Bloggers,
Hello again, Jared here with a little intermission from Joe’s blogs. He is currently camped at the Klondike boat landing, 56 miles away from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. He had an amazing past 2 days and he’ll be blogging about it all tomorrow when he completes the Missouri River! The post will be a long one, full of pictures from Hermann and the flotilla from today, so get ready.
Also, be sure to check out another water race that is coming through the same area at the same time as Joe, the MR340. It is an endurance race, by boat, across the state of Missouri, starting tomorrow in Kansas City and ending 88 hours later in St. Charles. More information can be found at their website, http://www.mr340.com/.
After Joe’s stay in the greater St. Louis Area, I will be taking the blogging duties back over until Joe’s completion of the Mississippi in the Big Easy.
Enjoy the upcoming blogs and paddle on,
Jared
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Cooper's Landing to Hermann, MO
Hello all you bloggers out there from Hermann, MO!
What a great past two days I have had out on the water. I wanted to first blog about my itinerary for the next week and then discuss what has been happening in the wild, wonderful world of the Mighty Missouri.
8/1 and 8/2 - Hermann, MO: Gary and Marsha, the owners of the Spirit Hill Guest House have put me up for the both nights. On 8/2 they will be hosting a party for Parkinson's, an open house on Spirit Hill to allow me to present my trip to many folks around Hermann as well as fund raise towards my goal of $20,000.
8/3 Hermann, MO to Augusta Boat Ramp, MO with a lunchtime stop-over in Washington City: A flotilla of paddlers will be accompanying me from Hermann to various takeout points along the river. I will be stopping off for a mid-day break at the Washington City ramp before continuing on to the Augusta boat ramp.
8/4 Augusta Landing to Confluence State Park, MO: I finally will get to see where old Mo' drops in to the Miss! After arriving at the confluence Judge and Mrs. Hoven will be picking me up and taking me back to Washington City, MO where they will be hosting me for several days.
8/9 Depart down the Mississippi and point my nose towards the Gulf!
Ok, now onto the past two days!
What a great past two days I have had out on the water. I wanted to first blog about my itinerary for the next week and then discuss what has been happening in the wild, wonderful world of the Mighty Missouri.
8/1 and 8/2 - Hermann, MO: Gary and Marsha, the owners of the Spirit Hill Guest House have put me up for the both nights. On 8/2 they will be hosting a party for Parkinson's, an open house on Spirit Hill to allow me to present my trip to many folks around Hermann as well as fund raise towards my goal of $20,000.
8/3 Hermann, MO to Augusta Boat Ramp, MO with a lunchtime stop-over in Washington City: A flotilla of paddlers will be accompanying me from Hermann to various takeout points along the river. I will be stopping off for a mid-day break at the Washington City ramp before continuing on to the Augusta boat ramp.
8/4 Augusta Landing to Confluence State Park, MO: I finally will get to see where old Mo' drops in to the Miss! After arriving at the confluence Judge and Mrs. Hoven will be picking me up and taking me back to Washington City, MO where they will be hosting me for several days.
8/9 Depart down the Mississippi and point my nose towards the Gulf!
Ok, now onto the past two days!
(Cooper's Landing)
When I arrived at Coopers Landing(http://www.cooperslanding.net/) on 7/31, I was immediately struck by how unique a spot this area was. A potpourri of unique styles and folks blended together to create a beautiful mix of people enjoying river life. There were folks who had biked in on the Katy Trail(http://www.bikekatytrail.com/), there were college folks, and there were genuine river rats like myself. After introducing myself to Mike Cooper and Kara, I went and set up my tent and started cooking dinner. Before too long, Jodi and Jon, reporters from the Columbia Daily Tribune came and interviewed me which was a lot of fun. Just after the interview ended, the live music started and the vibe really picked up. There were just so many people outside, enjoying the fantastic weather, having such a good time that I couldn't help but think that this is what life was really all about. As the sun set, I slowly worked my way into my tent and drifted off to sleep. I had big plans for the morning.
(Sunset from Cooper's Landing)
Pitter, pitter, pitter. That was what I heard when I awoke. A light drizzle was falling, where there had been sun the night before a wet blanket covered the river. At this point I have become accustomed to the rain, so I knew that all was not lost; I would just need a stronger cup of coffee. After a radio interview and a delicious breakfast generously provided by the folks at Cooper's Landing I took off in the rain.
