New Orleans: No Bust
Hear ye hear ye! Let it be known that, on July 28th this year of Our Lord 2009, Philip Middleton and Richard O’Connor completed their 1,896 mile journey from Lake Nameakagen, Wisconsin to New Orleans Louisiana. Their trip took them 66 days.
So there we are then, we made it. We left our final campsite at 5:30 yesterday morning and pulled into New Orleans at Moon Landing right next to the French Quarter at 10:20pm. During the course of our final day we were blown off the river four times, weathered two thunderstorms, cut ourselves up on a concrete mat, and dodged countless towboats and ocean liners, both with sunlight and in the dark. This last day was truly a test of all the skills this river has beaten into us over the last two months, and we feel we passed its tests with flying colors.
We have met so many wonderful people over the course of this trip, and received help from so many different individuals that it would be impossible to thank them all at this time, so we extend this BOOSH of gratitude to all the old friends that helped us make this trip possible and all the new friends we made along the way.
BOOSH!
We’re going to end the narrative of our journey here, but keep an eye on the blog, as we’ll be working on post-trip analysis stuff to put up here in a week or so. Stay tuned!
R & P
July 29, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Awesome…..
July 29, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Congratulations gentlemen!! I’ve been reading since the beginning and loving every picture and post along the way. Thanks for taking this old lady down the river with you. I look forward to additional posts and pictures~all the stuff you didn’t tell your parents
WELL DONE!!
Mutt’s mom
July 30, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Congratulations…I just knew you could…but wasn’t sure how many body parts it would cost. Did I catch that the wooden paddles went overboard?
Sorry if that is the case…perhaps payment to the Gods. and pleased
that the tent kept you dry.
July 31, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Thanks Connie, no The paddles did not go overboard they are all safe and well. Keep your eyes on your mail box you may be getting a post card at some point once I get around to writing it.
Take care.
August 1, 2009 at 5:27 am
I think I heard your Boosh! all the way up here in Yellowstone. Congrats guys!!
August 2, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Hey guys,
Great job. I’m glad you both made it in one piece!
What’s next, the Amazon?
Bill
August 2, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Congratulations to both of you. This is tremendous accomplishment you will be able to tell your grandchildren. It couldn’t have been done without all the skills and training you got from school, Scouting, your parents, and friends along the way.
We are all very proud of you!
August 14, 2009 at 3:00 am
R & P,
Congratulations on completing your trip! I bet you’ve finished with some unforgettable stories. This summer I’m working with National Geographic Traveler on an upcoming book. One of the chapters is on the Mississippi River. I’ve been keeping up with your blog and I love the way you travel. You both have been so genuinely interested in the culture and people you’ve interacted with along the way. On that note, I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions about your trip? Do you have an email or mailing address I could use to reach either of you?
Thanks – and again, congrats,
Caitlin
August 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Hi Caitlin,
We would love to answer any questions you have regarding our trip. You can reach us at middletonp01@gmail.com, or you can send things to
Richard O’Connor
5353 Paris Rd.
Chalmette, LA 70043
c/o slips