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Day 27 (A rough start to the new year in Vicksburg MS)

1/2/2010

56 Comments

 
Daily stats
Start: 6:30 AM- On the river
Finish: 12:30 PM - Vicksburg MS
Time: 6:00
Daily dist: 45 miles
Total dist: miles
Companions: None
Weather: Partly cloudy and chilly nice NE tail wind.
Ever since it happened last night I’ve been wondering how exactly to go about telling my mom without worrying her to death. Lord only knows she’s been through enough with all the misadventures I’ve been through up to this point. I figured I’d wait till morning when I was safe and warm with a full belly. That’s where I am right now, in a river boat casino restaurant with the crumbs of a cheese burger on the plate in front of me. I’m taking advantage to a wall outlet to top off my batteries one last time before I push off to the embracing safety of the winter-cold Mississippi river with all it’s whirlpools, wing dams, barge traffic, and wind blown waves….all things that I know and am ready to deal with. 

My problem seems to be with towns and the people therein.
.

Yesterday I came into town and secured my gear in the new wire mesh bags and set about finding water, batteries, a place to charge my computer and phone, a place to do my laundry, and a warm meal. Being New Years day most shops were closed but by walking two miles off the river I did find an open washamateria as they call Laundromats down here and a warm meal came via an all you can eat pizza buffet. My trouble came when I was walking back down to the river later on.

Going on the suggestion of the police in New Madrid I approached a pair of police officers in a grocery store parking lot and let them know about me being camped down by the river. They weren’t too concerned and said that they’d let their sergeant know so if there were any calls they’d know what was up. I bid them good night and continued on. I was walking along the sidewalk coming up on a gas station convenience store. Two teenage kids were walking my way sporting the ridiculous - pants around their knees - look some kids seem to like now days. I didn’t think much of them and simply said “how’s it goin.” as I approached them. The next thing I knew one boy raised his hand and I heard the hissing sound of an aerosol can as something wet and at first cold hit me in the face. An initial sting like hairspray hit my eyes and I stumbled back a few paces and in complete shock said “what’s up with that?!” They didn’t do anything more they just stood by smugly watching me slowly feel the burning effects of the spray take effect. - A PRANK! -
At that point I didn’t know what they’d sprayed (hairspray, paint,…whatever) I just knew that it hurt and was hurting more. I stumbled immediately into the convenience store eyes watering and nose running. As I tried to explain myself the spray worked itself into my skin and eyes. Every time I closed my eyes in pain it got harder to open them again until they were all but sealed shut in pain. The store attendants (much less than really helpful) directed me to the bathroom where I ran water in my eyes and face to try to flush away whatever was causing the pain. After three times asking the store attendants to please call 911 they offered up their phone to me (barely able to keep my eyes open with my face feeling like its on fire) so I could call myself. I said forget it and used my own phone to call. After briefly explaining myself the police and paramedics were sent. Wouldn’t you know it but the same officers I had just spoken to were the first to arrive.
So…for the second time on this trip I found myself surrounded by law enforcement answering questions and giving descriptions as to who had done something to me. I got my first ride in an ambulance to the hospital where they flushed my eyes properly and got me put back together. In the process I learned that I was the second person to fall victim to this terrible prank. Apparently a young woman had succumbed to the same fate twenty minutes before me. They didn’t know exactly what the kids were spraying but a simple guess was that I’d been maced. Nice town eh?
That’s it, I’m done with towns for now. My faith in people (especially this new-to-me kind of cold hearted terrible people found in this region) is wearing thin……very …very…very thin. I hate to admit it but the “knife lady” isn’t totally wrong. It is a dangerous world out there especially along this impoverished corridor of the lower Mississippi. The river is huge, beautiful, powerful, and inspiring. The towns have problems…big problems…and are best left alone, or visited very briefly for only what I need, not necessarily all the town comforts I want after a few days on the river.
I once again received help from some good people this time in a church shelter home who took me in last night and fed me breakfast this morning.  Even as I write this blog the waitress and cook here at the casio restaurant, who know my story, are slipping me sausage and egg sandwiches on the sly.  There ARE good people all around... hopefully enough to make up for the bad ones.  I’m going to be back on the river in an hour and I intend to stay out there until I reach Baton Rogue where I’ll be staying with someone while I sort out the last two days on the river and my transition into the Gulf of Mexico.

