Hello- It is Sat. August 29th @ Appx. 3:30pm. Your crew just went by our house, we saw you coming down the river and we ran to the bank to check it out. We said hi and you all waved and said hi backand i asked you where you were going and to my amazement you said to the gulf of mexico. I thought you were pulling my leg until you told us to check out your website. So here i am, it’s not everyday we see someone headed down the river to the gulf of mexico, we thought you were headed to the campground not to much further from our house. Anyway, we wish you the best of luck and we will keep up on your progress!!
Take Care!!
John
Pam
Ethan(7)
Garrett(6)
Jo(4 almost 5)
Gus (4)
One of the boys asked if you were pirates-he said your “ship” looked like a pirate ship.
Glad to see all is well. We were camping at Knutson Dam while you were there. Have told lots of people about your journey since coming back home! Good Luck- Kathleen, Rod and Cassandra.
Hope you find some more fresh berries along the way!
This from Can. Hope you are all well I’m following your tripe down on my computer and also on an old Road Atlas Book. Marking every stop you make. Take care .
Just heard from my friend, Gypsy. I called him Jeff when I was in high school with him. Anyway – he said he met you and wanted me to know you were traveling my way. I live in Lansing, Iowa. I’m not great at computer stuff, but would like to know when you would be in this area. I’m the elementary principal here, and I’d love for my students to know about you and see you when you passed our way — if it was school hours and all. If not – I would like to advertise through school email when you would be traveling through so parents would have the opportunity to bring their kids to the river.
Just checking your progress just got off of work at Larson Boats. Glad to hear Annie is doing good. It is nice to do things like that to help people out. Will keep up on your progress. Hope to show my wife the pictures soon. Good luck.
#8 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 17th, 2009
We just spent a short time with you this aftenoon. Assissted with your portage out of Little Falls (garden produce and venison people).Read your website.Looking forward to following your progress and adventures daily.Interested in learning of your study and impressions of our river and people you meet. Welcome to our country,we were very impressed with the friendlyness and interest of your group.We wish you well and we hope Annie remains healed from this day foward.Bon Voyage
#9 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 17th, 2009
We talked and visited this afternoon (portage,garden vegetables and venison people).We just checked out your website. It will be a delight to to follow your progress and adventures in the day’s to come.Looking forward to your observations and environmental findings. You were such a friendly,interesting and professional group. Welcome to our country!!! We hope Annie remains healed and well for the rest of your journey.Our prayers and thoughts go with you. Bon Voyage.
I am just learning about your adventures and goals via the facebook post by Denis and Karen Dolan, my friends in Little Falls. So sorry I missed you because I live on the river, just south of the Little Falls Dam AND I have a kevlar solo canoe. Even in my canoe i was alarmed at the low river and the rocks as I paddled from our dam down to Blanchard Dam a few weeks ago! I shudder at the damages and perils you have and will yet face, but I wish you all success and will follow you online! God speed!
SHARON M RUHLAND :I am just learning about your adventures and goals via the facebook post by Denis and Karen Dolan, my friends in Little Falls. So sorry I missed you because I live on the river, just south of the Little Falls Dam AND I have a kevlar solo canoe. Even in my canoe i was alarmed at the low river and the rocks as I paddled from our dam down to Blanchard Dam a few weeks ago! I shudder at the damages and perils you have and will yet face, but I wish you all success and will follow you online! God speed!
#15 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 20th, 2009
Bret, I linked your blogs to my face book so many more Midwesterners will be watching and pulling for you. We have allot of family in Dubuque Iowa, they will be watching for you in a couple of weeks. Continued Bon Voyage. Keep Senator Koering’s phone number handy even after you leave Minnesota.When we see him, we will express our gratitude of his support to your project.
Brwt,
I wnt to wish all of you well and have a save and exciting trip. God Bless all of you. If you haven’t made it to Mpls as of this date 9/21 -let me know I will look for you on the river.
Jerilee and Chuck. Mpls.
Brett,
Lock & dams moniter ch. 14 on VHF radio, if you need to contact the Lockmaster. General public is on 16, but only for hailing purposes.
