You gotta know when to hold'em...
We have to break some news to ya... The canoeing portion of our trip has come to an end. We have decided to cut our trip short because of rapidly increasing barge traffic, eddy currents, wingdams, and tons of floating debris. The extremely low river levels that have come with this year's drought have actually created whitewater rapids over many of the wingdams. Although we cherish adventure, we cherish life more. A few near-brushes with disaster forced us to make this tough decision. Although we didn't make it as far as we would have liked, we were able to experience all of the three river sections: the infant Mississippi north of the Twin Cities, the upper Mississippi from the Twin Cities to St. Louis, and the lower Mississippi from St. Louis on. Each has its unique features, but the lower is by far the most treacherous.
As an alternate ending to our adventure, we've decided to go to New Orleans anyway and take on a different challenge. The cleanup and restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are ongoing. Volunteerism in the area has dropped remarkably in the year since the disaster, though a vast amount of work remains. We've decided to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in one of the hardest hit areas of the New Orleans area, St. Bernard's Parish. We will be staying at the volunteer community of Camp Hope in Violet, LA, where 150-200 volunteers stay (in very minimal facilities) every day.
Thanks for following our progress and the blogging will not stop here. See how we got from the middle of nowhere in Missouri to New Orleans!
If you have not done so already, please go to our website and check out the number of great environmental websites protecting the Mighty Mississippi and donate time or money to their efforts. The river thanks you!
posted by Joe & Ben Palmquist @ 10:14 PM
16 comments
16 Comments:
BRAVO, BIEN FAIT, FANTASTICO, YEA!!
Folks back home couldn't be prouder of you brothers for the river. Ben and Joe, you have done so much more than you know to open our eyes to the beauty of and concerns for our environment. As I cross the Mississippi twice a day or more, I see it more clearly and treasure it more dearly. Thanks for undertaking and accomplishing this incredible project and for ending it so intelligently! What better way to arrive to New Orleans than on board a Habitat for Humanity endeavor. We love you both mucho. Lou and Family
What a wonderful way to finish up your adventure. And it looks like your assistance is greatly needed in New Orleans. You guys are so very amazing--and picked such a fabulous choice to spend your time and efforts. Of course I am totally biased to H for H, and glad you chose to help here. Love you guys and looking forwardt o welcoming you home. Joan and Randy
Today we drove along the river to see/hear/experience the arrival of the tundra swans at Pool #8, near Brownsville, MN. We thought of you and your amazing river trek. There were thousands of swans feeding and resting on their amazing journey along the Mississippi flyway from the far north to Chesapeake Bay. We knew you had passed by this way in October. And now, mid November, the river plays host to fellow wanderers... Thank you for sharing your story with us...we are all better stewards in the web of life for having been a part of your journey. All our love and gratitude, Mom and Dad
Is that some "low chuckling" I can still hear coming from downriver of my lil' ole town of Hannibal, MO?
You guys rock! What a great way to wind up your trip. So glad you chose helping hurricane victims over getting your canoe swamped by a floating refrigerator or something...! I admire you guys more and more.
p.s. Is that Tofurkey STILL in your backpack? Some hungry day you'll thank me.
xoxoxox
Congrats Joe and Ben on getting as far as you did:) What great people you are to volunteer after your long journey! Shows how great people really should be....
Cheers to you boys for doing it all:) Stephanie
Bummer dudes. However, what you will miss in river miles you will make up in carma. Come home soon.
Andy Man
P.S.
If you get home soon enough you can help Jenny plan the wedding.
Adventrues can only happen when you are lead somewhere unexpected.
Way to go!
-Janine
"and we'll remember this when we are old and ancient
though the specifics might be vague"
decemberists
Truly you boys are nothing less than spectacular! Your goodness can only bring you goodness...
Congrats nephews on your incredible journey!!! We have so enjoyed reading your website and seeing you are safe and sane? from your wonderful pictures. How does it feel to be on solid ground?!! We are so proud of you and will continue to follow your New Orleans experiences- can't wait to see you soon! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!
Love Anne, Wally, Laura & David
Sorry to see the trip end early, but it sounds like a wise choice. I have enjoyed following your adventure.
Grandma Paddler & I spent the 1st week this month in New Orleans as Volunteers in Mission with UMCOR. We had a group of 30 from western NY. It was a lifechanging experience. We spent the week gutting homes in the 9th ward and have come to appreciate my life and good fortune more than before. Plans are already under way for a spring work team.
Habitat is a great org. and New Orleans sure needs people willing to give of their time and talents. May you be richly Blessed as you begin this new adventure.
Grandpa Paddler
Well, I'm sad to read that your trip has ended, but it sounds like it was the best decision. Congratulations on a great trip, and best of luck in your new adventure!
~Dan
This sounds like it would have been a very fun trip. How hard was it for you guys to make the decision to end your canoeing portion of the trip without making it to New Orleans on the river? It seems like it must have been a very tough decision considering the fact that you guys had been planning on canoeing the whole Mississippi River the whole trip. You are both very strong and brave to be able to do what you did for so many days. It had to have been draining some days to have to deal with all of the obstacles that the river has to offer. If you guys could do it over what would you do different? Also, would you guys do it again if the opportunity arose in future years? I look forward to hearing your responses and once again I tip my hat to you for being so dedicated to doing something so challenging and also for helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. You both epitomize the way that all Americans should help one another in times of need. Thank you for sharing your story!
This trip is a very inspiring trip for me. I think it is a very neat thing that you guys decided to go to New Orleans and help out with the Katrina damage. Reading all your blogs made me realize a lot about the mississippi that I really did not know. I have always wanted to make a trip like something like you guys have done. I'm sure all of your experiences are going to be lifelong memories. I'm sure it had to be really tough to decide to stop the journey down the mississippi, but safety definitely has to come first. I hope that if you guys decide to do it again that you will make it all the way, and i hope to see you post it all like you did here too. Its cool to see that you guys can do something that takes time and patience to do, and also have the time of your lives doing it. I hope that i am able to attempt some sort of journey like the one you guys made in my lifetime. Congrats on the succuess of your trip. and if you guys decide to make a new trip, good luck.
I've done some canoeing and portaging, but you guys by far have taken it to another level. I was a boy scout back in the day and our small group went up to the boundary waters. We ended up canoeing and portaging over 150 miles. It was intense and we gained a lot from the experience that me and my friends shared. My brother came on the trip as well and we became so much closer. I'm sure it was the same for all of you. It means a lot to those people down in Louisiana, so keep truckin.
The Mississippi has helped breathe life into this country since the 18th century, through its culture, but most importantly its commerace. It seems ironically tragic that the latter should cause such an American symbol the suffer. I live on the river in la crosse, WI, and sometimes it feels sureal to think about the history that encompasses the Mississippi and the cities that exist because of it. It's encouraging to see the number of organizations that are offering support to the river. Equally amazing are people like you guys who are willing to risk a whole lot bring attention to the problems we are facing. Thank you.
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