What I’ve been told of the state of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina is not good and I am searching, in earnest, for folks to paddle through with me or to give me a place to stay at night. If you know of anybody that lives in the New Orleans area that might be willing to give me a hand please let me know. I only wish I could trust people more, but I’m learning that I simply can’t.
Sorry to put you through this mom…. what a world we live in.

DON’T ANYBODY DARE TELL ME TO STOP
 - NOBODY -
 I DON'T WANT ANY NAY-SAYERS OR I TOLD YOU SO'S
IT WILL TAKE A LOT MORE THAN A COUPLE LITTLE *!#$ &&*@'S IN MISSISSIPPI
 TO PULL ME OFF OF THIS TRIP

56 Comments
Branden link
1/2/2010 12:35:29 am

Jake,
I'm glad you are safe. Please reconsider allowing someone to finish this trip with you rather than alone.
Branden Z.

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Becky Putzer
1/2/2010 12:43:04 am

What a way to learn "street smarts". Jake when you are walking around a strange town and you see someone that looks supicious or looking for trouble (yes that means teenagers too) you don't say how's it going. You need to have a hard ass look on your face so they know not to mess with you. And you need to keep a safe distance. That is not the time for your friendly face. Keep going! Just practice your street smarts!

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Jodi Dewhirst
1/2/2010 01:01:20 am

Jake, Sorry this happened to you and hope you are feeling better. I know that baby shampoo can help stop the skin from stinging and your tears help to wah out the spray. Your original idea of us all being linked to the water and now having others join you for portions of your journey makes sense. Paddle on.

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Ann Daley
1/2/2010 01:19:11 am

The little jerks!! What a horrible "prank"!! I'm glad you're safe now and have found some good people who helped you, but I don't blame you for losing faith in humanity.
I never for a moment thought of telling you to stop. I'll only say take care and, as they said on the old Hill Street Blues tv show - Be careful out there!

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Thom
1/2/2010 02:12:53 am

Keep paddling Jake.

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Jenny
1/2/2010 02:28:32 am

Hang in there Jake...we are all sending positive thoughts your way !!!
Jenny

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Jan Kleck
1/2/2010 02:55:33 am

Our deep caring and love are with you. I, too, am thinking of your mother and dad - and the rest of your wonderful family. I would never suggest quitting - others who know more than I know what you need to do (including yourself). Just be smart and continue your dream. We are all with you. It is hard to face this side of the world - without any doubt whatsoever, it is there. We cannot let those people make us become bitter - we just have to be certain we become smarter - their ways just cannot win!

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martha link
1/2/2010 03:15:19 am

jake, i'm so sorry! i'm embarassed for my region giving you so much trouble. southerners pride ourselves on our hospitality, but we do have problems, esp. in the poorer areas. i'm sorry you keep running into trouble, and i hope your luck turns for the better.

new orleans would definitely be a smart place to have a contact, so i hope you find someone good down there.

i'm glad you're at least finding (some) kind people to help you when you have trouble. take care, and stay warm this week. it's below freezing in memphis today, so i'm glad you're further on south.

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Duane Strosaker link
1/2/2010 03:18:04 am

In case you haven't seen the movie Deliverance, if you hear a banjo as you walk into down, get the heck out of there as fast as you can.

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Elmore link
1/2/2010 03:45:15 am

I don't see anything stopping you except serious illness, a natural catastrophe, or maybe irreversible boat damage.
I'm also not ready to concede to The Knife Lady. If you made a mistake in Vicksburg, it wasn't failure to carry weapons. I think the best policy for unfamiliar towns like that is to do what you did here at Memphis--make contacts ahead of time and get advice, if not in-person guidance, about where and where not to go in the town. It's easy enough to bump into not-so-nice people here in Memphis if you just wander into the downtown area.
Anyway, here's to better luck as you approach the Gulf. Make contacts ahead of time when you can.

