So many folks either look at me blankly or straight out ask why.  To which I often answer, Why not?  If someone told you they were going to walk the AT or CDT or another know trail, would you be as confused?  Or would you accept it and just think they are fools for trying.  Sure you may not understand our desire to do these things as a test of ourselves, but it is a part of those who do them.  You also have to realize that those trails being done previously makes them acceptable.  I know this idea isn’t one you see alot.  It has been done before and there are some witings about it, just not many.  We all know others had to forge the trail and I guess they were asked why as well back then.

My intro to this idea happened as a young Boy Scout.  Two college guys came to a meeting and presented their trip they just completed, canoe the Mississippi source to sink.  To me that was a challenge and an idea I could get my head around.  Recently there was an article in the news about an 80+ year old gentleman that was starting out on his second trip, sink to source the Mississippi.  I am 66 now and thought if he could wasn’t this was as good challenge.  I am finding there are things that aren’t as I hoped, but thats what makes it a challenge.

My idea has been pushed along by movies and programs I tend to watch.  Like “Paddle to Seattle”, “The furnace”, “Alone”, “Walk”, “Still walking”, “Even more walking”, “Walked” amongst other endurance topics.  The idea of putting yourself to the test has been a part of me.  I went on my first solo canoe trip in 2013, many group trips before and since.  All leading up to this adventure.  I will succede.  Maybe not by completing the entire ICW, but by giving it my best shot and learning more about myself.

I appreciate those that have and are supporting me, especially my wife.  She is being very strong, and I hope she is seeing her strengths as I continue.  God is with me every day and night.  I feel the prayers offered up for me, and I thank you all.  I guess when you have alot of time to think  (like I did today) you get to musing about these things.  I hope this gives y’all an idea of the why.  🙂

On another down day I’ll try to give you an insite of some of the planning and preparation I did for this.  In the mean time, be blessed and enjoy.  PS: I am posting from my cell and not the computer, so no spell check. I am sorry about any misspellings.