Day 9: Break from the Wind

It's Mandy here, writing on behalf of the Gals on Day 9 while the river's waves ask that we all rest cozily in our new tent today.

We've paddled 141 miles so far.

We started our expedition in Crow Wing River State Park near Brainerd on Friday the 13th, a day that is associated with many misconceptions and superstitions. We chose it as a way to reclaim the power of women. Because there are 13 moons in a year (moons=menses), the number has been linked to goddesses. Friday literally means "Day of Venus" the Roman goddess. (Also "venus" can be loosely translated to "grace" ...and we are never Graceless with Heneghan and Werner). 

So contrary to what some believe, Friday the 13th is actually lucky and we are truly basking in all the blessings from our week. Day 1 brought a beautiful view of Aurora Borealis, its dancing green lights to compete with our first group campfire. By Day 4, we already met 5 River Angels, mere strangers who just wanted to mitigate the physical stress of lengthy portages. From "the can man" in Little Falls to "Linda" in Sartell to "Ralph" and friends in St. Cloud, we've only really needed to portage the Blanchard dam and Sauk Rapids by ourselves. We've been so humbled by the amount of support from people we'll only meet once whom will never truly know the lasting impression they've made. And we've only just begun our journey. 

A journey that is both personal and collective. As the individual with the least experience on this trip, I could easily be overwhelmed and intimidated among these 3 incredibly strong women who've participated and led wilderness trips around the country...but instead I feel encouraged as we support each other during an experience that's new to all of us. We maintain an open mind and share ideas necessary to reach our goals. That's teamwork; that's how we can utilize our glaring privilege to develop what it means to have  a trip that's beyond ourselves. We are part of a minority as women, but we are aware that being able-bodied, cis-gendered, white people provides us greater opportunity for an expedition such as this, a 2-month-long paddle downstream the Big Muddy. It's watershed drains 31 states, therefore uniquely connecting the majority of the U.S. 

No, this river doesn't belong to us in any capacity: 

Yes, we all belong to it.

So, we hope to reach out to those whom would not have the support to take their adventures outdoors. The outdoors being a symbol of the future must include the next generation. With every stroke, we strive to be inclusive of all, to practice coexistence, to promote healthy land and water, to emphasize equality, as allies to POC, immigrants, indigenous cultures, LGBTQIA, the younger generation, the dreamers etc. The four of us are not alone. We couldn't've gotten to the river without the help and generosity of many. You are welcome to meet us along the way, whoever you may be, wherever we are, and wherever you’re at.

Happy Trails.