It has been an incredible journey, with literally thousands of followers, help from hundreds of River Angels, several on water paddlers, and a ton of family support. Today, Richard Sojourner and I reached the Gulf of Mexico, 22 miles south of Venice, Louisiana at 1330. Following close behind us were Layne Logue, Austin Graham, and Dominique Lebanon.
The words of my dear friend, Papaw Richard Day summed up those last 10 miles perfectly It was a long boat ride at slow speeds, with much bonding, fellowship and love generated. As the canoes neared the gulf, the whole group was nearby. The sisters, Judi Sanders Silvey and Elaine Bush, watched intently, as if counting down the strokes. The group became silent, very silent, the hum of the motors at almost idle speed accentuated the heart beats and the deep breathing going on. And then, Dale Sanders beaches his craft, stands in the boat - not as usual with a raised paddle and shouting - but comes up erect and then with a lean to the left, goes overboard For THE SWIM.
Congratulations goes out to Dale Sanders for paddling the entire Mississippi River at 80 years old, in 80 days, and raising over $22,000 for Juvenile Diabetes in the process... That's 2350 miles in 80 days and not in an RV... In a canoe. You have reached legendary status! -- Jonathan Brown
It's an honor to know the first 80 year old to paddle the Mississippi River source to sea for such a noble cause. Dale, you're the greatest! Remember to take the swim! -- Ellen McDonah
9 Comments
Outstanding! You are a hero! I am constantly told by people along the river that they're too old to do the trip. I tell them about you and that you're CRUSHING it and leaving many of us younger paddlers in your wake. Congratulations! I wish you a hot shower and a very comfy bed!
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Your biggest fan!
8/17/2015 04:24:41 pm
Next stop... The Appalachian Trail!!!
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8/17/2015 09:40:00 pm
It was an absolute honor to paddle with you my friend and I will cherish these memories forever. You are an inspiration to mankind that you're never too old to have an Adventure. August 15 each year will bring smiles to my face as I remember the Fellowship of "The South Pass 5", the friends, new friends and new local friends that made this weekend magical! Cheers to you Greybeard Adventurer!
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Tracey Adams
8/18/2015 04:50:24 pm
WOW - truly amazing and inspiring! What an accomplishment! So glad we got to snap a pic with you in TN @ the Mud Island Park... so cool that my boys were able to see history in the making. Stay forever young!
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Karen Hoffmann
8/19/2015 08:37:05 am
Dale, I am simply in awe of you and Richard for what you have done. I have never seen such determination in anyone. To God Be the Glory!! See you on the Wolf soon, I hope. We have missed you! Love, Karen :)
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Nelson Han
5/4/2016 01:01:06 am
Interesting post! Its just a correct idea to get over the tensions. Adventure plays an important role. This Grey beard adventure is perfectly fantastic.
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8/27/2018 04:27:29 am
The perfect capacity based chances and including for possible services always,for more visit the greybeardadventurer blog. I am getting here for breathing favors increased chances and thoughts always.
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2/26/2019 04:47:24 am
I wish I could travel around the world.......... thanks for the dream
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4/28/2019 12:49:40 am
I feel very proud because of you Dale! Not only because you are the oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River, but also because at that age, you are still doing the things that you love. It is incredible that you reached, together with Richard Sojourner, the Gulf of Mexico. It seems that you really had fun as you reached the gulf since you also had a swim. I am excited for the release of the documentary film about your expedition.
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