Dale Sanders: The Oldest Man to Paddle the Mississippi River

River Mile "0"! 

The shrimp boat was filled to maximum capacity with friends and family.  Two additional motor boats were nearby.  Brad Tallent was moving from boat to boat, filming and documenting every possible angle of the day.  I finally reached “mile 0”, but there was still 10 more miles to reach the point where the Mississippi actually dumps into the Gulf of Mexico.  

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.

This entire week has been a blur of incredible food, fellowship, and fun…all made possible by Cody Portie and a whole network of locals from whom he called in favors.  He not only prepared the food this week, he arranged the purchase of fresh seafood, called in favors from boat captains Richie Blink and Bubby Reno, and entertained all of us with wonderful stories and friendship.  He and his family will always be near to my heart. 

The river and land support provide by Brad Tallent and Austin Graham played a major role in the accomplishment of this Expedition. Their filming from Lake  Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico with literally thousands of hours of video footage, documented the entire journey. Once the documentary film is released, generations to come will be able share the pleasures and hardships of this journey. You can follow the film’s development and learn about their future endeavors at  Adventureitusproductions.com 

In this picture, the production team catches an emotional shot of Anna giving me a huge hug after completing the journey.

Once we made it to the island in the Gulf, the boats banked and out poured all of the friends and family.  It was announced that there must be a “toast” and a bottle of champagne was produced.  My nephew, Tom Silvey (AnnA’s dad) had prepared the bottle just prior, and when he popped the cork, champagne spewed everywhere.  After each of us paddlers took a celebratory swig, Tom proceeded to douse me in what was left.  I just don’t know where he gets that mischievous side (insert laughter).  A second bottle was produced for all 20 or so of us to have a small drink for the toast.  

What joy we all shared right there on that island…in the Gulf…after breaking a record as the oldest man to solo paddle the Mississippi River…from the source, to the sea…We DID IT!

This brings tears to my eyes... tears of joy... for Dale -- and Anna. What a journey. For both of them. The vitality of the young heart, and the passion of the long-distance paddler! Greybeard! Anna! A Mighty Quapaw shout-out to both of y'all!"  -John Ruskey, Quapaw Canoe Company, Rivergator Lower Mississippi River Guide

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

There are no more 'I'm too old for that' excuses. My good friend Dale Sanders, the Grey Beard Adventurer, has just become the oldest man to paddle the 2350 mile length of the Mississippi, and he did it in 80 days, raising over $22,000 for juvenile diabetes research in support of his grand niece, Anna.  This man has inspired thousands in the last three months, and his lust for life, friendship and the big river keeps him young. What a superstar, Dale, you've earned yourself a cold one. 
Well done mate.  -- Dave Cornthwaite

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

Fir more videos. Photos and BLOGS of the final day reaching the Gulf of Mexico go to greybeardadventurer.com

Posted by Dale Sanders on Monday, August 17, 2015