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Pat Wheeler
1/2/2010 04:57:09 am

Oh Jake, I am so sorry. I can't believe this has happened to you. I have always been so proud of southern hospitality. I wonder where it has gone. I guess I'm just naive.

Pat

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George
1/2/2010 05:49:59 am

Jake:

We'll treat you right when you get to Michigan. Keep paddlin' solo. Don't give in to fear.

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Kevin Lawrence
1/2/2010 05:52:27 am

Jake, I've really enjoyed following your blog postings, but can't tell you how disappointed I've been to read of the two town incidents you've had. All areas are inhabited by both good and bad people, as your experiences demonstrate so frustratingly well. It's clear to me that a trip such as yours would only be undertaken by someone with both great physical strength and great emotional strength. I know you'll use that emotional fortitude to persevere through times such as this one. Be more wary when you have to, but I hope these events don't change the character of the person I feel that I'm getting to know through your postings. Continue to be strong and know you have many many supporters and admirers.

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lyn stachovak
1/2/2010 06:00:50 am

OK George... Treat Jake right as he paddles through Detroit! By the way, I'm from the UP so I can talk smart about Michigan.

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JJ REESE
1/2/2010 06:39:19 am

Keep your head up Jake. Bad apples in every batch. Dont let'em get you down.


Keep up the good work!!!!!!

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Aaron Stachovak
1/2/2010 06:56:10 am

Keep going Jake! Get as far from Mississippi as you can -

Go figure - the local Vicksburg paper has no mention of this today! I am sure they will dismiss it as a usual occurrence in their messed up world- Here is the letter to the editor that I submitted:

Vicksburg claims to be the red carpet of the south - however, on 1 Jan 2010 my brother Jake Stachovak was attacked as he ventured into town for a hot meal and laundry after his long paddle down the Mississippi River which originated at the beginning of December in Portage Wisconsin. Apparently he was sprayed in the face with a substance by two juvenile thugs for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was able to stumble into a gas station before being beaten only to be handed a phone to call 911 himself after he asked for help.
It is sad to think that he was able to safely spend countless hours navigating treacherous waters, wing dams, and barges along the river only to then be attacked by animals in your city.
If this is what southern hospitality is all about, I will respectfully stay up here in Wisconsin where we treat one another with true kindness. Vicksburg - If you want to continue to keep the “red carpet” status you better call a rug doctor, because your town is dirty!

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Jenni L.
1/2/2010 07:23:28 am

Sorry to hear about your misadventure on your Great Adventure! Stay Strong! I am enjoying your blog. Aaron, LOVE you Letter to the Editor!

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Tvan
1/2/2010 08:53:24 am

Keep the faith Jake, just a run of bad luck. I went to help out in Gulfport Mississippi right after katrina. I found the people to be very kind. My cousin is a law enforcement officer there. Let me know if you need someone you can trust when you get in the area, I'll call him.
Continued

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Tvan
1/2/2010 08:56:44 am

Sounds like they sprayed you with pepper spray. Your eyes slam shut and the effects last about 30 minutes.
there usually are no lasting effects though.

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knife lady
1/2/2010 09:10:16 am

This is only the tip of the iceberg of the difficulties you will encounter.

There are plenty of bad people in all cities and towns. To think otherwise, would be foolish.

You also need to watch out for water moccasins, stray dogs, and maybe even alligators...




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Bill Prescott
1/2/2010 09:12:42 am

Go Jake Go!

I wish all of the people of this country were as good and honorable as you need. Watch you back, and be safe!

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Tootie
1/2/2010 09:17:50 am

So sorry, Jake, to hear of your bad experience. Glad you were able to get help and hope this is it for a while. Take care and we are all praying and pulling for you to keep going. Sure do enjoy your blog.

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Matt Christian
1/2/2010 11:43:12 am

Hey Jake I hope your doing alright after this incident with those punks. It hard to imagine a human harming another human and not having any remorse. Anyway keep your head up and stay safe and know that the majority of people in this world are good. Stay safe man I've been enjoying your blogs.

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Zuzu
1/2/2010 12:06:32 pm

Sounds like you are meeting the same type of folks as Huck Finn did!

