Headwaters of the Mississippi | Lake Itasca | Mississippi Source to Sea Paddle Ep 1

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Next episodes might take a few days. This one was a painful upload from Bemidji during our first resupply :)

[@lionelloophole]

Hello, my 11 year old son has just introduced our family to your Mississippi episodes. Our family has a boat at TI marina near lock 3 and he just loves the river. Loves locks. Your episodes are awesome to watch. Keep up the good episodes!!

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Awe, glad you're enjoying them :)

[@brisbaneriver-thewholejour2600]

Lovely - another source-to-sea adventure, in another part of the world. Look forward to seeing it.

[@SMjerZgirl]

Looking forward to watching this!!! Good luck!

[@wolfeadventures]

Holy crap that’s a lot of ticks!!! Permethrin on the next stop.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Couldn’t get any at Bemidji today unfortunatly. Otherwise I might have been drinking it…

[@wolfeadventures]

@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Maybe the anti-tick meds for dogs and cats? Lol. 😂

[@tangara7166]

Nice paddle! Good luck on the trip.

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks now the adventures begins. Best of luck. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@terrypanama8004]

no way! what a journey!!! have fun guys!

[@CScullyBrown]

This is going to be the best summer ever for those of us watching . I'm so stoked. I mean, less ticks would be nice I'm sure for you guys but the banter is just gold

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Awe! ❤ I don’t know how Matt keeps the jokes coming, but I feel like I won’t be able to stop laughing all summer

[@erikpeterson25]

Have never seen the start of the Mississippi ....thx for this 👍.....leaches ticks mosquitos.....good stuff....that campsite w a shelter looks great

[@patr5810]

And let the summer shenanigans. Begin... Have a blast... Can't wait to see what's to come...

[@fredd3243]

Oh, this is going to be fun to follow. Have a great time!

[@skisacky]

Will be watching to see how you make it. Too buggy for me and I live in Florida.

[@mitchrobertson3877]

You 2 are amazing what a start. 2 Superstars !

[@mr_cleaner_upper8645]

Hilarious start 😂 Good luck!

[@jacobjohnson1999]

From Bemidji, MN your adventure sounds fun.... inspired to go on this trip.

[@robinfinehout1160]

Been really looking forward to this since your last paddle! Yikes, the ticks are scary

[@50zoomie]

I just stumbled on this. I grew up in North Dakota and Minnesota and have been to Itaska State Park many times when I was younger. Back then you could buy a tee shirt with a mosquito on it saying " Minnesota State Bird" Not sure if they are still around 6 decades later.

[@xvernon3500]

Living up to your name! Looking forward to following. Watching this while passing the Manzanos on I-25, thinking of your GET trek through there! You rock! Take care of those feet!

[@raktoda707]

A new adventure begins...sure was nice of that lady to look after you and canoe at beginning of trip.Wildlife,fresh air,bugs... well ok mostly perfect.Happy for you both

[@alanpareis734]

Wow, now we have watched the whole thing (twice) fantastic!! Thank you for bringing us along. Kinda reminds me of Bogie and Kate in the last third of The African Queen. Recommend skipping the makeshift torpedoes for the “boat” and installing a solar chargeable power bug fogger at next resupply stop. Well done sun pillar pic during opening. All The Best and Traveling Mercies. -Alan & Lea

[@traciklein4291]

Yay, videos! I am back from my 3 week vacation and I have hours to watch!

[@MHenry475]

Have an awesome trip!!!

[@stitch3163]

Tugs and barges come later, Nitro. Glad to see you two set off on another grand adventure.

[@alanpareis734]

Wow, Looks like I’m the first, but will wait til tonight to watch with my wife Lea. Big fans, been with you guys for last 2 years or so. As Biggs Bunny Would say: “Bon Voyagee” 👍

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Awe thank you! ❤

[@PascalRimbaut]

Finaly the paddling aventure starts !Taters😀 a new canoe , new (almost lost )crocs ! I remember the ones you had on the FT and binned with a tear in your eyes😢 . Have a great time and be carefull .

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Thanks! The new crocs are pretty awesome

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Except I wanted green ones :(

[@barbeerian]

One of my favorite books when I was a child was "Paddle to the Sea" by Holling Clancy Holling. It is amazing that you are embarking on your own Paddle to the Sea.

[@EastTennesseePhotographer]

Yay! I’ve been looking forward to this. I’ve never seen anyone paddle the Mississippi. And I didn’t look to see if anyone else had because I wanna see it first via you guys. Glad to see Jen. Have fun, be careful! The sun pillar was a good sign.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

It has certainly been an adventure so far :)

[@RS-pk4mp]

Great to see you both back out there again, paddling and fighting the omnipresent ticks! Wow. Not sure I would like that part of the journey. But the early Mississippi looks fascinating and there are beavers, so . . . .Anyway, I'm along for the ride, sitting quietly in the middle of the canoe, not paddling, just observing and enjoying the repartee! Paddle on! Tortoise, with flotation device.

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Glad to have you along with us 😊

[@escapewithjay]

All right a new river series to watch!