St. Anthony Falls is an awesome lock, but the current is swift. Keep on the pfd’s. Hope to see you on the water this weekend,
davetheplumber
Just met the crew at Montisippi Park just north of Monticello. They were looking for a place to stay for the night. Wish them all the best luck – I admire what they are doing.
Jim & Dede
Contact me as you approach St. Charles, MO, Alton, IL and St. Louis, MO.
My family would be glad to provide guided tours of these areas, take the group out to eat or help you in any way that I can.
I also have a cabin on an island in the middle of the river near Alton, Illinois. The cabin floats when the river floods. You would be welcome to camp on the Island.
Hello All,
It was a pleasure meeting all of you when you came through the Twin Cities. I’m envious of your adventure-even the tough parts. I shall try to pass along what images I have from my video as time permits me. God speed to all of you – May the wind be always at your back!
#22 by Old Man River (Joe) on September 25th, 2009
Greetings,
Nice boat, looks like a great adventure. Your safety on this trip is paramount. Looks like you’ve planned and prepared well. Have you spoken with others who have made the same trip?
I spend a lot of time on the river and have canoed and boated all of it top to bottom. I just read Sarah’s comment about the barges being your biggest danger from now on. There are numerous dangers ahead of you. Don’t hit a wing dike and get in touch with me for more info if you like.
I’ll watch your progress at this site. I’m in Missouri and I’ll watch for you on the river.
Great following your progress. I enjoy the interesting storeis and yes isnt it cool how people always “show up”. I find that in my work everyday. be safe. Deb
hey my new found river rats
it was great meeting you all this morning on the river at the boat house. enjoyed your company and tales. how can i email you a photo of you at winona?
keep the wet side down
jim
Hi! I just heard from my sister- in- law Donna that she put up a gang of wild and crazy boaters in her gas station last night. My mother lives on the banks of the Mississippi in Keokuk, IA. She would love to meet/feed/board you. Please let me know if you are interested and I will get you in touch. Safe travels and great adventures!! Denise
Hey,
My wife and I were leaving a movie from downtown Hannibal and headed up Broadway when one of you approached our vehicle. You asked for directions to Lula Belle’s. Just letting you know that we did, indeed, visit your Old Man River project website. Very cool, guys! Good luck!
My name is Jim. I ran into Magnus and hmmm, the blond guy I forget his name, just north of Lacross in some tavern. I was paddling the river too. I finished up Oct 27th in St. Louis. I was looking out for you guys, but you must have been off the river when I passed you. I hear you on the higher water flow . . . my pace really picked up the final week. Lock 26 was like entering the Death Star when I passed through. Big and ugly with a ton of current to contend with. Had one of those jumping carp land right in my boat just down from Hannibal! I decided to end the trip in St. Louis because I got a job offer while sitting in my tent on one of those many rainy nights. That doesn’t happen every day. Plus, I really wasn’t super excited by lower section . . . it’s just a big drainage ditch due to all the massive walls. Stay safe and remember to get up early . . . the days are getting pretty darn short. Your boat looks beautiful. It will be sad to part with it.
#32 by William True Threlkeld IV on November 9th, 2009
Hi this is will you met me i think in the first few weeks of travel in little falls MN just checking in seeing how you are all doing should be getting close now i my self have been out hunting the last few weeks with not much luck yet. hope your staying warm have fun.
Hey guys!
I enjoyed driving yall around yesterday! Hope you thoroughly enjoyed Vicksburg! I am so completely impressed with your boat, your mission, and your blog. Yall are a truly amazing bunch and am excited about following the rest of your adventure! Good luck and I sure hope you are able to continually discover the importance of the great Mississippi River! And make sure you try some fried okra soon!! See ya down river!! Love, LB
Brett you guys are doing a great job on your trip I am still following you in my road atlas an marking the spots you speak of or stop at. GOOD LUCK on that trip south Roger from Ontario Canada.
Brett & Crew: A Mary Lee Orr informed me of your INCREDIBLE river trip. Faxed & e-mailed everyone I knew in the River Parishes. River Mile Markers 168-145 is St. James Parish/Plantation Country. Watching for you. What an outstanding project! Do have a safe trip for the current here is wild, too.
