Costa Mesa, California
December 14, 2023
Dear Family & Friends:
I am home with my family. Here is my account of the last two days on Mighty Mo.
December 10. My day began with breakfast with Brian Mason at the Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles. Brian is an ultra-marathon runner, martial arts expert and aspiring climber. He and his family live in St. Charles. Brian then drove me to the Boat House Museum where my canoe is stored. Brian, Bob & Steve helped me transport my canoe back down to the River. I was on the water at 9:15 am. The day was frigid cold, but paddling conditions were good. I was closely watching for the river mile signs indicating the distance to the confluence of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles down River. I reached the confluence at 3:00pm. I turned right and started down the Mississippi River. Approximately five miles down the Mississippi, I reached the famous Chain of Rocks. Steve Ohrt and St. Louis Bill were waiting for me. We pulled my canoe out of the River and portaged around the Chain of Rocks. The Chain of Rocks is a set of treacherous rapids that stretches across the River. The rapids are so dangerous a bypass channel has been built so boats do not have to navigate over the Chain of Rocks. In 2019, when I paddled down the Mississippi River, I missed the bypass channel and inadvertently paddled through the Chain of Rocks. When I emerged from the Chain of Rocks, it took me 30 minutes to calm down and stop shaking. St. Louis Bill took my canoe to his home and I drove with Steve to his home where I spent the night.
December 11. This was my last day of my 2,341 mile journey. I paddled from the Chain of Rocks to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The distance travelled was only 12 miles but the paddling conditions were very difficult with consistently stiff headwinds, large waves and whitecaps. The Mighty Mississippi was as tough as its cousin the Mighty Mo. Still, I love these two Rivers. A large group of friends and River Angels, greeted me at the Arch. Some of them drove over 5 hours to see me complete my trip. I love all of them.
This was a wonderful adventure, from start to finish. It was full of challenges, which is what I expected and wanted. I learned a lot about the River, the River Angels, the people who live along the River, my paddling companions, my canoe and myself.
December 12. I returned home to a family I cherish more than anything in the world.
December 13. I had a nice dinner with some of my family at our favorite Mexican restaurant.
At some point in the future I will convert my 1,531 photos and 723 videos into a movie which I will post in the Gallery on my website, eightsummits.com. I’ll let you know when it is posted.
Thanks to all of you for following my trip and offering your support, encouragement and prayers. This meant so much to me and sustained me during the difficult times on the River. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
God bless all of you.
Bill
Brian
Brian & Steve
The last bridge on the Missouri River
Mileage countdown
Two miles to the confluence
One mile to the confluence
The confluence
The Mississippi River
Arriving at the Chain of Rocks portage
The Chain of Rocks
The Chain of Rocks bridge
JB1RD, Steve & St. Louis Bill
The Gateway Arch
Los Tres Amigos
Mark Fingerhut
Bruce & Melissa
Maury Poscover
Kelly & Zoe Johns
Giving my beloved canoe a thank you kiss
Celebration dinner
Steve & Kathy Ohrt
Reuniting with Ollie at dinner
Dinner in Costa Mesa with some of my family
We were so glad to be a small part of your journey! It was such a pleasure to meet you in person after all these years. Melissa says, you are a a Rockstar! Take care and keep in touch.
Bruce and Melissa
Bill – Big CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS! on your successful completion of another epic adventure. Ollie looks quizzical but happy on seeing his Papa again, after a long spell.
I join you in thanking all your River Angels for their invaluable support and kindness during your long paddle down the Big Muddy.
Let’s continue to appreciate the mysterious journey of life.
Welcome home and Happy Holidays to all,
k;-)
Wow I am so glad you are home with your family and especially Ollie.
It was an honor to meet you and a privilege to help you.
WJ FARM will always welcome you. Like you are going to visit Chamois, Mo. LOL
I will send pics. If you could MSG. your address I will send a small gift.
Dan & Walker are the real angels.
