I will be back on the water in an hour

12/22/2009

I don't know how much internet acces I'm going to have over the next couple days. So I wanted to let everyone know that my bags are packed and in a few minutes David White, one of my friends here in New Madrid, is going to give me a ride to the water and send me on my way.

My plan is to try to hit it hard and get to Helena AK by sometime Christmas day. However I'm running right into two days of rain and strong wind so I may end up short. I've had a couple offers to stay with folks in Memphis so if I don't make it that's probably where I'll stay.

Right now I'm a little troubled trying to figure out what should be done with all of the generous donations that were given with the thought of paying to have all my gear replaced. With my stuff turning up yesterday, I'm back on my feet and geared up better than ever, and am no longer in need of any kind. There is a very good record of what everybody donated. If you'd prefer I keep it for the rest of the trip, I thank you as it will make things a bit more comfortable. If you'd like the money back so you can send it elsewhere just let me know and we'll get it to you. Please let me know either eay so I can put my mind at ease.

For everyone waiting for "the rest of the story" from some of my tales please hang in there I'm trying to find time to get it all down.

If you don't hear from me have a very Merry Christmas

Jake

27 Comments

Caitlyn Maday

12/21/2009 09:58:47 pm

Ony and Leah

12/21/2009 10:06:27 pm

Hope you have a merry Christmas too.
I'll be waiting for your next reply.
I hope you don't get stuck in the rain.
I hope your stuff will not get stolen again.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Leah and Ony your 4 grade friends.

Caitlyn & Kaitlynn

12/21/2009 10:07:39 pm

Hope you didn't hit any ice.
One more thing Merry Christmas.

Jan Kleck

12/21/2009 10:08:02 pm

You must be underway by now. We are all thinking of you and our good wishes are sent along with all the others following you. Your safety is the bottom line. Merry Christmas!

Elmore link

12/21/2009 10:08:13 pm

Martha and I stand by our offer of lodging in Memphis. And if you decide to paddle on through Memphis, I'm trying to keep my schedule flexible enough so I can join you for at least a few miles of river paddling. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that awaits you between New Madrid and Memphis!

Ony and Leah

12/21/2009 10:15:46 pm

Rock the halls Jake and have a Merry,Merry Christmas!
Love your #1 fans
Leah + Ony

Brienna Bruun

12/21/2009 10:22:10 pm

Dear Jake
I heard about the bad weather.So be careful

Leah

12/21/2009 10:33:49 pm

Hey Jake'
I hope you're having a ROCKIN' time paddling! I hope you come back in Oct. Are you getting slowed
down by the rain? I hope you're not because then you wouldn't come back on time, and if you don't come back on time you'll miss your mom's birthday and Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Leah

Cade Harkner

12/21/2009 10:33:52 pm

Hey Jake,
heard you got your stuff back, that's good to know. Second of all I would die without internet access I mostly do math and other stuff. I hope the two days of rain won't throw off you of 2 days like the incident did. In other words

Merry Christmas Your true #1 fan

lyn stachovak

12/21/2009 10:50:32 pm

Stay safe and try to stay warm and dry. Merry Christmas. We all love you and want you home in October!

maris61

12/21/2009 11:50:07 pm

In any weather, at any hour of the day or night,
I have been anxious to improve the nick of time, and notch it on my stick too;
to stand on the meeting of two eternities, the past and future,
which is precisely the present moment; to toe that line.
from the chapter "Economy"
in Walden.
Have a great day Jake, toe the line, enjoy the great opportunity!

Tom S

12/21/2009 11:50:29 pm

Happy to hear you're back on the water. Have fun.

codey

12/21/2009 11:59:25 pm

dear, Jack I hope you are having an awesome time.Next I would like to say MERRY CHRISTMAS. Also hope you get back before your moms birth day.I can not wait to here from you. Your #1 and BIGGEST fan Codey from 4th grade.

John C

12/22/2009 01:27:58 am

As for my donation, hang on to any money for all the other expenses both planned and not. If by some luck you end up with a bucket of extra money at the end you are welcome to come back out west and throw a party ;)

George

12/22/2009 02:02:31 am

Jake:

I sent you nothing but my good wishes, but perhaps, in the spirit of Christmas, you might want to donate something to the folks who stole your gear. Goodwill goes a long way, and the good vibes will help you during your low times on the trip. . . just a thought.

Jane Hardy

12/22/2009 02:30:24 am

One could do worse than to be a 4th grader's hero! These kids have a keen eye for quality.

Larry

12/22/2009 03:02:52 am

Keep our donation Jake, use it for emergencies or an extra bit of food, or even to help write that book at the end of the trip.

Merry Christmas!

Boater

12/22/2009 03:20:47 am

Good luck on old man river. I boat near Grafton and the Alton Pool.

You are a brave man and my thoughts are with you. Be safe. Merry Christmas.

Boater

Leah

12/22/2009 04:42:56 am

How are you doing? Are you having fun because I hope you are. I am from the 4 grade class that came to visit at River Crossing Charter School. My family came to River Crossing afterwards and talked to you and your dad.
I hope you don't get sick and have to take of paddling until you get better because it could take along time before you recover.
I think you'll make it back to Portage before Dec. of 2010
I hope your stuff does not get stolen again. How long did it take to gt your stuff back?
How long does it take to get to the border of Florida. What day in Oct. will you get back. I think we should host a picnic party for you. Do you think so.
I hope you get back in Oct.
Leah

Sydney and Leah

12/22/2009 04:55:46 am

How are you doing? Is it cold sleeping in the tent every night? I'm in the 4 grade class of Holly Kobza.
I hope you are doing fine!

Sincerly
Sydney + Leah

P.S. HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sydney

12/22/2009 04:58:28 am

Brock and Nola

12/22/2009 05:14:44 am

Jake-
We are glad to hear you got your gear back and that so many were so quick to help. That's a great feeling. Please use our contribution to make your trip a little easier. Merry Xmas.
Brock and Nola

Neil F

12/22/2009 07:02:39 am

Dwight Terrance

12/22/2009 07:28:04 am

I haven't read your blog in a couple of days and was shocked by the bad news / good news. All the years I have been paddling I have never heard of people getting their stuff taken. However, your kind words are an inspiration to us all, and the helping hand you received shows that the spirit of humanity is still alive. I will try and follow you daily to make sure I don’t miss another chapter.

Good luck Dude!!!

Ann Daley

12/22/2009 07:46:33 am

I hope wherever you spend Christmas, you are warm and safe and dry. Have a very merry Christmas.

Jenny

12/22/2009 09:36:13 am

Hi Jake, So very glad to hear the fantastic news !!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas !! Lydia said that when she goes to bed she wishes that Santa will find you and give you a present :)

love you very much !
Jenny

Wasabi

12/22/2009 11:59:11 pm

So glad that all turned out OK. Please use my donation to spoil yourself a bit somewhere along the way. And Merry Christmas!!!!