#37 by Jeff and Brennan Duhe Paulina, La on December 4th, 2009
Crew of Annie; We had a great time with yall here on Paulina Beach. Wish we could have had better weather, but I’m sure your use to it by now. Hope the fire kept you warm, and you enjoyed the Jambalaya that Troy and Clark made for you. Joe B. and I will be out in the morning to see you off with a pot of coffee and wish you well. Keep a close eye on the river traffic from here on, and be sure to wear your life preservers from here on, the river current can be crazy, especially this time of year. Mabe next time yall pass by you can enjoy the bonfires on the levee on Christmas Eve night.
Have fun and be safe.
Jeff and son Brennan.
What an accomplishment! I enjoyed checking in now and again to see where you guys were at. That was one wicked adventure!
Ron and I would love to hear what you thought of the PowerFilm and whether it was able to provide you with your charging needs. Until then, have a briliant Christmas!
Opens in a new window
#1 by janice hansis on August 26th, 2009
Thinking about the river gang. Always great
to hear from you.
Be safe,
Peace and Love.
Jany
#2 by Lynn MacKenzie Stephen on August 27th, 2009
Hi Brett:
Lyndsey has been keeping me posted on your progress.. so happy to hear your ok. Miss you. Take care of yourself. Much Love
#3 by The Thompson Family on August 29th, 2009
Hello- It is Sat. August 29th @ Appx. 3:30pm. Your crew just went by our house, we saw you coming down the river and we ran to the bank to check it out. We said hi and you all waved and said hi backand i asked you where you were going and to my amazement you said to the gulf of mexico. I thought you were pulling my leg until you told us to check out your website. So here i am, it’s not everyday we see someone headed down the river to the gulf of mexico, we thought you were headed to the campground not to much further from our house. Anyway, we wish you the best of luck and we will keep up on your progress!!
Take Care!!
John
Pam
Ethan(7)
Garrett(6)
Jo(4 almost 5)
Gus (4)
One of the boys asked if you were pirates-he said your “ship” looked like a pirate ship.
#4 by Kathleen Nauber on September 1st, 2009
Glad to see all is well. We were camping at Knutson Dam while you were there. Have told lots of people about your journey since coming back home! Good Luck- Kathleen, Rod and Cassandra.
Hope you find some more fresh berries along the way!
#5 by Roger D. Elley on September 8th, 2009
This from Can. Hope you are all well I’m following your tripe down on my computer and also on an old Road Atlas Book. Marking every stop you make. Take care .
#6 by Cindy on September 13th, 2009
Just heard from my friend, Gypsy. I called him Jeff when I was in high school with him. Anyway – he said he met you and wanted me to know you were traveling my way. I live in Lansing, Iowa. I’m not great at computer stuff, but would like to know when you would be in this area. I’m the elementary principal here, and I’d love for my students to know about you and see you when you passed our way — if it was school hours and all. If not – I would like to advertise through school email when you would be traveling through so parents would have the opportunity to bring their kids to the river.
#7 by Noah Wojahn on September 17th, 2009
Just checking your progress just got off of work at Larson Boats. Glad to hear Annie is doing good. It is nice to do things like that to help people out. Will keep up on your progress. Hope to show my wife the pictures soon. Good luck.
Noah
#8 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 17th, 2009
We just spent a short time with you this aftenoon. Assissted with your portage out of Little Falls (garden produce and venison people).Read your website.Looking forward to following your progress and adventures daily.Interested in learning of your study and impressions of our river and people you meet. Welcome to our country,we were very impressed with the friendlyness and interest of your group.We wish you well and we hope Annie remains healed from this day foward.Bon Voyage
#9 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 17th, 2009
We talked and visited this afternoon (portage,garden vegetables and venison people).We just checked out your website. It will be a delight to to follow your progress and adventures in the day’s to come.Looking forward to your observations and environmental findings. You were such a friendly,interesting and professional group. Welcome to our country!!! We hope Annie remains healed and well for the rest of your journey.Our prayers and thoughts go with you. Bon Voyage.
#10 by donald & tanya on September 18th, 2009
just meet the group at the POW grounds outside of royalton mn. very nice group of people hope for the best. (9-18-09) 3:28pm.