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Mike Stephen
1/2/2010 12:31:39 pm

When Aaron called me last night. I could not believe it. My adventurist friend you are traveling along the arm pit of the south. All the towns along there are less than inviting (cleaned this up a bunch since I talked to Aaron). There are good people in the south, Arkansas here but please don't judge us by those that live along the rivers in the Delta's. It is tough all over but I promise the inner cities have nothing on the mean nature of the poor river bottom dwellers. You keep going and know that the "Big Easy" is less than save. Any time you have cops assigned in pairs, 2 in one car that is a "sign". They have guns and an area that needs two guns for safety, well dont stop.. Paddle, Paddle FAST. I can't wait until you are closer to the Florida area. I have family down there and I will contact them as you get closer.

Just don't give up on the good people.. They are out there but they most likely are working during the day and sleeping at night. You know the taxpayers and not the Entitlement gangs running around at night, drinking, trading and "pranking". It was most likely the welfare reciepents or the kids of those that don't work that were pranking you.

Keep going down river hit the gulf and dont look back... and when you finish this trip lets plot out the White River that passes through the beautiful Ozark mountains for a chance to instill any loss of faith in the human race. Good old Hill people up here... Hill billies...

Keep up the great posts...

Mike

Please, everyone feel free to blast me but remember Jake is on this great adventure and "All opinions are that of the writer and in no way reflects that of the hero paddling down the Mississippi River"

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Lynn
1/2/2010 02:58:12 pm

Jake,

You keep paddling. Hugs to you! You are my hero!!!

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Elmore link
1/2/2010 09:53:33 pm

Mike S., I don't want to "blast" you or anyone else, but I think you're leaping to some faulty generalizations about the people of the Mississippi Delta AND the people of the Ozarks. I've spent substantial time in both regions, and in both regions I've encountered some of the most gracious people I've ever met and some of the biggest creeps I've ever met.

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Steven Krause
1/2/2010 11:04:34 pm

I hope the Vicksburg newspaper prints Aaron's letter. It only takes a few rotten people, and others unwilling to do anything about them, that negates anything the tourist bureaus have to say about an area.

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Mark in Oxford
1/2/2010 11:05:42 pm

Jake, Sorry for you trouble. You were the victim of random stupidity. It is sad the mindset of some. Makes one realize how far on the value chart some have fallen. I can't help but think of you as a soldier on one of the frontlines of many of the moral delemmas we face as a society. Okay, a little corney, but you have taken on a great solo adventure and are touching more lives in a positive way everyday. So don't ever give up your quest. Be careful and keep on shining.

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Dave Lindo link
1/2/2010 11:26:18 pm

I am ready to start seeing some of this great writing in Canoe and Kayak or Sea Kayaker Magazine. If anyone has some contacts they should really pick this up. They could make it a series. I am sure that the readers would be hooked, causing them to buy subsequent issues. After all, many of us dream of taking this same or some other extended voyage, yet lack the skills, guts, or time to put in the work necessary to actually get off the couch and make the dream happen.

I can assure you that Jake has put much thought and effort as well as years of preparation in advance of this trip.

To Jake's mother. You raised one incredible man. He will surely encounter other adventures and misadventures before the completion of this trip, but he will accomplish his goal. If he were to call it quits, which he will not, he would spend the rest of his life wondering what if he had done this or that. Instead he will spend the rest of his life telling the tales from the big circle. A friend of mine did this route in a small sailboat. At nearly 90 years old, Bill passed recently. He was still telling the stories as he took his last breath.

Lastly, remember why there are so many people following this great feat. ....a great guy with extraordinary talent on a challenging adventure that intrigues us all. Most of his peers are spending their whole life of Facebook posting nonsensical updates about their life which are truly irrelevant to everyone else reading this.

Prouder every day to know you Jake. Glad I got to sign the ship!!!!

