An Unexpected Amazing Journey 
I have paddled Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s major riverways and inland lakes, and solo paddled across the Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. 

Since I began kayaking three seasons ago I have logged a total of 2,695 miles. As the crow flies, the distance traveled in any one direction would take me beyond Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Central America, or far into our Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. 

Join me on my paddling adventures.

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The Thrill of the Adventure 
One of the draws of the adventure is the anticipation of what’s around the next bend. Whether it be an incredible view, unsuspecting wildlife, a small riverside town, or the welcoming riverbank or small island which will become my home for the night. 

There is the excitement of the challenge. The sounds of the river give notice of unseen trouble ahead; be it the rush of the rapids, the spillover from an obstruction made by man, a determined beaver, or a fallen tree. Maybe it’s the sound of rain or wind of a rapidly advancing storm. 

On my journeys I have been covered in thunderstorms, chased by tornados, pummeled by hail, blanketed in snow, challenged by hypothermia, baked by the sun, and even hit by a boat. I have spilled over shallow rapids and been knocked over by overhanging branches. 

Most of all, I have enjoyed the serenity and solitude, incredible nature and landscape, for which in many areas has remained largely unchanged for decades and centuries.

The Book | The Northland Adventurer
Through the prodding by many, I have created a 100 page book highlighting my journeys on our major tributaries, my grand adventures, top stops and events, and more.

Much of what is in the book is here for you to enjoy.

My favorite rivers are the Rum, St. Croix and Namekagon. My top stops and top events are the Lower St. Croix (Taylors Falls, MN), Lake Pepin and Lake City, and the Tall Ships Duluth Festival. Those objects which captivate my interest include our Great Lake Lighthouses, the Soo Line High Bridge, and those iconic vertical lift bridges.

My top grand adventures were paddling across Great Lakes Michigan and Superior. But, paddling across the Straits of Mackinac and tapping the massive columns of the Mackinac Bridge as I pass in between was special too.

I hope you find my stories and photography about my paddling adventures across our Northland pleasant and entertaining. Most of all, may they inspire adventure in you.

The first three seasons and 2,695 miles captured here.

“It’s good to have an end to journey towards,
​but it is the journey that matters in the end.”
​       ~ Ernest Hemingway

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Let me take you on my journey.
Click on the links (underlined) of those topics below which interest you most. 

Paddling our Major Tributaries
•  Rum River
•  Cannon River
•  Superior Bay 
•  Upper St. Croix
•  Headwaters of the Mississippi
•  Namekagon River

Top Stops and Events
•  Lower St. Croix - Taylors Falls, MN
•  ​Lake Pepin and Lake City, MN
•  St. Paul, MN and Raspberry Island
•  ​Stillwater, MN
•  Tall Ships Duluth Festival

Objects of Interest
•  Great Lakes Lighthouses
•  Bridges of Stillwater
•  Wisconsin Central Bridge Ruins
•  Soo Line High Bridge
•  Vertical Lift Bridges
•  Trains
​•  Railroad Bridges
​•  Tugs and Barges
​•  Locks and Dams
​•  Business and Industry

Subjects of Interest
•  The Joy of the Journey
•  Overhanging Branches
•  Best of All It's Fall
•  Get Off the River!
​
Grand Adventures
•  Crossing Lake Huron
•  ​Straits of Mackinac 
•  Crossing Lake Michigan
•  Crossing Lake Superior

Newsworthy
•  ABC NEWS: Avid  Kayaker Brushes Death
•  The Whole Story

Easter 2019
•  A Narrow Escape

​Reflections
•  A Wonderful Journey

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I hope my stories and photography inspires adventure in you.

St. Croix River Association

Clean water has become one of our most precious resources in the 21st century. In fact one in nine people live without access to clean and drinkable water.

Support an organization whose mission is to protect, preserve and enhance our water and natural surroundings. I am a proud member of the St. Croix River Association.

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22 Veterans Commit Suicide Every Day

Suicides among our veterans is  a matter of great importance to all of us. While veterans constitute only 8.5% of the population they account or 18% of all deaths from suicide in the U.S.

Join me in raising awareness and giving tribute to our American Heroes. To learn more, click here.

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United States Coast Guard

Let's give a special thanks to our ​United States Coast Guard for their maritime duties, including performing rescue missions in severe conditions.

Because of their skill, passion and dedication, we have a sense of comfort that when on our Great Lakes, oceans, or major ports of entry, that in the event of an accident or emergency, they are there.