THE NORTHLAND ADVENTURER
May my stories and photography inspire adventure in you.
An Unexpected Amazing Journey |
Table of contents found in the footer.
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A Grand Adventure - Join Me
What started out as an interest for summer fun on the local lake evolved into a ‘near’ obsession of extreme sport, high adventure, and personal achievement. As my skill and confidence in kayaking grew so did my desire to accomplish more; whether it be to paddle faster, travel longer, or seek greater challenges. When all three came together, it made for a grand adventure.
What started out as an interest for summer fun on the local lake evolved into a ‘near’ obsession of extreme sport, high adventure, and personal achievement. As my skill and confidence in kayaking grew so did my desire to accomplish more; whether it be to paddle faster, travel longer, or seek greater challenges. When all three came together, it made for a grand adventure.
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Living in the Twin Cities I am blessed to have many of the Upper Midwest's most scenic major rivers and lakes nearby, including: Minnesota, Mississippi, St. Croix, and Namegakon Rivers, and Lake Minnetonka.
Highlights include my solo paddling across Lake Michigan (5), Lake Superior (1), and a short route across Lake Huron. Additionally, I have raced in MN, WI, MI and WA. My longest race was the 150 mile Campus to Coast course from my alma mater (Michigan State) to Grand Haven. Paddling with many of the world’s elite paddlers in Tacoma's Seventy48 in 2019 significantly elevated my knowledge and determination to improve. |
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Join me on my paddling adventures. Go to the bottom of the page for the table of contents. Click on the links to stories and photography about my top destinations, adventures, and subjects of special interest. To follow me on Facebook click here and view my most recent paddling adventures.
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The Thrill of the Adventure
One of the draws of the adventure is the anticipation of what’s around the next bend. Whether it be an incredible view, unsuspecting wildlife, a small riverside town, or the welcoming riverbank or small island which will become my home for the night. There is the excitement of the unexpected challenge. The sounds of the river give notice of unseen trouble ahead; be it the rush of the rapids, the spillover from an obstruction made by man, a determined beaver, or a fallen tree. Maybe it’s the sound of rain or wind of a rapidly advancing storm. |
Mike Stout 2021
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As of this writing I have paddled nearly 5,500 miles from parts across the country. That is the distance from Minneapolis, to Japan. If you reference Hawaii, you would have to travel another 1,500 miles beyond.
On my journeys I have been covered in thunderstorms, chased by tornados, pummeled by hail, blanketed in snow, challenged by hypothermia, baked by the sun, and even hit by a boat. I have spilled over shallow rapids and been knocked over by overhanging branches, and narrowly escaped being tragically snagged under a debris field. Most of all, I have enjoyed the serenity and solitude, incredible nature and landscape, for which in many areas has remained largely unchanged for decades and centuries. |
5,364 miles paddled in six seasons.
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My favorite nearby rivers are the St. Croix, Namekagon and Rum. My top stops and events are the Lower St. Croix, Lake Pepin and Lake City, and the Tall Ships Duluth Festival. Those objects which captivate my interest include our Great Lake Lighthouses, the historic Soo Line High Bridge, those iconic vertical lift bridges, our powerful tugs, those shuttling ferries, Great Lakes and transoceanic freighters.
My top grand adventures have been paddling across our Great Lakes and racing on Puget Sound. But, paddling across the Straits of Mackinac and tapping the massive columns of the Mackinac Bridge while I pass in between was special too.
My top grand adventures have been paddling across our Great Lakes and racing on Puget Sound. But, paddling across the Straits of Mackinac and tapping the massive columns of the Mackinac Bridge while I pass in between was special too.
I hope you find my stories and photography about my paddling adventures across the U.S. pleasant and entertaining. Most of all, may they inspire adventure in you.
