Who says Christmas doesn't come in December? Oh, wait...

OMG!!! Good things do happen to good people!!

If my new package doesn't get to you in time tomorrow, give Dave some money for postage and the address in Helena so it can catch up with you.

I'm thrilled for you. And I love the entire town of New Madrid, MO. That town is truly a town of angels! Good paddling tomorrow and STAY SAFE!!

Glad to see a smile on your face in the recent photos. You must have been going through some long days lately. Just imagine how good it will feel to get paddling agian!

Looking forward to watching your "Spot" again.

Andy

I learned this, at least, by my experiment;
that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined,
he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
from the "Conclusion" to Walden

If anyone would like to contact the good staff of New Madrid with thanks or a holiday greeting for all of their support of Jake, here is the directory:

http://www.new-madrid.mo.us/directory.aspx

Jake....when you write a book about this trip New Madrid deserves an entire chapter. By the way...when we spoke last you were concerned about being able to write in a way that we could experience your trip...well, you can put that one to rest...we are hanging on every word.
Our thanks to Larry for providing the New Madrid cite, we wrote Chief McFerren.
OK, Jake, we can't wait to hear what will top this as your next adventure. hmmm, at this point we would believe anything from being kidnapped by Capt. Hook to having dinner with space aliens who live on the bottom of the Mississippi.
Merry Christmas, indeed!
Patti and Carl

Jake, we are so happy for you! My son and I have been following you since your Talk at River Crossing and I can't believe all you have been through. Really you have to write a book! Your writing and pictures are fantastic and you give us all a chance to go on this adventure with you! Thanks for holding on to your dream...and sharing it! I'm so glad it all worked out! Good Luck!

Jake,

Really glad to hear you got your gear back! We spent a good 2-3 hours walking around New Madrid with all our gear in the boat and must have been lucky because we didn't have a problem. It sounds like you are making pretty darn good time. If you can make New Orleans by New Years shoot me a message! Happy paddling!

-john

That's great Jake! I'm glad they got your stuff back!
Be safe!
Branden Z.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and this trip. The stolen gear day was a day to remember but finding the gear was an unbelieveable day. I'm sure there is more to that part of the story.

We all say the same thing - a book, we hang on to every word (I start my day "tuning in" to you. You have a wonderful way of communicating. Your most recent lesson learned could not have been shared better. Thanks from all of us out here - and a blessed Christmas and New Year to you. You certainly are adding to our Holiday thoughts!

I am so glad you got your stuff back. Even though it is just "stuff" it is nice to have what you are familiar with during a trip like this! I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas on the water where ever you may be. The kids at River Crossing have been thinking of you often.
I hope the kids (well, all people) reading this get what you were talking about in your blog. It is a good message for them.
You were on the front page of the local paper today. I saved a copy of the last two articles about you, in case you want copies when you come back and tell my students all about the trip next year!
Merry Christmas.

Was so sad for you when I heard you lost your gear so soon in the trip..... nice to know you were touched by your fellowman in that way made me smile. Reminds me of Peter Jenkins "Walk Across America" as he had a renewed faith in his countrymen! Happy traveling!!