[@tangenttrails]

Tick city! Have a great voyage!!✌️

[@b.k.691]

Super excited to follow your adventure!

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Yay! Thank you!

[@shaneflickinger]

Holy cow, I think I would be having nightmares with that many ticks as well.

[@davidkovachi2827]

Been canoeing since 1974 but never took a canoeing trip. Excited.

[@loribagley3484]

This is going to be interesting!

[@jacobdebernardi4385]

love how you pronounce portage hahaha! Cheers man another epic journey ahead

[@ripvanrevs]

French pronunciation.

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Oh, funny! Our first canoe trip was the Sayward route in Vancouver Island and that’s how they said it there, since then we’ve only seen it in writing

[@jacobdebernardi4385]

@@jenniferblackie2027 I'm starting to think I just don't have enough experience canoeing/kayaking to say how it's pronounced.

[@marleenvos4126]

So amazing you are sharing this adventure; happy paddling! Those ticks though...I hope it's not like that all the way... Hats off to the amazing people helping you get started.

[@jenniferblackie2027]

Yeah! So nice and saved us so much hassle getting started

[@bat_chat]

I just watched all of your videos through Minneapolis, and they were very helpful for scouting out campsite and portage experience! I'm planning to do this myself next year.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Glad you found them helpful :) I wouldn't worry too much about trying to plan out portages or campsites personally. Campsites it's really just a matter of looking at what is in range once you figure out how the day is going to go and if you've watched much of our trip you've seen we just made something random work a good amount of the time. Portages just plan your gear and they aren't that big a thing. I found the folks who made them out to be this big challenge generally had the wrong type of boat 9aka heavy) and way way too much gear. The latter being very common on the Mississippi from what I've seen. Remember you can always add things later if you find you really need it. And it's a lot more straightforward further down once all the dam and lock portages are done.

[@GeorgeVeselka-f5l]

You're so hard core one adventure after another. I'm really excited for this one what a great idea!! Enjoy, be safe✌️

[@Bibs123]

Jen is a precious sole. You are lucky to have a lady that smiles so much every time you speak, at least on camera!

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Unless I happen to mutter the magic word “nachos”

[@jacksak]

I just started to watch this series (May 16, 2024) and like it a lot.

[@anno3177]

Love my Minnesota, but the bugs are why I do my outdoor recreating and living on the Left Coast. The worst of mosquitoes in the Sierra are nothing compared to MN! (And deerflies, horseflies, and so many ticks. And leeches?) I’m glad you made it an official start by walking across the Mississippi AND taking a photo by the sign. (And not to nitpick but you’re still pronouncing Itasca wrong (at least the 2 attempts I saw) lol, and I’ve never heard anyone use the French pronunciation of “portage” the way you do. I’m wondering if it’s pronounced differently in different parts of the country.) Thanks for taking us along with you!

[@reneeh2050]

Love it! Minnesota Nice.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Now that it is summer time in Alabama and I am trying to beat the heat I can now follow this adventure. Looking forward to this series!

[@kristenscott9438]

I've been to the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi! Even got to wade across the beginnings of the river! A family trip will always remember!

[@loribagley3484]

Bemiji! Went to girl scout camp there four years when I was a child in the sixties! Haha

[@jeanyates6259]

Good luck. Hope you ran out of the mosquitoes and ticks. Happy Paddling!

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

We…have not :)

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Great start. I was going to warn you about the leeches. You will come across several nice Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on the Upper Mississippi. The areas you will be traveling through are having a drought this year.

[@bartetzenhouser2943]

I suspect water is good, although the "skeeters", ticks & leeches would drive me buggy (no pun intended). How you all manage to endure it all amazes me !!!!!

[@johnmys5am]

The ticks.

[@LVega-px8yp]

Your in my state :) Happy paddles!

[@sbellrochmn]

How do you like this canoe over the rental on the Suwanee river? Ever heard of the 9 mile portage on the border route in the bwcaw? Good vibes and may the wind be at your back !!!

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

The Suwannee canoe was extremely heavy which is why we spent the money to find a Kevlar one for this. It feels much better for everything except dragging over rocks where I’ve worried we might bust a hole…

[@raftingdon2]

Been waiting for this

[@jgeisler]

So I just got back from a 30 day cross country camping/hiking trip with the wife with internet being quite intermittent. I'll be catching up with you guys over the next few days.

[@MaxZomboni]

This is going to be very interesting. When you get a chance you should consider ordering a couple of 60 liter waterproof canoe barrels. It will make your lives so much easier, and protect your gear and supplies from insects and animals. 👍

[@duarteliberi]

Oh yeah. SPOOOON!

[@SDSsongs]

Love me some downriver canoeing, but that level of tick density is a dealbreaker. O.O

[@Joe-k1j]

Hi great video btw Also pls where are those roads at 01:50 - 2mins in pls? Looks stunning

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Somewhere between Colorado and Lake Itasca. Not sure where exactly

[@duarteliberi]

Formerly from the Midwest and after being in the desert for so long I am having to re acclimate to bugs. Be thankful it isn’t chiggers. We got eaten alive in Arkansas. Oh and ticks too.