(Jefferson City, MO from the river)
After getting in my boat at 9 am, I would end up not getting out of the boat until I arrived at Hermann, MO, 73 miles down river. The day was one of those days that I dream about paddling. The rain kept the temperature cool and the wind down until the late afternoon when the setting sun warmed me gently. As I kept paddling and the miles ticked away my perception of the normal pains and discomforts of sitting in the boat seemed to dissolve. My muscles seemed to work in rhythm with the music blasting through my .mp3 player and I really felt I could paddle endlessly. Paddlers find themselves in a unique situation while on the water. They are caught between two fluid mediums (air and water) and sometimes time just disappears. Today was one of those days. As I arrived in Hermann to see the smiling faces of Gary and Marsha of Spirit Hill Guest House(http://www.spirithill.info/); I was really rejuvenated even though my body was tired.
(73 miles straight)
Gary and Marsha are very generous and are letting me stay at there guest house for two nights as well as hosting a party to help raise awareness about Parkinson's and my cause. Spirit Hill is a really beautiful house overlooking the Missouri River and I feel very lucky to have been invited to such a wonderful place with such great hosts.
(Gary and Marsha picking me up in Hermann, MO)
Well, Jared is going to be taking of the blogs again for a couple days. Then I will have some more blogging time with you all when I am resting in Washington, MO with the Hovens before my final push.
Joe
( View from the backyard of Spirit Hill)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Miami, MO and Glasgow, MO
(Sunset on "Miami Beach")
Bloggers,
From Lexington, Joe put in a 53 mile day to arrive in Miami, Missouri on Thursday. The weather was better, with the temperature remaining in the low 80’s all day. The manageable heat and humidity continued on today as well. Upon arrival, he headed into the local trading post, located in a local’s home, and got a few hamburgers, which he said were amazing after a decent day on the river. Miami is a very small town, but still has some internet history on the area. Feel free to visit http://www.sullivansfarms.net/friendsofmiami/ to learn more on the area in Saline County, Missouri (A small coincidence that our grandfather and grandmother live in Saline, Michigan).
Bloggers,
From Lexington, Joe put in a 53 mile day to arrive in Miami, Missouri on Thursday. The weather was better, with the temperature remaining in the low 80’s all day. The manageable heat and humidity continued on today as well. Upon arrival, he headed into the local trading post, located in a local’s home, and got a few hamburgers, which he said were amazing after a decent day on the river. Miami is a very small town, but still has some internet history on the area. Feel free to visit http://www.sullivansfarms.net/friendsofmiami/ to learn more on the area in Saline County, Missouri (A small coincidence that our grandfather and grandmother live in Saline, Michigan).
(I had the Will Smith song stuck in my head the whole time I was camped here and couldn't help but laugh.)
(The Trading Post at Miami where I had my hamburgers)
The following day (Friday), Joe paddled a relaxing 37 miles on the river, traveling to another historic city on the river, Glasgow, Missouri. On October 15, 1864, the town hosted the Battle of Glasgow. It was part of Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition in the Civil War. We met Price in the last blog as he was the commanding officer in the first Battle of Lexington in 1861. Price’s Missouri Expedition was a diversionary tactic to try and draw the Union away from the struggling Confederate forces in Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. In Glasgow, the confederates were led by Brigadier General John Bullock Clark, Jr., who began attacking the town at 5 am, driving the Union forces to the hill. The Union forces, led by Colonel Chester Harding, realized their chances were slim and surrendered around 1:30 pm. The confederate troops sacked the town, taking muskets, horses, and horses before rejoining with Maj. General Price. (More information about the battle can be read here and here).
The following day (Friday), Joe paddled a relaxing 37 miles on the river, traveling to another historic city on the river, Glasgow, Missouri. On October 15, 1864, the town hosted the Battle of Glasgow. It was part of Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition in the Civil War. We met Price in the last blog as he was the commanding officer in the first Battle of Lexington in 1861. Price’s Missouri Expedition was a diversionary tactic to try and draw the Union away from the struggling Confederate forces in Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. In Glasgow, the confederates were led by Brigadier General John Bullock Clark, Jr., who began attacking the town at 5 am, driving the Union forces to the hill. The Union forces, led by Colonel Chester Harding, realized their chances were slim and surrendered around 1:30 pm. The confederate troops sacked the town, taking muskets, horses, and horses before rejoining with Maj. General Price. (More information about the battle can be read here and here).
("Tank" from Glasgow, MO. Thanks for the pizza and breakfast sandwiches!)
Tomorrow, Joe will be arriving in Cooper’s Landing for a great evening of music, food, and fun. He should be paddling around 56 miles tomorrow before the fun begins. Norm Miller’s friends in the area have set up a Party for Parkinson’s and it should be an awesome time for all. I hope to talk with him tomorrow, before the festivities begin, and look forward to updating the community at that time.
