Canoeing down the mighty Mississippi River isn’t just an adventure; it’s an experience that finds a place on the top of Amy’s list of unforgettable journeys. Much like the rhythmic beat of a drum, the steady progression along this watery path offers a gratifying sense of purpose. Amy compares it to the satisfaction she gets from walking or biking long distances.
While a kayaking expedition may seem routine, it is the unexpected moments and encounters that elevate it to a remarkable voyage. Amy’s most cherished memories revolved around the incredible people they met along the way. Each stop brought forth vibrant, outgoing, and generous individuals who left an indelible mark on their journey.
Of course, there were other spontaneous delights that made the trip even more enchanting. Imagine days spent amidst a flurry of migrating swallows, their graceful movements mirroring the magic of an albino Barn Swallow soaring above their canoe. The haunting calls of loons in the northern regions of the river, the tranquility of glass-like waters surrounded by lush floodplain forests, and the sight of hundreds of graceful White Pelicans in flight — all these moments became treasured fragments of their adventure. The trip offered countless five-star campsites on vast, sandy river banks and a multitude of splendid sunrises and sunsets that painted the sky.
Contrary to expectations, Amy found the river’s industrial presence to be minimal, limited to scattered locations. In the headwaters section, the river corridor retained its untamed beauty, while the Upper River showcased vast riparian forests with little evidence of human activity once they left the locks and dams behind. The lower stretch contained visible signs of human intervention, but they were a minor part of the overall landscape. Nonetheless, Amy couldn’t help but feel vexed by some of the alterations caused by the Army Corps south of Minneapolis.
Amy’s journey north of St. Louis was an absolute delight. She reveled in the diverse habitats they encountered: spruce forests, sprawling wetlands, expansive lakes, and maple floodplain forests. Paddling through these stunning landscapes, exploring small towns, swimming in the cool waters, and finding solace in well-appointed campsites made this part of their adventure truly unforgettable.
However, as they ventured south, Amy’s feelings towards the river became more complex. The sheer size of the Mississippi and the colossal tows (barges) that plied its waters made her uneasy. While tows were present from Minneapolis to St. Louis, they were relatively smaller and less frequent, making the river seem more manageable. South of St. Louis, especially beyond Cairo, Amy couldn’t shake off the fear of capsizing in the shipping channel. Though they had full control of their canoe and enjoyed near-perfect weather throughout their journey, Amy’s lack of experience on the river made her uneasy, unlike the comfort she felt while hiking or biking.
Two factors added to Amy’s unease. Firstly, when they reached St. Louis, the river swelled due to flooding, doubling its volume and increasing the current. The sight of massive log-filled waterways intensified her anxiety. Secondly, the significant drop in recreational users below St. Louis surprised her. Despite encountering numerous recreational enthusiasts upriver, their scarcity south of St. Louis, during the 800-mile journey, left Amy astounded.
Her anxieties eased as they crossed from the Mississippi to the Atchafalaya River, where she once again immersed herself in the beauty of the gentle Cajun bayous, picturesque towns, encounters with alligators, and breathtaking scenery. Amy reaffirmed that choosing the Atchafalaya River route to the Gulf was the right decision, sparing them from the heavy boat traffic near Baton Rouge.
In summary, Amy considered this kayaking expedition a five-star experience. The trip encompassed not just awe-inspiring landscapes, but also cultural diversity, heartwarming encounters with locals, idyllic campsites, and relatively hassle-free logistics. She did, however, regret the fear that tugged at her during the Lower River, as it briefly overshadowed an otherwise remarkable and magnificent adventure.