#11 by SHARON M RUHLAND on September 18th, 2009
I am just learning about your adventures and goals via the facebook post by Denis and Karen Dolan, my friends in Little Falls. So sorry I missed you because I live on the river, just south of the Little Falls Dam AND I have a kevlar solo canoe. Even in my canoe i was alarmed at the low river and the rocks as I paddled from our dam down to Blanchard Dam a few weeks ago! I shudder at the damages and perils you have and will yet face, but I wish you all success and will follow you online! God speed!
#12 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 18th, 2009
sorry about two posting’s I thought the frist one did not send so I rewote it…
#13 by SHARON M RUHLAND on September 18th, 2009
#14 by SHARON M RUHLAND on September 20th, 2009
I wish you all success and will follow you online! God speed!
#15 by Denis & Karen Dolan Little Falls MN on September 20th, 2009
Bret, I linked your blogs to my face book so many more Midwesterners will be watching and pulling for you. We have allot of family in Dubuque Iowa, they will be watching for you in a couple of weeks. Continued Bon Voyage. Keep Senator Koering’s phone number handy even after you leave Minnesota.When we see him, we will express our gratitude of his support to your project.
#16 by Jerilee&Chuck on September 21st, 2009
Brwt,
I wnt to wish all of you well and have a save and exciting trip. God Bless all of you. If you haven’t made it to Mpls as of this date 9/21 -let me know I will look for you on the river.
Jerilee and Chuck. Mpls.
#17 by Dave fredericksen on September 21st, 2009
Brett,
Lock & dams moniter ch. 14 on VHF radio, if you need to contact the Lockmaster. General public is on 16, but only for hailing purposes.
St. Anthony Falls is an awesome lock, but the current is swift. Keep on the pfd’s. Hope to see you on the water this weekend,
davetheplumber
#18 by Jim & DeDe on September 21st, 2009
Just met the crew at Montisippi Park just north of Monticello. They were looking for a place to stay for the night. Wish them all the best luck – I admire what they are doing.
Jim & Dede
#19 by Dave Diederich on September 22nd, 2009
Hi:
A wonderful adventure. I wish I could join you.
Contact me as you approach St. Charles, MO, Alton, IL and St. Louis, MO.
My family would be glad to provide guided tours of these areas, take the group out to eat or help you in any way that I can.
I also have a cabin on an island in the middle of the river near Alton, Illinois. The cabin floats when the river floods. You would be welcome to camp on the Island.
Have a safe trip.
davediederich@netscape.net
#20 by Aidan on September 24th, 2009
I saw you guys on the lock and dam in minneapolis! Good luck!
#21 by Neil Pursley on September 25th, 2009
Hello All,
It was a pleasure meeting all of you when you came through the Twin Cities. I’m envious of your adventure-even the tough parts. I shall try to pass along what images I have from my video as time permits me. God speed to all of you – May the wind be always at your back!
#22 by Old Man River (Joe) on September 25th, 2009
Greetings,
Nice boat, looks like a great adventure. Your safety on this trip is paramount. Looks like you’ve planned and prepared well. Have you spoken with others who have made the same trip?
I spend a lot of time on the river and have canoed and boated all of it top to bottom. I just read Sarah’s comment about the barges being your biggest danger from now on. There are numerous dangers ahead of you. Don’t hit a wing dike and get in touch with me for more info if you like.
I’ll watch your progress at this site. I’m in Missouri and I’ll watch for you on the river.
Joe
joevoid@sbcglobal.net
#23 by Nellie Northern on September 30th, 2009
Will be watching for you in Dubuque…Lock & Dam # 11
#24 by Di & Ken MacKenzie on October 1st, 2009
Hi all! hope all is going well with the river expedition! Watched your videos, very good!
Ken says “keep sailing HitMan!”
#25 by Di & Ken MacKenzie on October 1st, 2009
Ken says “don’t stop for banjo players!!!”
#26 by Deb Smith on October 4th, 2009
Hi Brett and all,
Great following your progress. I enjoy the interesting storeis and yes isnt it cool how people always “show up”. I find that in my work everyday. be safe. Deb
#27 by jim bambenek on October 5th, 2009
hey my new found river rats
it was great meeting you all this morning on the river at the boat house. enjoyed your company and tales. how can i email you a photo of you at winona?
keep the wet side down
jim
#28 by lowell carlson-editor Bellevue Herald-Leader on October 6th, 2009
Please let us know when you are approaching Bellevue. We’d like to cover your passage in a feature story.