(Glasgow, MO)
Paddle On,
Jared
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Kansas City to Lexington, MO
Bloggers,
Hello again, this is Jared, back at it after Joe's brief stay over with Kara and Chris in Kansas City, MO. He had a great time with them and wanted to thank them again for the hospitality and companionship. That said, he was excited to get back out on the river yesterday. That excitement was slightly dampened by the fact he had to paddle all day in the rain though. He was the lone soul on the water yesterday, but a couple of gar, a freshwater fish also known as a gar pike, decided to swim up and investigate The Mary Agnes.
He felt good on the water, rejuvenated in both mind and spirit after Kansas City. It was his first rest since Pierre, SD and much needed after crossing the rest of South Dakota and the entire state of Nebraska. He paddled 51 miles yesterday, and after a one mile walk into town, Joe arrived in Lexington, MO. The town is a civil war historic site as the Battle of Lexington, also known as the Battle of Hemp Bales, was fought here in 1861. The Missouri National Guardsmen, led by Major General Sterling Price, attacked the Federal military post, commanded by Colonel James A. Mulligan on September 18th. Some of Price's men used hemp bales as protection as they moved up the bluff towards the military post, and hence the battle's name. Mulligan and his troops surrendered after the third day of the siege . In total, 73 died and 270 were wounded in the battle. A historic landmark is preserved from the battle as Mulligan's men, in an attempt to crush Price's headquarters in town, fired cannonballs, one of which is still lodged in the leftmost pillar of the Courthouse.
A photo of the cannonball (photo from http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/population/photos/ShowCH.asp?FIPS=29107B)
The town is also well known for one of the largest steamboat accidents in the Missouri's history. The Saluda sunk after a boiler explosion, killing over 150 people and orphaning many. Fortunately, the townspeople took in all the newly orphaned children and created a mass grave at the Machpelah Cemetery and a memorial at 13th and Franklin Avenue. (All information gleaned from Norm Miller and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. More can be learned about this historic city on the Missouri here: http://www.historiclexington.com/)
Today's goal for Joe is to paddle between 55-60 miles. This puts him on schedule to make St. Louis as early as August 3rd, so he'll have plenty of time to rest and recuperate in town. I will speak with him later this afternoon and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson's community then.
Paddle on,
Jared
Hello again, this is Jared, back at it after Joe's brief stay over with Kara and Chris in Kansas City, MO. He had a great time with them and wanted to thank them again for the hospitality and companionship. That said, he was excited to get back out on the river yesterday. That excitement was slightly dampened by the fact he had to paddle all day in the rain though. He was the lone soul on the water yesterday, but a couple of gar, a freshwater fish also known as a gar pike, decided to swim up and investigate The Mary Agnes.
He felt good on the water, rejuvenated in both mind and spirit after Kansas City. It was his first rest since Pierre, SD and much needed after crossing the rest of South Dakota and the entire state of Nebraska. He paddled 51 miles yesterday, and after a one mile walk into town, Joe arrived in Lexington, MO. The town is a civil war historic site as the Battle of Lexington, also known as the Battle of Hemp Bales, was fought here in 1861. The Missouri National Guardsmen, led by Major General Sterling Price, attacked the Federal military post, commanded by Colonel James A. Mulligan on September 18th. Some of Price's men used hemp bales as protection as they moved up the bluff towards the military post, and hence the battle's name. Mulligan and his troops surrendered after the third day of the siege . In total, 73 died and 270 were wounded in the battle. A historic landmark is preserved from the battle as Mulligan's men, in an attempt to crush Price's headquarters in town, fired cannonballs, one of which is still lodged in the leftmost pillar of the Courthouse.
A photo of the cannonball (photo from http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/population/photos/ShowCH.asp?FIPS=29107B)
The town is also well known for one of the largest steamboat accidents in the Missouri's history. The Saluda sunk after a boiler explosion, killing over 150 people and orphaning many. Fortunately, the townspeople took in all the newly orphaned children and created a mass grave at the Machpelah Cemetery and a memorial at 13th and Franklin Avenue. (All information gleaned from Norm Miller and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. More can be learned about this historic city on the Missouri here: http://www.historiclexington.com/)
Today's goal for Joe is to paddle between 55-60 miles. This puts him on schedule to make St. Louis as early as August 3rd, so he'll have plenty of time to rest and recuperate in town. I will speak with him later this afternoon and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson's community then.
Paddle on,
Jared
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kansas City, MO Rest Day
Hello to all you bloggers out there from hot and steamy Kansas City, Missouri!
It seems like it has been a long time since I have checked in but I am happy to see that Jared has been keeping you all up to date on the trials and tribulations of river life. I am going to give you a brief synopsis of the past day and then end with some thoughts about the trip.
