Veterans Reach Mid-Point Paddling the Mighty Mississippi

OLD TOWN, Maine (Oct. 13) — Four military veterans departed the headwaters of the Mississippi River on July 22 at Lake Itasca, Minn.

Their mission: to paddle the river's entire 2,320 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Their transportation: Old Town Next Canoes.

Their status: They're now halfway finished, and will conclude their monumental journey on Nov. 22 at the gulf.

The excursion was developed by Warrior Hike, a non-profit program that helps veterans decompress from military service through long-distance travel in the outdoors.

What began as a hiking program on America’s historic trails has now evolved to include paddling, and the 2015 river trip is the inaugural voyage.

The positive effects of these natural experiences include camaraderie, confidence building and the easing of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In fact, some participants of Warrior Hike ’s long-distance journeys have been the subjects of PTSD research, and the benefits of the program are well documented.

Abby Kaeser, a civilian outdoor enthusiast, writer and photographer, is a fifth member of the Mississippi River paddling team.

She joined the adventure to chronicle the experience on her Abby and the Vets blog.

Her daily entries describe the natural wonders, humor, challenges. friendships and personal fulfillment that the paddlers are experiencing.

When Old Town heard about the river trip, the company enthusiastically donated the paddling equipment for all four veterans, including Old Town Next Canoes, matching Next Paddles, Extrasport Striper Life Jackets and Old Town Canoe Carts.

Old Town will continue to provide gear for future trips.