Thanks
#29 by Denise & Karl Bakkum on October 6th, 2009
Hi! I just heard from my sister- in- law Donna that she put up a gang of wild and crazy boaters in her gas station last night. My mother lives on the banks of the Mississippi in Keokuk, IA. She would love to meet/feed/board you. Please let me know if you are interested and I will get you in touch. Safe travels and great adventures!! Denise
#30 by Sean on October 26th, 2009
Hey,
My wife and I were leaving a movie from downtown Hannibal and headed up Broadway when one of you approached our vehicle. You asked for directions to Lula Belle’s. Just letting you know that we did, indeed, visit your Old Man River project website. Very cool, guys! Good luck!
-Sean
#31 by Jim on October 31st, 2009
Hi,
My name is Jim. I ran into Magnus and hmmm, the blond guy I forget his name, just north of Lacross in some tavern. I was paddling the river too. I finished up Oct 27th in St. Louis. I was looking out for you guys, but you must have been off the river when I passed you. I hear you on the higher water flow . . . my pace really picked up the final week. Lock 26 was like entering the Death Star when I passed through. Big and ugly with a ton of current to contend with. Had one of those jumping carp land right in my boat just down from Hannibal! I decided to end the trip in St. Louis because I got a job offer while sitting in my tent on one of those many rainy nights. That doesn’t happen every day. Plus, I really wasn’t super excited by lower section . . . it’s just a big drainage ditch due to all the massive walls. Stay safe and remember to get up early . . . the days are getting pretty darn short. Your boat looks beautiful. It will be sad to part with it.
#32 by William True Threlkeld IV on November 9th, 2009
Hi this is will you met me i think in the first few weeks of travel in little falls MN just checking in seeing how you are all doing should be getting close now i my self have been out hunting the last few weeks with not much luck yet. hope your staying warm have fun.
#33 by Laura Beth Lyons on November 24th, 2009
Hey guys!
I enjoyed driving yall around yesterday! Hope you thoroughly enjoyed Vicksburg! I am so completely impressed with your boat, your mission, and your blog. Yall are a truly amazing bunch and am excited about following the rest of your adventure! Good luck and I sure hope you are able to continually discover the importance of the great Mississippi River! And make sure you try some fried okra soon!! See ya down river!! Love, LB
#34 by Laura Beth Lyons on November 25th, 2009
Here is a link to the news article in The Vicksburg Post as yall departed from the city. http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2009/11/25/news/doc4b0d64c9d3eca971315267.txt
#35 by Roger D. Elley on November 26th, 2009
Brett you guys are doing a great job on your trip I am still following you in my road atlas an marking the spots you speak of or stop at. GOOD LUCK on that trip south Roger from Ontario Canada.
#36 by Patricia Dupuy-Rizzuto on December 3rd, 2009
Brett & Crew: A Mary Lee Orr informed me of your INCREDIBLE river trip. Faxed & e-mailed everyone I knew in the River Parishes. River Mile Markers 168-145 is St. James Parish/Plantation Country. Watching for you. What an outstanding project! Do have a safe trip for the current here is wild, too.
#37 by Jeff and Brennan Duhe Paulina, La on December 4th, 2009
Crew of Annie; We had a great time with yall here on Paulina Beach. Wish we could have had better weather, but I’m sure your use to it by now. Hope the fire kept you warm, and you enjoyed the Jambalaya that Troy and Clark made for you. Joe B. and I will be out in the morning to see you off with a pot of coffee and wish you well. Keep a close eye on the river traffic from here on, and be sure to wear your life preservers from here on, the river current can be crazy, especially this time of year. Mabe next time yall pass by you can enjoy the bonfires on the levee on Christmas Eve night.
Have fun and be safe.
Jeff and son Brennan.
#38 by eric&michael on December 5th, 2009
met yall in paulina beach sand bar.friday night
#39 by Stacey on December 16th, 2009
Hey Brett!
What an accomplishment! I enjoyed checking in now and again to see where you guys were at. That was one wicked adventure!
Ron and I would love to hear what you thought of the PowerFilm and whether it was able to provide you with your charging needs. Until then, have a briliant Christmas!
Stacey