Meeting up with Kara yesterday was really awesome; even in my vagrant (looking and smelling) state I was greeted with a hug. We loaded the boat and gear into Kara and Chris's (cousin and cousin-in-law) Pathfinder and headed back to their house in Overland, MO. After a much appreciated and needed shower Kara and I headed out to a local Mexican joint where we shared some laughs and ate some great food. When Chris got home later we talked a bit and then I headed off to bed (in an actual bed).
Today Chris and Kara let me borrow their Pathfinder in the morning so that I could go out and resupply my food stores before my push to St. Louis. I also hesitated and almost broke down and got a haircut. I actually stood outside of the store deliberating if I really wanted to cut my hair for some time before deciding to keep the mane alive.
Chris and Kara then took me out to lunch at Jack Stack's, a local KC barbecue joint. The food was great and I was treated to some real delicious Kansas City "que". Kansas City has a long history of fine barbecue and more information can be found here http://www.kcbs.us/.
After lunch Kara and I went sightseeing in Downtown Kansas City. We visited the "Plaza District" which was really cool section of town that totally surprised me. The architecture was stunning and there were a ton of fountains all over the place. Kara informed me that Kansas City is actually known for its particularly high density of water fountains. More information can be found here http://www.garden-fountains.com/articles/city-of-fountains.html
Having become a little hot walking around we decided to go to the Arabia Museum. The Arabia Museum is a museum dedicated to the steamboat Arabia, that sunk and was then re-excavated in the 1980's just north of Kansas City. Here is a link to the museum's website, http://www.1856.com/. This is a very well-laid out and well-run facility and very interesting too. I would highly recommend stopping in if you are ever around the Kansas City area. The preserved pickles and "unknown medicines" were particularly amazing to me.
As with any day, the day seems like it is winding down all too fast. For me, I have a hard time believing that my last rest day was in Pierre, SD. The river really is moving fast, and I moving right along with it through the heartland of the country. Before long I will be in St. Louis and entering the final leg of my trip.
What has been most remarkable about this trip hasn't been the sunsets, sunrises or scenery, nor the suffering, success or silence of a long day of paddling, but it has been the humans I have encountered on the trip down. On a trip that is based on isolation and solitude, it has been the congratulations and support of friends, family and total strangers which has allowed me to be as successful as I have been so far. Without all your help, this trip would not be what it has become, which is truly an adventure for not only me but many of you following along as well. I sincerely appreciate each act of generosity, sometimes it might seem pretty small but even a well intentioned boat honk can keep me going when the sun beats on The Mary Agnes.
Well folks, thank you once again for following along and thanks to Jared for doing such a great job with the blogs. I look forward to blogging with you all again here when I get to St. Louis and have a "rest break".
WWWWWAAAAHHHHOOOOOO!
Paddling On,
Joe
It seems like it has been a long time since I have checked in but I am happy to see that Jared has been keeping you all up to date on the trials and tribulations of river life. I am going to give you a brief synopsis of the past day and then end with some thoughts about the trip.
Meeting up with Kara yesterday was really awesome; even in my vagrant (looking and smelling) state I was greeted with a hug. We loaded the boat and gear into Kara and Chris's (cousin and cousin-in-law) Pathfinder and headed back to their house in Overland, MO. After a much appreciated and needed shower Kara and I headed out to a local Mexican joint where we shared some laughs and ate some great food. When Chris got home later we talked a bit and then I headed off to bed (in an actual bed).
Today Chris and Kara let me borrow their Pathfinder in the morning so that I could go out and resupply my food stores before my push to St. Louis. I also hesitated and almost broke down and got a haircut. I actually stood outside of the store deliberating if I really wanted to cut my hair for some time before deciding to keep the mane alive.
Chris and Kara then took me out to lunch at Jack Stack's, a local KC barbecue joint. The food was great and I was treated to some real delicious Kansas City "que". Kansas City has a long history of fine barbecue and more information can be found here http://www.kcbs.us/.
After lunch Kara and I went sightseeing in Downtown Kansas City. We visited the "Plaza District" which was really cool section of town that totally surprised me. The architecture was stunning and there were a ton of fountains all over the place. Kara informed me that Kansas City is actually known for its particularly high density of water fountains. More information can be found here http://www.garden-fountains.com/articles/city-of-fountains.html
Having become a little hot walking around we decided to go to the Arabia Museum. The Arabia Museum is a museum dedicated to the steamboat Arabia, that sunk and was then re-excavated in the 1980's just north of Kansas City. Here is a link to the museum's website, http://www.1856.com/. This is a very well-laid out and well-run facility and very interesting too. I would highly recommend stopping in if you are ever around the Kansas City area. The preserved pickles and "unknown medicines" were particularly amazing to me.
