Just a few hours ago the New Madrid Police department with the efforts of the Chief Mc Ferren, Captain Chris Henry, and others, my gear was found and returned to the police department.All items are accounted for minus two hats, my shaving kit, and my mug.I’ll be spending the rest of today getting everything sorted and ready to launch back on the river tomorrow morning.
Cheif McFerren
Captain Chris Henry
Thank you again everyone for going through such great efforts to keep me and this trip moving.I have come in contact with so many great people in the last couple days that, despite the terrible thing that occurred, my faith in what is good about mankind has been reinforced at its core.
Me in police car (front seat)
I have learned a valuable lesson about keeping myself and my gear safe on this trip.More importantly, with the amazing outpouring of support I’ve received during this whole episode, I have been forced to pause and look hard at the lines that exist in our society and realized how blessed I am to be where I am in this world.Steeling is not right, yet I know those that took from me are not very well off due to problems that are, (and are not) of their creation.Steeling doesn’t make you richer at any level, it only hurts others. Yet, I never suffered for anything over the last few days.In fact I’ve been taken care of by the locals better than I take care of myself.All the while those who stole from me remained in the low place where they came with little hope of ever moving on.For all the help and care I’ve been given (that I didn’t really earn) thinking of those who are truly in need, I feel embarrassed.In this season of giving many people reached out to me in ways that I will always remember.To all of you I can only say thank you as I’ve been put back together better than new.If I can ask just one more favor please look close to home and find someone truly in need and see if you can’t help them too.
Who says Christmas doesn't come in December? Oh, wait...
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Neil B
12/21/2009 04:05:31 am
I'm speechless. A Christmas miracle. Well, now you can't use the "...but, but I don't have any gear" excuse, so you better get your rear back on the river. YAHOO!
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Jenny
12/21/2009 04:27:39 am
OMG!!! Good things do happen to good people!!
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Aaron Stachovak
12/21/2009 04:40:51 am
out-freaking-standing you got your stuff back!!! Now get your behind back on the water!!! :)
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Lyn Stachovak
12/21/2009 04:50:37 am
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.
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Tootie
12/21/2009 04:54:39 am
I am so happy for you, Jake. That was great news. Hope the rest of your voyage will be more carefree. Merry Christmas to you. Stay well and safe.
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Ann Daley
12/21/2009 05:14:53 am
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!!
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Neil F
12/21/2009 05:17:09 am
Jake, Fantastic news. There are always people in need, but that doesn't give them the right to steal. So glad things turned out for the best. Stay safe.
Neil F
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Andy
12/21/2009 05:17:22 am
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
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Dave
12/21/2009 05:25:04 am
Awesome news.
Did they catch the guys?
I think I mentioned that your trip was mentioned on a local web site called riverbills.com.
Someone read about the theft and you were on again today with lots of support.
Dave Diederich
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maris61
12/21/2009 05:42:02 am
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
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Larry
12/21/2009 05:58:47 am
Sweet! Karma is a good thing! Have a great paddle tomorrow!
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Larry
12/21/2009 06:15:55 am
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
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Luke Stachovak
12/21/2009 07:34:49 am
You know Jake. There are other ways to earn a couple days off. Faking the "stealing" of your gear is a little out there...
I think a good old fashioned, "my dog ate my gear" or my personal favorite, "it's in a friends locker." Oh, wait those are the excused I hear!
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
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Gerry
12/21/2009 08:05:01 am
We always thought it was time to replace your mug. ;-)
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Janet
12/21/2009 08:39:48 am
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!
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Big Mike
12/21/2009 09:17:32 am
I hadn't read your blog for several days. I am sorry you had such a bad experience yet you have been blessed to meet so many good people who were there to help you when you needed it.
I can not imagine what it would be like to paddel around a wing dam with normal current let alone with so much water and current as must be in the river now. Take a few moments to talk about some of the hazzards on the river if you can.
Thanks, may God bless you on your journey and Merry Christmas to you. Mike
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
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nikyvee
12/21/2009 09:24:25 am
Jake, A fellow Sandy Eggan here. Way to go and thank goodness for good cops and nice people.
You really should elaborate a little about how the police were able to locate your stolen belongings. Inquiring minds want to know. Take care, stay dry, and Paddle! Nick V
That's great Jake! I'm glad they got your stuff back! Be safe! Branden Z.
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Russell Rutledge
12/21/2009 09:31:57 am
Glad all has turned out well,901-485-3910,I live in the Memphis area if you need anything as you pass through don't hesitate to call,that includes a place to spend Christmas day if you wish or a place to sleep if you need it.
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Ken Fry
12/21/2009 10:36:06 am
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.
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Matt C.
12/21/2009 11:08:52 am
That's amazing news Jake! I've been reading and following your blog from day one and can't wait to read more of your happenings and adventures as you continue your trip. Good luck and have a happy holiday season and safe paddling along the rest of your journey. I'm hoping I'll be able to make it down to SD for the symposium this year but if not I'm sure I'll see you in the near future. Take care buddy.
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Jan
12/21/2009 12:02:17 pm
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!
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Debra Kettler
12/21/2009 01:00:51 pm
So happy that your gear has been returned to you and your time in New Madrid was with helpful and concerned people.
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.
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Thom
12/21/2009 01:16:59 pm
What good news. Lynn and I are happy you are getting back on the river and the flow of paddling.
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Kathleen W
12/21/2009 02:04:46 pm
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!!
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museman
12/22/2009 01:03:26 am
For someone who says his writing skills are not that good, you sure can tell it from your heart Bro! Good Karma is what you have and it is your positive attitude that will carry you forward. You can't say anything bad about anybody even about people who steel from you. That's cool!