Headwaters of the Mississippi River, Lake Itaska, MN. Photo complements of MN Department of Natural Resources.
New record attempt at age 87
The last time Dale paddled the Mississippi, he was 80 years old and accomplished the feat in a record 80 days. In 2022, he aspires to go at it again. With an extra week on his side, he will brave the elements to win back his title as the oldest/fastest paddler of the Mississippi River.
2022 Update Announcement: by Dale Sanders
A Mississippi River Age Record Challenge.
LAKE ITASCA, Minnesota to the GULF OF MEXICO (salt water) in 87 days.
Plans are to start paddling June 14, 2022 at 0800 (Central time) in the morning. If all goes as planned I will reach the Gulf on September 8, 2022.
Yes, I must be crazy.
One might also ask - why would an 87-year-old leave such a wonderful home, beautiful family and friends for an adventure into the unknown, when he could be enjoying the "Golden Years under a shade of a lemon tree, sipping lemonade?" Somehow, that just doesn’t seem to fit my lifestyle. I am relatively healthy, active and still have that "adventure spirit." I can still do the "Rod Wellington Victory Dance." So why not? Just thinking about the possibilities gets my adrenaline up. And this might be my last. But I will leave the adventure world having done what I can to stay healthy as long as possible. The current Guinness Age Record is 81. I will be 87 - if I can break it. Sorry, Stan, but God-willing and the Creeks don't rise, I will accomplish just that.
My intentions are to post blogs here on this website, starting around June 1st. I will attempt to post daily updates/photos to my FaceBook wall.
A Mississippi River Age Record Challenge.
LAKE ITASCA, Minnesota to the GULF OF MEXICO (salt water) in 87 days.
Plans are to start paddling June 14, 2022 at 0800 (Central time) in the morning. If all goes as planned I will reach the Gulf on September 8, 2022.
Yes, I must be crazy.
One might also ask - why would an 87-year-old leave such a wonderful home, beautiful family and friends for an adventure into the unknown, when he could be enjoying the "Golden Years under a shade of a lemon tree, sipping lemonade?" Somehow, that just doesn’t seem to fit my lifestyle. I am relatively healthy, active and still have that "adventure spirit." I can still do the "Rod Wellington Victory Dance." So why not? Just thinking about the possibilities gets my adrenaline up. And this might be my last. But I will leave the adventure world having done what I can to stay healthy as long as possible. The current Guinness Age Record is 81. I will be 87 - if I can break it. Sorry, Stan, but God-willing and the Creeks don't rise, I will accomplish just that.
My intentions are to post blogs here on this website, starting around June 1st. I will attempt to post daily updates/photos to my FaceBook wall.