As with any day, the day seems like it is winding down all too fast. For me, I have a hard time believing that my last rest day was in Pierre, SD. The river really is moving fast, and I moving right along with it through the heartland of the country. Before long I will be in St. Louis and entering the final leg of my trip.
What has been most remarkable about this trip hasn't been the sunsets, sunrises or scenery, nor the suffering, success or silence of a long day of paddling, but it has been the humans I have encountered on the trip down. On a trip that is based on isolation and solitude, it has been the congratulations and support of friends, family and total strangers which has allowed me to be as successful as I have been so far. Without all your help, this trip would not be what it has become, which is truly an adventure for not only me but many of you following along as well. I sincerely appreciate each act of generosity, sometimes it might seem pretty small but even a well intentioned boat honk can keep me going when the sun beats on The Mary Agnes.
Well folks, thank you once again for following along and thanks to Jared for doing such a great job with the blogs. I look forward to blogging with you all again here when I get to St. Louis and have a "rest break".
WWWWWAAAAHHHHOOOOOO!
Paddling On,
Joe
Atchison, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri
Bloggers,
Joe had a great birthday yesterday, surviving the heat and ending up in Atchison, Kansas. The morning was a great start as Zeke and Chelsea, two other campers, made him some biscuits and gravy and brewed some morning coffee.
(Zeke and Chelsea, great folks who bumped into me in Payne's Landing. Thank you for the biscuits and gravy!)
It was a great way to start and got him in the right mindset for getting back on the water. He stopped for lunch just outside of St. Joseph’s, Missouri and continued on, completing 55 miles on the day and finishing in Atchison, Kansas.
(My "stealth" campsite in Atchison)
(A view of downtown Atchison, KS)
The current was picking up, always welcome, and aided him in his journey. Joe meandered through Atchison at night, celebrating his birthday at a local restaurant. There was a Kansas City blues band playing and fried food cooking, which made for a great evening.
The locals were all really friendly and nice, refusing to let Joe pay his bill. Joe was really appreciative of the hospitality of the townsfolk, especially with it being his birthday.
(A photo of the 'Mo)
Today, after battling another hot day, Joe made it to Kansas City.
(A view of the Kansas City skyline from my boat)
(Pumped to arrive in KC)
The day was a little rough, after all the fried food. I guess Joe’s digestive tract is not used to the homecookin’ yet, although the next section on the Mississippi and southern food will change that. He didn’t see too many other folks on today’s stretch, but the few he did brightened his day.
(A dead carp, this smells particularly bad in the summer heat)
He passed the time by listening to NPR for most of the morning and at lunch, spotted an umbrella off in the distance. After paddling near, he realized it was some other water goers: Dan, Doug, and Katie. They offered him a sandwich, which Joe devoured, even after lunch. Afterward, Joe ran into another kayaker, Robert Carpenter, at the Kaw Point boat ramp. Kaw Point is the location where the Kansas River flows into the Missouri River, helping increase the current and flow. Lewis and Clark reached Kaw Point on June 26th, 1804. More, including history, current projects, and information to donate, can be read about this famous location on the Missouri here.
The plaque commemorating Lewis and Clark at Kaw Point
Kaw Point (both images from http://www.lewisandclarkwyco.org/INDEX.HTM)
As for Robert Carpenter, he traveled an epic water course, circumnavigating the western half of the United States in 2000 and 2001. His trip can be read about on his website, canoejourney.tv.
Tonight, Joe rendezvoused with our cousin, Kara, and her husband, Chris. Joe will be taking a rest day tomorrow in town and will have a chance to update the blog before he sets out for St. Louis. He should be arriving in St. Louis around August 6th and will be out on the Mississippi around August 10th. Enjoy Joe’s post and I’ll be back at it in a couple of days.
Paddle on,
Jared
Joe had a great birthday yesterday, surviving the heat and ending up in Atchison, Kansas. The morning was a great start as Zeke and Chelsea, two other campers, made him some biscuits and gravy and brewed some morning coffee.
(Zeke and Chelsea, great folks who bumped into me in Payne's Landing. Thank you for the biscuits and gravy!) It was a great way to start and got him in the right mindset for getting back on the water. He stopped for lunch just outside of St. Joseph’s, Missouri and continued on, completing 55 miles on the day and finishing in Atchison, Kansas.
(My "stealth" campsite in Atchison)
(A view of downtown Atchison, KS)The current was picking up, always welcome, and aided him in his journey. Joe meandered through Atchison at night, celebrating his birthday at a local restaurant. There was a Kansas City blues band playing and fried food cooking, which made for a great evening.