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Corey
1/3/2010 12:30:07 am

Hey Jake, a friend just told me this morning about your blog and that you were in need of some help in New Orleans. I moved here a few months ago and have plenty of room to stay and have been told I'm not a terrible cook. If you're still in need, shoot me an email (and a cell if you have it) and let me know what day you think you'll be arriving. Hope things have calmed down for you!
- Corey (cafunder@gmail.com)

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Jen Kleck
1/3/2010 01:54:19 am

I feel a little guilty about this incident. I was talking to Jake on the phone not long before it happened. He was bored waiting for laundry and it was nice to chat. He mused about possibly calling a cab and whether that was a responsible way to spend his limited funds when he could walk. I pulled up a map on my computer to tell him how far he was from his camp and when I said it was 2.5 miles (thinking it would clinch the cab), he said "oh I'll just walk that". I'm sorry I didn't push harder for the cab!

Jake, remember that one of the primary purposes of this journey is to have experiences. Significant, meaningful experiences of the sort that shape who we are at our core. Remember too that the lasting effect of those experiences on our souls is largely within our control. When the anger has passed, let it turn into something else. Something more useful. I believe 100% that it's up to you what it becomes and that if there is any soul in this world that can take pure evil and let it become something good, it's yours.

And then be thankful for contrast. Without contrast, everything is dull. We only appreciate how pure and bright the white is, against the darkest black.

Finally, (you already know Jake) this all comes down to bananas. Perhaps a banana purging ceremony is in order. Perhaps you should make a plea to all those following this journey to abstain from bananas for a week. Perhaps a certain someone should do something more symbolic with his bananas......

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Patty Staley
1/3/2010 02:12:47 am

I think the biggest casualty of this pranking incident is that it chipped away a bit of your incredibly positive outlook on life. It made me livid to hear about those ignoramuses and then the 7-11 losers who wouldn't even lend a hand. I don't blame you for being pissed. Let's hope karma takes care of them, and you run into some more angels like you have previously on this trip. May the force be with you!
Best, Patty

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Dan Kuether
1/3/2010 02:22:37 am

Jake
To say you are incredibly adventurous is an understatement. I wish I could have been there to back you up. Your stories are so interesting to read. Proud of you. keep the faith.

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Greg Cade
1/3/2010 05:59:04 am

Jake,
In response to Jen's post: I didn't want to mention it before for fear of jinxing you, but your photos show a yellow bag (spare paddle?) on your back deck that resembles the aforementioned evil fruit.

That nonsense aside, if anything can purge the bad juju from this trip, it's your spirit and integrity. Combined with all of the support from the friends you've yet to meet along the way and those following your blog, you will succeed. Hang in there!
Cheers, Greg

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Naveed
1/3/2010 10:35:23 am

Jake,

Kayak Mississippi (http://www.kayakmississippi.com/about.php) runs a 42.5 mile kayak and canoe race called 'Phatwater' from Grand Gulf to Natchez, MS each year. Looks like Natchez, MS is about 75 miles from Vicksburg, MS, so I thought they might be a good resource for where you will be over the next few days.

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Andy
1/3/2010 10:49:42 am

Jake,

Sorry to hear about your misfortune in Vicksburg. I actually spent a month down there and found everyone hospitable as advertised. I don't doubt that there are punks down there, there are punks everywhere. I hope you don't run into anymore.

Andy

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Berto
1/3/2010 01:20:02 pm

GO JAKE GO!!!

You are a good person and good things will come to you Karma, pay it forward, whatever you want to think about, but you sir have a boat, a dream and nothing but open water ahead of you. It might make you smile a little to remember the people who would love to be in your shoes/boat.

"If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise."
~ William Blake

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rich
1/3/2010 09:48:05 pm

Jake--this is your dream to do the great loop and continue to do so. Don't let the 2 misshaps get you down. As you are paddling during the day and have a chance to rest please pray to God and as him for protection, peace, and strength for the remainder of your trip, you are human not supernatural so with God on your team as your savior he can make the rest of your trip more peaceful. I will begin saying a daily prayer for your safety and strength. Good luck and don't quit!!! In Jesus' precious name..

Rich

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John Cronin
1/3/2010 10:10:59 pm

Hang in there Jake. It's a sad commentary on the state of this country and I'm sure it won't be the last run in with bad people. Hopefully, when it's all said and done the good people you meet on this trip will far out weigh the bad. So far it sounds like that has been the case. Stay safe.

