinois where the Ohio river meets the mighty Mississippi.  We tried to call them over the weekend, but were unsuccessful.  We had a lengthy conversation yesterday and they were having a great time.  I believe sometime last Friday they met two men who were camping on the river.  They were retired from the Goodyear tire company and every year camp by the river.  Once again, these people from the south showed some wonderful hospitality.  The boys not only camped with them, but through some of their friends who live about 30 miles from the river, were invited to their home and got to shower and got spend the night in air conditioning.  Not only that, they also took them out for a fabulous Mexican dinner.  The boys were very grateful and really needed a reprieve from the hot days they had been spending on the river.  I think the name of the town was Crutchfield, Kentucky, which is located in the most southwestern point in Kentucky, only a few miles from the Tennessee state line to the south and across the river from Missouri. 
 
After a weekend of fun and relaxation, it was back on the river yesterday.  They are averaging about 50 miles a day now.  The current did not pick up too much when the Ohio met up with the Mississippi, which is good.  Justyn did say the Ohio river was very clean compared to the Mississippi.  They think they will arrive in Memphis, TN  within a few days.  Then they expect to stock up on water and supplies as it is about 100 miles before another town.
 
We will keep you posted. 
 
Mary and Donn

[Woody]

Special Note from Justyn & Brian

Justyn & Brian have asked me to relay a message.  They would like to give a special thanks to Rooster, Bloodhound, Jim, Carla, Victoria & Robbie Joe for showing them true southern hospitality throughout the entire weekend!  They put the guys up in their airconditioned home for the evening (which was a welcomed relief from the many hot days on the river!)  Their home was about a 30 mile drive from the river, (Crutchfield, Kentucky) so that's pretty darned cool of them!   ::rockon::
They cooked them a meal and also took them to a wonderful Mexican Restaraunt. 
The guys are extremely grateful for everything!  And hopefully, provided there is time, they'd like to stop by on their way back to Minnesota!

So if any of you- Bloodhound, Rooster, Jim, Carla, Victoria & Robbie Joe happen to see this, please sign up and share your story of Justyn & Brian on their journey to New Orleans! 

On a side note:
As a friend of the guys-thank you for looking out for them for the weekend!  You all rock!  ::rockon::  :rock:   ~Woody

[Woody]

Saturday, June 30th Update
Hello Everyone:  The boys arrived in Memphis, Tennessee a few days ago.  Their biggest challenge the past two weeks has been the heat and humidity.  On Tuesday of this past week, they pulled off the river two times due to severe lightening and a thunderstorm.  They slept on a sandbar that evening.  They mentioned they saw a huge barge that day with 3 smoke stacks on it.  For those of you who have river maps, they were at mile marker 822.  This number also reflects the number of miles left to travel to the Gulf of Mexico.
 
 Wednesday presented a few setbacks with Justyn's shoulder acting up again.  They decided to pull into the next town and try to get a bag of ice to put on his shoulder.  They were able to talk with a deckhand from a barge before walking into the Arkansas town, and this fellow advised the boys not to walk into town.  To assure their safety, he offered to drive them to get supplies.  They boys were very grateful and accepted his offer.  They were able to get a bag of ice and some Tylenol.  He rested his shoulder and felt pretty good on Thursday.  They paddled over 50 miles to make it to the outskirts of Memphis by evening.  They slept on the shoreline as there were no sandbars visible.  They could see the skyscraper's of Memphis.  Justyn said it is very very dry there and the leaves of the tree's are even turning yellow.  Brian's radio stated no campfires are allowed.  I am sure they missed their campfire that night. 
 
After leaving their campsite in the morning, they stopped at a campground in West Memphis and visited with the owner of the campground and they were given a safe route to walk into town to get a few more supplies.  They walked a few miles and came across a Walgreen store.  They were able to get enough food for another 5 days, in addition to the dehydrated food they have stored in their kayaks.  With 100 degree temps in the last few days, they will have to replenish their water supply before their food runs out. 
 
The last few weeks of traveling the river and stopping for supplies have really instilled in them how lucky we have it in rural Minnesota.  They have come across many depressed areas along the river towns.  I think it has been a real eye opener, and I am sure they will really appreciate the state of Minnesota when they return.  We did hear from them last night in a brief conversation (cell phones are getting weak again) and they were at mile marker #698.  They were camped on a sandbar on the Arkansas side of the river.  They traveled 35 miles and the temps were 100 degrees. 
 