The locals were all really friendly and nice, refusing to let Joe pay his bill. Joe was really appreciative of the hospitality of the townsfolk, especially with it being his birthday.
(A photo of the 'Mo)
(A view of the Kansas City skyline from my boat)
(Pumped to arrive in KC)
(A dead carp, this smells particularly bad in the summer heat)
He passed the time by listening to NPR for most of the morning and at lunch, spotted an umbrella off in the distance. After paddling near, he realized it was some other water goers: Dan, Doug, and Katie. They offered him a sandwich, which Joe devoured, even after lunch. Afterward, Joe ran into another kayaker, Robert Carpenter, at the Kaw Point boat ramp. Kaw Point is the location where the Kansas River flows into the Missouri River, helping increase the current and flow. Lewis and Clark reached Kaw Point on June 26th, 1804. More, including history, current projects, and information to donate, can be read about this famous location on the Missouri here.
The plaque commemorating Lewis and Clark at Kaw Point
Kaw Point (both images from http://www.lewisandclarkwyco.org/INDEX.HTM)As for Robert Carpenter, he traveled an epic water course, circumnavigating the western half of the United States in 2000 and 2001. His trip can be read about on his website, canoejourney.tv.
Tonight, Joe rendezvoused with our cousin, Kara, and her husband, Chris. Joe will be taking a rest day tomorrow in town and will have a chance to update the blog before he sets out for St. Louis. He should be arriving in St. Louis around August 6th and will be out on the Mississippi around August 10th. Enjoy Joe’s post and I’ll be back at it in a couple of days.
Paddle on,
Jared
Saturday, July 25, 2009
From Nebraska to the Border of Kansas
Sunrise in Brownville
Joe setting off from the boat ramp
Showing off the guns, ready for another day on the Missouri River
Off again (all photos courtesy of David Olson)
the Captain Meriwether LewisJoe said he is getting used to life with current, but the heat and humidity are his newest challenges. This is a complete change from the start of his trip in Three Forks, Montana, when he was bundled up, protecting himself from the sleet and rain.
A paler, clean shaven Joe on June 2nd, setting off from Great Falls, Montana (photo courtesy of Norm Miller)
(At the cross roads outside of Payne's Landing, MO)
Also, I forgot to mention in the last blog post that the Omaha World Herald printed a brief article about the trip, which can be found here. And, most importantly, TOMORROW IS Joe’s 25th BIRTHDAY!!! Instead of frosting laden cake with 25 candles and a little birthday cap, he’ll be celebrating it paddling down the greatest river system in the United States, inching his way to New Orleans, raising money for a great cause. What a way to celebrate! Hopefully the heat and humidity aren’t too unbearable on such a great day. I will speak with him tomorrow, maybe dropping in a little birthday jingle, and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson’s community at that time.
Paddle on,
Jared
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Through Omaha, NE
Bloggers,
Yesterday was a great day, filled with the friendliness that the Midwest is known for. After a later start on the river than usual, Joe was able to put in some solid miles before a stop at lunch for a phone interview with Paul Guggenheimer of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He hosts Dakota Midday and hosted Joe for 15 minute live phone interview from his satellite phone. The interview was a question and answer format with listeners calling in on the latter half. Kelly Lane, the paddler from Rapid City, called in as well as a few other South Dakota natives. Dakota Midday can be found online at http://www.sdpb.org/radio/dakmidday/index.asp. Click on the “Wednesday” tab to go to the interview in mp3 format. Joe’s section starts at 17 minutes 30 seconds and ends around 33 minutes 45 seconds, although the rest of the program is interesting as well. The program is archived in .rm format, so you might have to download an application to play it. The archived interview can be found at http://www.sdpb.org/Archives/ProgramDetail.asp?ProgID=7952. I was able to speak with Paul later in the day and he is interested in having Joe back on the program closer to his arrival in New Orleans, so stay tuned for that.
Joe also spoke with a local newspaper in Nebraska, the Bellevue Leader. They have a brief write up of the trip, which can be found here.
Joe crossing under the Grand Army of the Republic bridge in Bellevue, Nebraska. (photo taken by Zachary McDonald courtesy of the Bellevue Leader)
Joe bumped into a few more fine folks on the river, breaking up the monotony of paddling. He ran into a school group from Omaha just on the water’s edge, who graciously gave him 2 apples, which he much appreciated. Joe also ran into two men from the Nebraska fisheries who were tracking down pallid sturgeon. It is an endangered species that the two gentlemen where tagging and then later tracking by means of sonar.
