Well today is the day! The day we make our final paddle strokes, load the boat one last time, tell Reggie to get in the middle of the boat once more! Conditions were perfect, the water was glassy and smooth. Not a breath of wind. The paddled felt lite in our hands and the boat seemed to glide through the water effortlessly. Within a couple hours we had paddled 9 miles to mile zero in the Head of Passes. This is the point at which the river splits into three main passes as it flows its its final miles to the Gulf of Mexico. I was blown away at the size of the Head of Passes. The scale was far greater than I had expected. At first I was unsure where the South pass was. I could clearly see the Southwest pass and the Pass A Loutre neither of which are recommended. The Southwest pass is the route of choice for commercial ships and Pass A Loutre is not used by many people at all which is a problem because we were hoping to hitch a ride back to Venice. As we made our way through the pass the South Pass became apparent. Although the current had slowed significantly the water was smooth and it was quite again, finally. The river felt like ours again! We were back to day one when we were surrounded by miles of grassland. The only difference now was that we were surrounded by miles of cane. We were silent as we paddled down the glassy waterway getting closer and closer to the Gulf. As paddled we could see the lighthouse at Port Eads which stands at the end of the pass. As we cruised by the shoreline ended opening up to a limitless horizon peppered with huge breaking waves. We shouted with excitement as we neared. We were soon at the point where salt water mixes with the muddy waters of the Mississippi! We looked around for a beach to stop on, take some pictures and celebrate our amazing accomplishment! Unfortunately the water was high and all we found was a muddy shoreline covered with cane. We tried to walk down further but were stopped by a large snake. Disappointed we jumped in the boat and decided we would try to take a picture from the boat! Well the combination of waves breaking over the rocks at the end of the pass and trying to use a selfie stick for the first time made it nearly impossible to get a picture. Just as we were about to give up a boat pulled up. We asked them to take a picture of us and then told them that we had just finished paddling the entire Mississippi! They took our pictures and offered to pull us around to a small bit of beach where we could get out and get a picture. We did and they were great! Lisa, Robert, and Roxie were out for the day visiting their son Kyle who worked at Port Eads. After we finished the pictures Robert asked if we were hungry then told me to hand him my radio. I did and he promptly radioed Port Eads and told them he had a couple paddlers who were hungry and that he should fix them a burger! We were stokked! As if this wasn't awesome enough he then asked if we needed a ride back to Venice!!! This was amazing, after all the people who helped us, there was more river magic coming our way! As we rode to Port Eads we couldn't stop smiling, laughing and thanking them! We ate the burgers at Port Eads giggling with joy and excitement! Not only had we finished an amazing journey that tested us in every way as individuals and a couple, but now these amazing people bought us lunch and a couple t-shirts! After eating Amanda and I wandered around Port Eads in awe of what had just happened! When Robert and Lisa were ready we all loaded into thier boat and headed back to Venice. On the way we chatted about everything from what we did for work to family. When we got back to Venice we learned it wouldn't be possible stay at the hotel at the Marina. The only option was The Lighthouse Lodge 10 miles away! I told Robert that would figure a way for us to get our stuff to the hotel and thanked him for all his help. At that Lisa and Robert gave me a confused look and said something along the lines of "why? We got a truck. We will take you to the hotel." What!!!! Are you serious?!?! I couldn't believe it. We were so incredibly greatful and appreciative for the kindness these three people had shown us! Robert was going to drop us off so we gave Lisa and Roxie a big hug and thanked them. After Robert dropped us off we thanked him again and off he went.
The Mississippi to the Gulf
Thanks Kyle this was awesome!!
Banana Trees along the Mississippi
The awesome Fortenberry's!
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