I have been following your adventures since you gave a lecture at OC Hiking Club about 10 years ago. Really enjoy reading about your day-to-day treks, paddles, etc. I would imagine that many of your followers live vicariously through you and know that you are greatly admired. Can’t wait to see what your next adventure might be.
Bill,
We are grateful for answered prayer. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Blessings,
Doug
Bill,
So glad you are safe and home with family.
Thank you for sharing this and many other journeys.
Your adventures are always challenging, enlightening, exhilarating, and food for the soul.
Happy Holidays
Congratulations Bill! I loved following your journey and Adventure. Well done! Cheers from Livingston. MT.
It has been a wild ride reading your blog posts! I have enjoyed them all! Thanks for sharing. So glad you are home safe, warm and dry. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Huzzah! I was getting a little nervous there after the 9th. I’m sure your family are grateful to have you home. Wishing your good wife and all of your family a Merry Christmas and a reasonably peaceful New Year.
Bill, what a grueling, but glorious adventure you had! Wonderful to know about all the River Angels and other friends you encountered–it encourages me to know that such people still exist in our society! When she was still with us, Carolyn enjoyed seeing your reports of your adventures, and my thought is that she is still enjoying from her heavenly home. Looking forward to your next!
Congratulations! I’ve always enjoyed reading the posts of your adventures. Thank you so much for writing about this adventure! I’m glad you were successful and home with your family.
Your Journey has not come to an end. It’s just a Pause until the next Journey to Begin.
Congratulations!!!after this adventure you deserve a good rest until your next adventure. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Dorans Family
What an inspiration. I await the next chapter. John
Amazing feat! Congratulations, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Congratulations. You did it once again.
You will go down in history!
So glad you are back safe and sound.
You deserve a medal.
Merry Christmas and another successful year
Thank you for another great vicarious adventure, Bill! So happy that you were able to finish and be with your family in time for Christmas.
Thank you, Lord for Bill’s safe trip and all of the angels along the way. Can’t wait to hear your story in person.
Hope to see you soon,
Jim and Patti
Congratulations on the completion of yet another amazing adventure. I eagerly followed you all the way as with many other if your journeys. One of the many impressive things about them is your ability to inspire others-those who help you as well as those cheering from a distance
Congratulations Bill, Another successful adventure. You are an inspiration to us old folks as we sit in our arm chairs and dream. Can’t wait for you next adventure.
Congratulations Bill on another AMAZING Adventure!!!
Thank You for sharing your adventurous experiences with us all so can live vicariously through you!
You continue to be a Rock Star & we look forward to hearing about your future plans in 2024.
Happy Holidays to you & your family, Cheers to 2024!
Jill & Rich Smith
Leadville, CO
A hearty “ well done”, Bill. You and the river angels have kept us spellbound-all else pales in comparison!
So glad to see you home with family enjoying dinner at a favorite restaurant.
Holiday blessings,
Rick
Congratulations, Bill. Yet another magnificent accomplishment.
Happy Holidays.
Steve
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed following all of your adventures. I love seeing so many River Angels – what a community!
Congratulations Bill! What an amazing accomplishment. Good timing that you are back with your family at Christmas Have followed your adventures for a long time. What is in the works for your next one? Better just relax and rest for now. Enjoy the moments with your family. All the best in 2024
What an amazing adventure Bill
Congratulations to another one of your remarkable achievements.
We loved reading about it.
Welcome home…..
Craig and Sharon
One hell of an accomplishment Bill. Can’t wait to hear what you have in store for your next adventure! Merry Christmas!
“Ditto” all of the above. May you continue to live a long and charmed life ! Blessings from the peak named for you in the Himalayas in Nepal. You have lived many lives in one lifetime.
Hi Bill,
I am rigjt now in Laguna Beach, CA.
Close to Costa Mesa.
I would Like to see you, if possible.
My phone is 6027913875
Nick/Naim