John

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janice
1/3/2010 10:32:39 pm

I thought about it all night long whether I should say anything or not.

I decided to, in hopes that it could prevent some fatal mishap from occurring. The last thing I, and I am sure everyone else, is in agreement with, is none of us want to watch a movie about your demise, which occurred to Christopher McCandless, who hiked into the Alaskan wilderness, with little food, expereince and equipment, and died four months later of starvation.

You never know what or who you may encounter out on the open road/waters. Under your circumstances, you are bound to attract a lot of attention. You are also an easy prey because you are alone and are unfamiliar with the area.

Since you elected to paddle this journey alone, it is completely up to you to keep yourself as safe as possible on this adventure of yours. Your plan has some flaws in it, which need to be rectified or else I suspect a, b and c listed below will occur in the near future.

The more time that you think about what you would do in these situations, the more prepared you will be, if they should occur – which is the same reason why you practice rolling. The more you practice (think about what you would do), the better prepared you will be if/when they occur.

What is your plan:

if instead of getting sprayed with pepper spray by two guys –

a.) two guys followed you back to your camp and beat the pulp out of you and then stole all of your stuff – including your cell phone and wallet?

You might want to keep a debit card (and identification who to call in an emergency) taped to your leg under your sock…for such emergency.

b.) Or if two men followed you back to camp to steal your kayak, while you are a sleep – (or you woke up when they were attempting to steal your kayak), what would you do?

What means of self defense do you have?

c.) How long do you think your gear will be safe from individuals who make a habit of breaking into locked garages?

Wouldn’t a good pair of bolt cutters be able to cut right through the wire gear protection?

If you are dragging a kayak around with you – you will stand out like a sore thumb, which will draw more attention to you than if you were walking around town without it.

It is more difficult to get away from would be attackers, when you are dragging your kayak with you.

Perhaps you need to avoid going into town as much as possible.

Here’s a soft cooler http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=12551%2E1&deptid=1601

that will fit under your bungee cords on the top of your kayak, which will allow you to carry more food and water.

Pulling out a laptop (or expensive electronic equipment) in a public facility, to recharge the batteries will draw attention to would be robbers.

Perhaps it would be wise to only blog once a week – and turn on your cell phone ONLY at designated times of the day when you check in to preserve the length of the batteries.

Pitching a tent on the shore of river, at this time of the year, in a location that doesn’t typically have tents pitched, will also draw a lot of attention.

Isn’t pitching a tent on a sand bar on a river – which is known to flood –…especially when it is raining rather risky?

Laundromats attract thieves who steal peoples clothing out of dryers when people go next door to get a donut – (or step outside to watch their kayak).

One of my safety repellants while kayaking out in the boonies, is to stink as much as possible so people keep away from me…Don’t laugh, it has worked so far.

Isn’t paddling in the fog extremely risky for other vessels to see you?

The more you avoid risky situations that put your life in jeopardy, the greater the chance you will have to complete this journey of yours intact and alive.

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Rick H
1/3/2010 11:34:12 pm

Jake - left a message on your cell. If you need a place to sleep in Baton Rouge, as long as it's not tomorrow night, I can offer a place and pick you (and your kayak) up at the levee in downtown BR...

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aron Stachovak
1/4/2010 12:20:12 am

Janice - apparently you are not aware of Jake's skill as a paddler, he has more hours logged on his rearend then probably most of us combined. I would be willing to bet his skills on the water against most people (especially crash test Berto:). As for moving and navigating the fog, Jake has made the necessary adjustments (putting trust in technology) to help keep him safe on the water.
Along with his skill as a paddler, Jake has also spent a few years on a California mountain search and rescue team along with spending 30 years hunting and camping in Northern Wisconsin. He has also lived near to and camped in the Everglades, so he understands and is ready to deal with the natural hazards of the South - Jake is very skilled at wilderness survival and will have no trouble surviving with the gear he has.
As for Jake's urban survival - he has thought of the questions that you pose and does have a basic plan - One of the smartest suggestions that Jake has received and placed into action is notifying authorities of his presence and asking them to check on him.

