Matt’s Mississippi Manifest

  • Day 22: How many days are in this day?

    Today’s word: COLOSSUS, for today was a day of enormous size. Firstly – it was Sarah’s 24th birthday! I was so excited she chose to join our minor insanity to celebrate her birthday, and she was equally glad to have this opportunity on her special day. Last night, we decided Mr. Mark (that’s how Sarah…

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  • Day 21: Out the Lake Pepin discharge port

    Before I get to “today’s” post, I wanted to let you all know, I’m three days behind in my blog. I keep thinking that I’m going to start catching up with a few two-a-day posts, but either something gets in the way or the day on the water is too long. So, all you Sallies…

    junkhager

  • Day 20: It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times

    Today’s word selection: TURNABOUT. I chose this word as a poor substitute for the spirit of today: “well, that escalated quickly!” It was fun waking up in the Hager City cabin, where we had a shower, and a real coffee maker. I think I also forgot to mention yesterday: the new turbo fins were a…

    junkhager

  • Day 19: Side dish #3 (the Diceman cometh)

    Today’s word:PREDESTINATION. It seemed very normal and expected in the introduction of Mark Lecy to the water today; and today’s happenings, from loading up to the overnight stop, seemed to be as they should be. Things just felt “right”, though it was all new. Firstly, Mark Lecy is a dear friend from Valparaiso University. He’s…

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  • Day 18: Dry cheeks and rolling cheese

    The word for today: FANTASTICAL! It was more than just rest, recuperation, and reunion; it was repair, replenishment , revelry, romance and revelation. That’s 8 R’s in one day, and that doesn’t include regularity! The priority tasks for the day were to address our engines and any other craft repairs or improvements. Christin washed the…

    junkhager

  • Day 17: End of the line, Chad

    Today’s word: AMALGAMATION. Today has a lot of everything combined: it’s Mr. Potato Chad’s last day on the water; it’s the return of Tickboy as we go to stay with him in Minneapolis, and it’s a first reunion with my wife Christin who I have seen since we plunged in 17 days ago. It was…

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  • Day 16: Welcome to the Pleasure Dome

    Today’s word: CONVIVIALITY. Today is Chad’s last full day on the water. With a recent cash infusion from our friend Tim Lenning who was concerned for our losses, we decided to splurge on a private campground for Chad’s final night. The Two Rivers campground has a swimming pool, mini golf, and a store that will…

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  • Day 15: Return of the soggy bottom boy

    Today’s word: FORTITUDE. There’s really a lot of physical and mental challenge involved most days on this journey. I’m realizing I’ve completed over 300 miles, with only another ~1,800 to go 😳. Today’s journey was a lot of fun, but I’m recognizing there’s still much more fun to be had in the ~50 days ahead.…

    junkhager

  • Day 14: This is the way

    The word for today: CONVENTIONAL. Today felt like I thought many of these days would feel; the river mostly flowed, I walked into town, we did a little fishing, and we enjoyed camp and conversation. This is the way. What I probably should have said in closing yesterday: we knew camping wouldn’t be strictly allowed…

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  • Day 13: I was just thinking, maybe we take care of this right here, in Brainerd?

    Word for the day: AMELIORATION. Yes, today was advancement, but it was a while in the making. And at times it was seemingly two steps forward and one step back. Chad and I have had some great experiences, but it seems he was put here to help through challenges, rather than just floating and fishing…

    junkhager