[@sbellrochmn]

Oh I forgot to mention, pull over at Reeds Landing for some great beer !!! Minnesota side of the river

[@FLYSUBS89]

welcome to Northern MN!

[@patricescattolin43]

Since you have gone up and down and left and right across the entire map of the US, will you be crossing paths you have hiked already or intend to hike in the future? I'd so, would be cool if you pointed them out.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

The Mississippi corridor is actually new for me. If I make the ADT next year I’ll be crossing a bunch

[@raftingdon2]

I have never seen that many ticks at once. Frightening.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

I’ve been in a fair amount outdoor circumstances and I don’t think I’ve ever seen and had to remove more than on this trip. The condor trail is officially de throned

[@HM-gk3rq]

Looks beautiful but the bugs 😬😬😬

[@alyishiking]

Those ticks holy mackerel 😱

[@loribagley3484]

Mosquitoes,leeches and ticks,oh my!

[@goodwaterhikes]

😎👍

[@quirkykindalife2948]

Guess we found one animal Taters does not love. I can’t even imagine that many ticks. Yikes!

[@tripNine1]

oh my god, that's so many ticks! NO!

[@Beswicki]

Have a great Tick? Er! I mean trip!!

[@roywatts20]

Never seen so many ticks in my life.

[@jensorenson9145]

Is that the only route thought the miss was bigger

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Keep watching. It gets bigger…

[@vicpapagiorgio]

Love the videos , nice editing. . It’s a huge undertaking! Just one thing please: your pronunciation of the word portage is driving me up a wall. We all say in Minnesota.: Port-ijjj. Not Port-Taj. Thanks

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

We first got exposed to the term up in Canada where they pronounced it like I’ve been in the videos. Seems to be a somewhat controversial thing… :)

[@kevinweldon4536]

The paddle begins! sorry so late in catching up.

[@barnaclebill1615]

Put on your PFD!

[@johnforaker2578]

Stop n get a can or three of permetheririn and hang up yer clothes and hats n sock n shoes n spray them good n let dry..that will help with the ticks…

[@brandonwinstead7137]

Good lord its vampire country 😱

[@peckshadow]

Hope you guys have a good supply of doxycycline

[@pintahalfmusic]

Ticks and mosquitos; two of the main reasons I left the midwest 30 years ago! No, gracias.

[@bensmith4563]

Iv seen like 3 ticks in my life thats so many

[@labcat647]

Happy paddling… if that’s possible with all the critters wanting to bite you… No idea why someone would put a shelter in the middle of such an insane population of ticks. That’s an absolute nightmare. No idea how you got all of your gear cleaned and packed on the canoe the next day. The last thing you need is Lyme disease at the beginning of this long journey. Stay safe.

[@jjonsolomon]

Oh, don't dis Nebraska and South Dakota!

[@tom6363]

Be super cautious of the ticks. They are forecasted to be really bad this season. Neither of you want to come down with the dreaded Lyme disease.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

We are. Lots of constant tick checking. And I’m going to go to town with permethrin as soon as we can acquire some along the river

[@ripvanrevs]

So I'd like to know where, you got the notion Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion To walk the boat (don't walk the boat, baby) Walk the boat (don't tip the boat over) Walk the boat (don't walk the boat, baby) Walk the boat

[@orchestratedpassage9468]

The land of 10000 lakes has insects?😁 If you can stand the smell of camphor it'll help with the mosquitos but...

[@kodiak4777]

How did you manage to not die from blood loss due to tickets. Wow.

[@MrBrianblom]

I - Tas - Ca

[@barbarataychert4910]

Gross Re: the ticks. But pretty canal.

[@johngriffin3200]

10 weeks of Taters 👍

[@alanpareis734]

🤬 auto correct , that’s Buggs Bunny.

[@christortheak]

I think we’ve found the ticks’ home world. Nuke this one spot, and I’m pretty sure there will be no more ticks.

[@dorotheaivanovna9457]

Have you ok ish paddlers been to all 50 states?

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

No, though I couldn’t tell you exactly which ones I’m missing without serious thought. It’s been kind of a weird mishmash of work and play. These days I generally go off the heat map that Google photos make showing you where all your photos are located. Based on that, I think all of the states along the Mississippi are actually new

[@k.s.1871]

shhhhh .... the Dept of Tourism doesn't like you to mention the ticks and mosquitos 😄

[@otway00]

Wrong Way Crash Giggles A Lot Spotted Beaver Tick Turtle Tater

[@susannesadventurejournal1920]

Dude. Get a haircut, hippie! Seriously, though, I'm jealous you are out on another adventure already.

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

:) It has been a bit of whiplash going from the desert of the GET out here

[@ladytrekkeradventures8376]

Have you see this: Proposed 14,000-Mile American Perimeter Trail Would Circumnavigate Entire United States. Lol long one

[@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes]

Yea, Rue’s proposal. Probably not the sort of thing I’d end to end but I have looked as some of it as connector trails. For example I want to connect the PCT and AZT at some point

[@mdizzle7742]

An autistic trip through the Mississippi

[@jensorenson9145]

So flat!