As it stands, we (his family) are working on plans to gt him safely through populated areas - if you know of individuals along the route that may be able to aide him let us know - But be rest assured Jake has the skill and knowledge to make it through this trip. The only real danger he faces, is the unpredictable human scum which no amount of planning will ever prepare him for!

Keep going Jake! we got your back

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linda camp
1/4/2010 12:29:42 am

Call my friend Corey in New Orleans, I forwarded her email /cell number to your email

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janice
1/4/2010 06:02:27 am

FYI I have kayaked (and camped) solo seriouly for 32 years – at over 250 destinations on 3 week expeditions at remote destinations.

I read Jake’s bio. His bio didn’t mention anything about camping on an extended kayak trip for more than 13 days which totalled one outing.

The glitch in notifying the police of your location is, it might be illegal to pitch a tent, and they may prohibit Jake from camping there.

The bottom line, is we all want Jake to stay out of harms way.

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Neil B
1/4/2010 07:51:13 am

Hey Jake,
I was thinking… unfortunate incidences have befallen you twice in one month of paddling. With occurrences such as these happening twice monthly and 9 more months of paddling, you can expect to be victimized 18 more times. Keep the faith brother!

HOWEVER, on the plus side, with a 2/mo rate for a 28 day paddling month, your expected chance of being attacked is only around 7% on a given day. So at least you got that going for you.

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Cheryl and David White
1/4/2010 09:22:42 am

Jake,
We hated to read about your trouble in Vicksburg and maybe "street smarts" is what you are gaining from these misfortunes. Please do NOT let these 2 incidents chenge your faith in the majority of people you have and will encounter on this journey. You are a remarkable person who is getting stronger and wiser and we are lucky to know you and share the good, bad, and ugly. We are praying for you every day!

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allison foster river crossing
1/4/2010 09:59:42 am

keep going jake!!!! there are still good people in the world you just gotta find them:) I hope you find kinder people to help you out. we are stilll supporting you back in WI!!! have a great trip :):):):):D

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Elmore link
1/4/2010 12:00:30 pm

Regarding four posts back... Since Jake is now solidly engaged in his expedition, I don't see much point in quibbling over whether he is or is not qualified to do it.
But I will offer this observation: Having spent the better part of my life involved with paddling in particular and the outdoors in general, I have noticed that one's degree of aptitude, skill, and experience varies inversely as one's desire to mouth off about same.

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Duane Strosaker link
1/4/2010 01:42:48 pm

Don't blame the banana!

http://tinyurl.com/yj7j9w3

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Jake
1/4/2010 02:21:59 pm

Good God! I was lucky to have only been pepper sprayed. What if those kids had been carrying bananas! Avoidance is truly the only cure for that evil.

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Tyler Curtis link
1/6/2010 03:16:48 am

Janice, it's good to see that you have faith in Jake and think he can make it out alive. Oh wait, you seem to think he's bent on suicide through ignorance.

Remind me never to paddle with you if the situation ever arises. If you don't knife me in my sleep out of paranoia, I'm sure the stench of your lack of hygiene would drive me off. Ever hear of jungle rot?

Jake needs positivity and constructive criticism, not gloom and doom. So on that note, I'm looking forward to seeing the mileage you make once you transition from current on the river to tide and current on the ocean! :-)

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Jeremy Herrin
1/6/2010 03:53:35 am

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Jeremy Herrin
1/6/2010 03:57:06 am

Hey, Jake! My girlfriend and I live on the Mississippi just south of New Orleans. I too kayak and have been considering the small-task-compared-to-yours of kayaking down the Mississippi. We are more than happy to provide you a place to stay along with hot meals, as we are caretakers for a fishing club near Pointe a la Hache, LA. Email me if you're interested--I'd love to hear more of your adventures (I read about them through the Pensacola Fishing Forum, ironically) and show you the Southern hospitality you SHOULD have received in MS.

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stock tips link
7/4/2012 01:39:34 pm

Nice Information! I personally really appreciate your article. This is a great website. I will make sure that I stop back again!.

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South Bend Girls link
7/10/2012 04:54:47 am

Found your site through Weebly and wanted to say hi

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