A photo of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) (photo from wikipedia)
Later on, around his final destination of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Joe conversed with Harold, a local who remembers the good ol’ days of the Missouri, before all the dams. They talked, sharing stories of how the river changed and what it once was. Harold also left him with a quote that Joe wanted to share with the blog. “Sometimes, when people ask me if I’m afraid to die or not, I say no, because I've known so many great people. Whether I go to heaven or hell, I’m bound to know someone.” Joe, through his 49 days thus far on the river, has met so many great people and would like to thank all of you for your support.
Last night, after arriving in Plattsmouth, Joe met up with Dave and Lynn, a pair of physicians that Joe met earlier in his trip at camp. They were awesome, making him a steak dinner, very appropriate for Omaha. Joe wanted to express how great the company and meal was and thank them for the hospitality and companionship.
Today, Joe’s goal is to paddle 70 miles, a little bit farther than the 50 miles he put in yesterday. If he makes it that far, that’ll put him in shape to reach Kansas City Sunday or Monday. I will speak with Joe tomorrow and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson’s community then.
Paddle on,
Jared
Yesterday was a great day, filled with the friendliness that the Midwest is known for. After a later start on the river than usual, Joe was able to put in some solid miles before a stop at lunch for a phone interview with Paul Guggenheimer of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He hosts Dakota Midday and hosted Joe for 15 minute live phone interview from his satellite phone. The interview was a question and answer format with listeners calling in on the latter half. Kelly Lane, the paddler from Rapid City, called in as well as a few other South Dakota natives. Dakota Midday can be found online at http://www.sdpb.org/radio/dakmidday/index.asp. Click on the “Wednesday” tab to go to the interview in mp3 format. Joe’s section starts at 17 minutes 30 seconds and ends around 33 minutes 45 seconds, although the rest of the program is interesting as well. The program is archived in .rm format, so you might have to download an application to play it. The archived interview can be found at http://www.sdpb.org/Archives/ProgramDetail.asp?ProgID=7952. I was able to speak with Paul later in the day and he is interested in having Joe back on the program closer to his arrival in New Orleans, so stay tuned for that.
Joe also spoke with a local newspaper in Nebraska, the Bellevue Leader. They have a brief write up of the trip, which can be found here.
Joe crossing under the Grand Army of the Republic bridge in Bellevue, Nebraska. (photo taken by Zachary McDonald courtesy of the Bellevue Leader)Joe bumped into a few more fine folks on the river, breaking up the monotony of paddling. He ran into a school group from Omaha just on the water’s edge, who graciously gave him 2 apples, which he much appreciated. Joe also ran into two men from the Nebraska fisheries who were tracking down pallid sturgeon. It is an endangered species that the two gentlemen where tagging and then later tracking by means of sonar.
A photo of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) (photo from wikipedia)
Later on, around his final destination of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Joe conversed with Harold, a local who remembers the good ol’ days of the Missouri, before all the dams. They talked, sharing stories of how the river changed and what it once was. Harold also left him with a quote that Joe wanted to share with the blog. “Sometimes, when people ask me if I’m afraid to die or not, I say no, because I've known so many great people. Whether I go to heaven or hell, I’m bound to know someone.” Joe, through his 49 days thus far on the river, has met so many great people and would like to thank all of you for your support.
Last night, after arriving in Plattsmouth, Joe met up with Dave and Lynn, a pair of physicians that Joe met earlier in his trip at camp. They were awesome, making him a steak dinner, very appropriate for Omaha. Joe wanted to express how great the company and meal was and thank them for the hospitality and companionship.
Today, Joe’s goal is to paddle 70 miles, a little bit farther than the 50 miles he put in yesterday. If he makes it that far, that’ll put him in shape to reach Kansas City Sunday or Monday. I will speak with Joe tomorrow and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson’s community then.
Paddle on,
Jared
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Past Sioux City, SD and onto Nebraska
Bloggers,
First off, for all those Facebook users, Joe’s account was spammed/hacked into. Please, DISREGARD any message that says he was mugged and needs money sent to him. Joe is doing well and I am fixing the issue with his account. On to the real story….
The past two days have been both up and down emotionally and physically for
Two shots of the Missouri River's edge
Near his camp is the old burial ground to the famous Omaha Indian Chief Blackbird. He was one of the first Plains Indians to trade with white explorers and one of the first to question the encroachment of the white people into their lands. He died in 1800 from smallpox and was buried on a raised mound on top of the bluff, which now resides on a reservation. Lewis and Clark hiked up the hill and paid homage to Chief Blackbird in their exploration of the Missouri in 1804. A great little article of Lewis and Clark and Chief Blackbird can be found here. L egends surrounding Blackbird Hill extend beyond just the burial site of Chief Blackbird. There is a story about a woman who died on the hill on October 17, 1849, deciding between two lovers. Legend has it you can still hear her scream on October 17th every year. The short story can be found here.
