After spending approximately 4 months observing old man river from behind, through the meticulous task of rowing, I am finally able to face forward as our expedition is complete. The Gulf of Mexico was a sight for sore eyes. After the climactic 4 days of the voyage we discovered a channel out to the open waters where marshland stretched out into the brackish sea and oil rigs defeated the horizon. Once we set anchor, we as a team plunged into the cool water and the fate of our expedition was achieved. A feeling of solace washed over me in waves of delight as we were towed to the boat ramp. It was time to take our strong, patient and beautiful Annie home to Baton Rouge. Through her travels she tasted the sweetness of the headwaters, the mud throughout the middle, the bitterness of Cancer Alley and the salt of the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for everything Annie, her captain and crew. To all of our followers, I thank you for the support and interest in our adventure and hope you will stick around for some more images to be posted in the near future. For now, I think I am going to relax. It’s been grand.
Finally Facing Forward
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#1 by barry Rogers on December 11th, 2009
kyle (Tank ) and fellow crew members, relax and enjoy your free time, you all are great role models for so many people,
#2 by Prairie Rose on December 11th, 2009
I’m looking forward to seeing many more beautiful images of ypur adventure. I’ve looke at the ones posted many time and have shared them with others to enjoy. Congrats Tank on you and your crew’s successful journey. Marilyn at Prairie Rose Farm
#3 by Prairie Rose on December 11th, 2009
Met up with Tracy yesterday and we talked of the time we shared with the crew of Annie. He was happy to get your text – It made his day!! At our meeting yesterday I presented him with a picture of he and the crew. He was happy to receive it to say the least.
#4 by Sheri on December 11th, 2009
Tank,
You are the master of understament. Hope looking forward reveals a bright and rewarding future with enough challenges to keep your blood flowing.
Can’t wait to see more of your photos. You’ve become a real pro behind the lens.
#5 by Lori & Randy on December 11th, 2009
Tank your photos are awesome. Maybe one day you can forward the one of us all on the dock that you took with timer, as mine picture has a pole covering Max’s face..(Not good).
I hope we all meet again!!
Congrats again!!!
sunshyne72000@yahoo.com
#6 by Debbie on December 11th, 2009
Well said Tank…you are good with words and a camera : ) I can’t wait to give you the big hug I’ve been keeping for you these last 4 months! Hope you and the crew enjoy these next days together, reminiscing and living it up in the Big Easy. xoxo
“Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.”
#7 by John Sullivan on December 11th, 2009
Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage. What a fantastic adventure. Sorry I missed being able to talk to the crew during your decent through Pool 8. Good luck with all your future pursuits. May your expedition live long in your descendant’s memories.
Irishvoyageur
#8 by Lisa on December 11th, 2009
Amazing! Congratulations. Great recap!
#9 by Jerry Dendoff on December 11th, 2009
Brett and Crew.
It was indeed an honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to be all of you when Sue and I visited in October.
Congratulations on a successful journey down the Big Muddy. Through your bravery and determination you have accomplished what no one else will ever do. You have demonstrated that dreams can come true with hard work and determination.
Continue to follow your dreams. Enjoy the rest that is now so deserving.
All the best through the Christmas holidays and into 2010 and the years to come.
Jerry D.
#10 by Jennifer on December 12th, 2009
What an amazing adventure you have had. I’m glad that some of us could watch it happen and I’m also glad that you are all safe and sound. Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas!
#11 by Cindi on December 12th, 2009
It’s amazing what you all accomplished! It’s been fun following your journey!
#12 by Donna Marie on December 12th, 2009
Tank …all of the home front have been looking forward the whole trip..looking forward to Annie’s crew being home again. We hope when you do look back you all will share your adventure again with us.
#13 by Alan Wilson on December 14th, 2009
You guys are to be commended for an outstanding journey and adventure, job well done!!
#14 by Scott Van Dam on December 16th, 2009
I’ve been following you since you showcased your boat at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington in August. I want to congratulate you and your team on accomplishing such an adventure! Thanks for the updates. What’s your next river adventure?
#15 by Roger D. Elley on December 16th, 2009
To the crew of Annie that was a great trip down old Miss. Take time to rest and reflect on what you guys did it was an adventure a lot of people would have loved to go on but you an the crew did it and took us along on the trip throw pictures and your stories on the Blog of Old Miss. I thank you for this . Take care have a save trip back home . Looking forward to a CD of the trip on the Old Miss. That would be a great Discovery CD.
#16 by Quad Cities Waterkeeper on December 16th, 2009
Hi Tank and crew.
Awesome job! Thank you for documenting the Mississippi.
I believe if the people can’t see it, they don’t know what they stand to lose.
OMR not only brought about public awareness, friendship, understanding, and communities that showed they care. But also, documented one of the greatest rivers in the world. You did this for all to see, young and old. I commend you all for this, for the Mississippi is suffering and it will take the people to save him now.
http://quadcitieswaterkeeperuppermississippi.org/#Our Mission
The report’s major findings include:
Of the dozen waterways ranked highest in the nation for toxic discharges, four are in Illinois: The Ohio River ranked first in the nation with over 31 million pounds, the Mississippi ranked third with over 12.7 million pounds, and the Illinois and Rock Rivers ranked 11th and 12th, respectively.
This way our children can see what the Mississippi was in 2009, and how it changed from the head waters to the gulf. With this incredible documentation it helps us greatly determine on a large scale a strategic plan to save Old Man River.
I have to say it’s one of the best things I have been involved with in a long time.
I believe divine intervention got this done. I give him, and the Father of Waters, great thanks for your safe journey.
Thank you again for your wonderful work.
Remember to say good-bye to the Father of Waters.
Sincerely, Art Norris
Quad Cities WATERKEEPER