They passed a casino on Friday afternoon and both of them were extremely temped to pull over and get a room for the night, and another well-deserved shower, but between the two of them, they decided to save their money until they get to New Orleans and get a room in celebration of their victory.  You have to imagine how temping that would be as there are very few places now between Memphis and New Orleans to pull over and get a shower, sleep in a bed, get a good meal, and get out of the elements of mother nature.  We anticipate the rest of the trip will be challenging for them.  We are very confident they will be successful and fulfill their personal goals, even though they will probably use their survival skills to get to the end.   
 
It sounds like they will be in the final state of their journey, Louisiana, in about 4-5 days.  PS:  for those of you who have expressed concern over the snake issue, they have not had any more surprise visits from the snakes down there.  Let's hope they don't see any gators either.  We thank all of you, friends, classmates, and family, for all your interest and concern.
 
Mary and Donn

[Realtree]

Sounds like quite an adventure the guys are having. I'm happy to hear that thay are encountering so many people along the way that are willing to help them out and give them advice in the local areas. Thanks for the continued updates on their journey!!   

[Woody]

Tuesday, July 3rd Update

We have a tentative date to be in New Orleans, LA..   Next Wednesday, July 11, is the date the boys have chosen to make it to New Orleans.  They have asked the parents to be there when they arrive.  So we better get the banners made, the van overhauled and ready to go, and the maps out to find our way down south. 
 
They called last night and can see the lights of Greenville, Mississippi.  The plan is to paddle hard to get to Natchex, Mississippi within the next few days to replenish their water supply and spend a safe night next to the Cutter Greenbrier located in Natchex, MS.  This is a US Coast Guard boat.  A co-worker of Donn's at DMC that is retired from the Coast Guard, has made contact with the Master Chief of this boat and has made arrangements for the boys to lay over there and rest up for the paddle to the end.  Thank you Chris for making this happen at a most needed time for the boys to refuel. 
 
The boys sounded good, maybe a little tired.  Of course the reception is very poor.  They paddled 59 miles yesterday.  Their anticipation of making this trip a reality has sunk in and the desire to finish is now stong.  To make it to New Orleans by next Wednesday means a 60 mile paddle each day.  Let's hope they have enough strength left to make this happen.
 
It is very hard to believe they have been on the river for 2 /12 months.  We put them in Lake Itaska on May 5.  We are very excited to see the boys and bring them home.  You can be sure a welcome home celebration is in the works.  Please keep them in your prayers for their final days on the Mississippi river and for a safe journey home.
 
Mary and Donn

[JoeMikeInc]

Tuesday, July 3rd Update

We have a tentative date to be in New Orleans, LA..   Next Wednesday, July 11, is the date the boys have chosen to make it to New Orleans.  They have asked the parents to be there when they arrive.  So we better get the banners made, the van overhauled and ready to go, and the maps out to find our way down south. 
 
They called last night and can see the lights of Greenville, Mississippi.  The plan is to paddle hard to get to Natchex, Mississippi within the next few days to replenish their water supply and spend a safe night next to the Cutter Greenbrier located in Natchex, MS.  This is a US Coast Guard boat.  A co-worker of Donn's at DMC that is retired from the Coast Guard, has made contact with the Master Chief of this boat and has made arrangements for the boys to lay over there and rest up for the paddle to the end.  Thank you Chris for making this happen at a most needed time for the boys to refuel. 
 
The boys sounded good, maybe a little tired.  Of course the reception is very poor.  They paddled 59 miles yesterday.  Their anticipation of making this trip a reality has sunk in and the desire to finish is now stong.  To make it to New Orleans by next Wednesday means a 60 mile paddle each day.  Let's hope they have enough strength left to make this happen.
 
It is very hard to believe they have been on the river for 2 /12 months.  We put them in Lake Itaska on May 5.  We are very excited to see the boys and bring them home.  You can be sure a welcome home celebration is in the works.  Please keep them in your prayers for their final days on the Mississippi river and for a safe journey home.
 
Mary and Donn

my name is joe cannon and i am stationed on the greenbrier. your boys just came by and i got a chance to talk with them about their adventure. they came aboard and we offered them water, showers, and i took them to walmart to restock their food supply for the homestretch to new orleans. i was very excited to hear of their arrival because i am planning the same trip, whenever the coast guard will give me enough time off to do so. i told them about the natchez trace, and a few landmarks and historical sites along the way to baton rouge, so look for some pics of "little hollywood" and "cajun condos." they gave me your number and said to call whenever i get ready to take that trip down river. they were a blast to talk to and if they, or you, ever need anything, give us a shout.

[rchaze60]

thanks for the update Joe and that was awesome that you all let them on board to take showers and such once again thanks for the update :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: