We’ve known from the start that Memphis, TN was going to be a major highlight of the trip. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we had the opportunity to bring kids from our hometowns of Winona and Grenada to paddle the river. We partnered with Matthew Burdine of Memphis’s Mississippi River Expeditions.
Matthew completed his own source to sea trip in 2016 and loves sharing the power of the river with others. After giving the kids a brief talk about the history of the river, he showed them how to use a canoe paddle before loading them into boats. Despite our brief foray in Willow’s dugout canoe, we were little help during the canoe technique explanations to the kids!
Most of the kids were still half asleep, but started to wake up when they realized they were going to have to get into the boats while the boats were still in the water.
With Bawker's help and protection, they all made it safely aboard. We got into our own boats (also safely), and paddled alongside them up to the bridge and back. When they worked together, and in sync, they could leave us in the dust!
They raced each other and asked us questions about the trip and 2 of them took a turn in our kayaks, getting a feel for the much smaller boats and the Greenland paddle. Despite the tight turns of the marina and the fact that it was nothing like the canoe paddle they had just been using, they were quick learners, building good habits and instincts about the new boats.
We had a blast with the group from Blessings for All, Empowered by Faith, and can’t wait to see where the world takes them next. These kids took to the river like glitter ducks to heads. If they can paddle the Mississippi River, what’s stopping you?
What a great day it was! I hesitated a bit about joining you guys in the canoes (wasn’t sure this 74 year old was up to the task), but so glad I did. The kids were terrific as you guys were the ultimate guides. Thank you for that day and thank you for making a difference. Keep on paddling!