On the Omaha Indian Reservation north of Decatur, Nebraska. Steve Lee photo
Today, Joe’s mood was much improved. I spoke with him this afternoon after a great 59 mile effort on the Missouri. He is camped tonight at Wilson Island State Park and said he “broke through a mental barrier.”
Joe's new found spirit
The weather cooperated with him and he was prepared both mentally and physically for the river today. There are more media inquiries with the larger towns fast approaching, so stay tuned for more articles in the Media section above.
I will speak to Joe tomorrow, probably around Omaha, Nebraska, and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson’s community at that time.
Paddle on,
Jared
Monday, July 20, 2009
Lake Lewis and Clark to Yankton, SD
Bloggers,
Joe has now completed all of the large lakes and reservoirs on his descent of the Missouri! He was ecstatic when I spoke with him this morning (Monday) after paddling 22 miles in just over 2 hours. The current is great; Joe said it felt like he was almost cheating because the current aided so much in his travel.
The past two days: the completion of Lake Lewis and Clark, the portage of Gavins Point Dam, and his time in Yankton were awesome. Lake Lewis and Clark was his last real test of lakes on the Missouri. He encountered many sandbars and bottom outs on the lake, but was still able to cross it in one day.
Joe was greeted with more South Dakota hospitality upon his arrival at the marina at the end of the Lake. Ranger John gave Joe the phone number of the welcome center at Lewis and Clark State Park. From there, Austin and Dale helped Joe portage around Gavins Point Dam and helped set him up at camp. Joe wanted to thank the State of South Dakota for their kind offer of the campsite for Saturday night.
Once in Yankton, Joe was able to meet up with Redetta and Roy Jensen and Marilyn Bertsch for lunch at the Lighthouse. Redetta and Roy are from Sioux Falls, SD and are with the Parkinson's support group there. Marilyn Bertsch is with the Parkinson's support group of Yankton, SD. They had a great lunch and Joe was then able to resupply in town with their help. He wanted to thank them all for a great meal and company in Yankton.
Picture from the Lighthouse. Pictured are Redetta Jensen, Joe, Roy Jensen, and Marilyn Bertsch. (Courtesy of Redetta and Roy Jensen)
Joe was then able to set in for the night and got enough rest to put forth a 58 mile effort yesterday (Sunday). He camped about 20 miles upstream from Sioux City at Ponca State Park. The park is home to the Towers of Time monument. It is a commemoration to the three time periods of the area and the indigenous people. The first tower depicts the late Cretaceous Period, when Nebraska was under water. The second tower depicts the Pleistocene Period, the time of the Ice Age. The third tower is a tribute to the animals of our current time period. The centerpiece depicts the indigenous people that have lived in this area: the Folsom culture, Paleolithic period, Earth Mound Builders and recent natives of the 1800's. Pictures and more information on the Towers of Time Monument can be found here.
The Towers of Time at Ponca State Park
Joe is currently on the river, probably passing by Sioux City. The water is moving well and Joe is feeling good, so he has the potential to put in some good miles today. I will speak with him again later today and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson's community at that time.
Paddle on ,
Jared
Joe has now completed all of the large lakes and reservoirs on his descent of the Missouri! He was ecstatic when I spoke with him this morning (Monday) after paddling 22 miles in just over 2 hours. The current is great; Joe said it felt like he was almost cheating because the current aided so much in his travel.
Picture from the Lighthouse. Pictured are Redetta Jensen, Joe, Roy Jensen, and Marilyn Bertsch. (Courtesy of Redetta and Roy Jensen)
Joe was then able to set in for the night and got enough rest to put forth a 58 mile effort yesterday (Sunday). He camped about 20 miles upstream from Sioux City at Ponca State Park. The park is home to the Towers of Time monument. It is a commemoration to the three time periods of the area and the indigenous people. The first tower depicts the late Cretaceous Period, when Nebraska was under water. The second tower depicts the Pleistocene Period, the time of the Ice Age. The third tower is a tribute to the animals of our current time period. The centerpiece depicts the indigenous people that have lived in this area: the Folsom culture, Paleolithic period, Earth Mound Builders and recent natives of the 1800's. Pictures and more information on the Towers of Time Monument can be found here.
The Towers of Time at Ponca State Park
Joe is currently on the river, probably passing by Sioux City. The water is moving well and Joe is feeling good, so he has the potential to put in some good miles today. I will speak with him again later today and look forward to updating the Paddling for Parkinson's community at that time.
Paddle on ,
Jared
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