Upstream, Downstream

a trip playlist for pretending we know where we're going

The Mississippi River is long.

Very long.

Long enough that we’re 30 days behind on trip updates and are working on them all now!

And also long enough that at some point you run out of conversation, snacks, and sanity… and the only thing left to do is to play the same three songs on repeat until they either drive you more insane, or become your personal anthem.

This playlist is less “epic adventure movie soundtrack” and more “karaoke night gone feral.” We warn you now: after 2,000 miles in a kayak, even the most questionable tracks start to sound like masterpieces.

Below are songs for when:

• For when trying to do it alone seems impossible, but together feels maybe doable:

• For when awe hits so hard you almost forget your arms are tired

(and then you really want to share the experience with your loved ones back home):

• For when you want to miss your exit on purpose:

• For when hunger hits and pollution foam looks like a good idea:

• For when the dead coyote wasn’t enough of a warning and you quietly reconsider camping:

• For when the bank turns into a mudslide and dignity is optional.

• For when strangers bring snacks and suddenly you believe in humanity again.

• For when civilization ambushes the river and you cling to the tiniest patches of green for hope.

• For when you wonder if kayaking forever is a viable career move.

• For when you’re sharing a single mosquito net and 1.5 person tent between two people and a puppy:

• For when the trip ends and you realize that even though it’s over for you, the river keeps flowing for us all.

And that’s a wrap! More to come from the paddling log next week.