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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 - Back in Pennsylvania
Hey All
Well I am back home safely in chilly Pennsylvania, though it is not as cold as it is in
Minnesota where I started. I am happy to be home for the holidays surrounded by family and close friends. I had a wonderful week
vacation in New Orleans and saw some wonderful sites, not to mention the
interior of a few local beverage establishments.
I spent sometime reading by the river and thinking about how far I had come. I can't hardly put into
words what I experienced out there on the Mighty Mississippi. From the amazing people to the dangerous river, every moment was a different
experience, emotion, and chance to learn.
I would encourage all to just get out and see what this beautiful country has to offer. I hope to refill the
savings account and head in another direction someday. I want to thank everyone who had supported me along the way. those from
home, those along the river and everyone else who had wished me luck.
Below is a short list of facts you should surely be interested in:
Miles Paddled: 2552 according to Itasca state park
Days on river: 94 Sept 2nd to Dec 4th
Number of showers: 17
Number of nights indoors:12
Number of locks I went through: 29, I skipped one in MN
Number of Home cooked meals: 8
Number of Ettoufees: 1 that's a shame though
Number of stupid objects retrieved from the river: 5, Pumpkin, plastic
duck, 2 Frisbees, 1 small ball-for no reason
Number of times the canoe sunk: 1
Number of times I flipped: 0 what a miracle
Number of paddlers headed to the gulf: 10
Number of Bears: 1
Number of Eagles: Way to many to count
Number of Alligators: 0 I wanted to see at least one
Number of times I went swimming: 4
Number of time I got lost on the river: 2
Number of paddle wheelers that attempted to run me over: 1 Delta Queen
Highest wind encountered: 70mph
Number of scary lightning moments: 2
Number of wonderful people I met: Hundreds
I could go on forever, but you should just pick up a paddle and see for
yourself.
Have a very merry Christmas all. And Happy traveling
Brendan
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