So close we can smell it!

After 1,400 miles, 10 states and almost 8 weeks of living on our little raft, we are close enough to finally start counting down! In less than a week we will be arriving in New Orleans, which has been our ultimate goal since we started this journey. A month ago, we were at Lindsey Park Yacht Club in Davenport, Iowa and even there, it felt like we had been on the water forever. I think the scope of this trip is finally starting to sink in for us, and as we float quietly down this last section of the river, watching the mile markers count down, we find ourselves looking back and feeling sentimental that this trip is coming to an end.

Its hard to believe that we are so close and have traveled so far. There certainly are days where we’ve wished it was over as we struggle with heat, bugs or barge traffic, but most of this trip has flown by..due in part by the ever changing scenery, friends we’ve met along the way and with all of you back home who’s thoughts and prayers give us a jolt of energy to tackle another day.

Vicksburg, Mississippi was our next city stop after 120 miles of natural river. This city is perched on very tall bluffs, allowing it to survive year after year from the Mighty Mississippi waters. We camped on a sand bar just south of the bridges and awoke to this beautiful sunrise.

There are speculator murals on levee wall just about the city boat launch. Each mural has a placard with a detail story about the history of Vicksburg and its influence on the Mississippi River.

Here we have Grey Bear Drool Face in his settlement along the riverbed

Cpt. Skully reenacting a famous civil war naval battle

Did you know Abraham Lincoln had a dog? He looks so real

Here Skully gives directions to a couple of paddlers in the early 1800’s

Tanner’s brother Robb, sister-in-law Kelli and nephew Hunter took us out to a buffet, where we gorged ourselves on all the offerings. Soon after we regretted filling our shrunken stomachs too much. They helped us get supplies as the stores were very far uptown. Thanks for coming guys, we will see you in 10 days in the Gulf of Mexico!

Since our last post, Mother Nature has given us relief from the brutal heat and sent us cloud cover. This blessing is giving us strong wind and occasional rain from the west, but we’ll take that over 100 degree days ANYTIME. Plus it makes for extraordinary sunsets and storm fronts. (somehow we always scoot right in-between huge weather systems knock on wood!)

Alligators Seen:  none…yet

Approximate number of buoys past so far: 4,642

Favorite new band of the trip: Cerney Brothers (check em out they’re awesome) Thanks Aaron!

Days left: 6