All Points West / Other Adventures / 2017–2018 archive

Paddling Down the Missouri

An Insomniac’s Journey Down the Missouri River — the original expedition journal, planning notes, people, and river maps, gathered in one place.

The original website remains preserved at paddlingdown.com.

Photograph from the original Paddling Down expedition archive

The journey

The story behind the paddle

From an unexpected crossword clue to choosing a boat and visiting the icy headwaters, these articles tell how the journey took shape.

Navigation and reference

Maps, river miles & launch sites

The original route-planning resources include GPS files for Missouri River mile markers and access points. Downloadable copies are preserved alongside the historical notes.

Original writing / 2017–2018

Every published journal entry

All 21 published articles are kept with their original titles and dates. The unpublished working drafts remain unpublished in the WordPress archive.

How a crossword grew into an adventureThe unlikely spark that started the journey
Here I GoMaking the decision to paddle the Missouri
One Month to GoThe final weeks before departure
Winter at the ConfluenceA visit to the Missouri’s headwaters
Tagg, My Travel PartnerMeet the Border Collie along for the adventure
My Eddyline ShastaThe expedition kayak
First Full Cargo LoadPreparing and testing the boat
Boat SelectionChoosing a boat for a long journey
Overview MapThe route across the Missouri River watershed
MapsNavigational planning for the river
Fueled to paddleFood and fuel for the journey
Fire by TeslaA look at a plasma lighter
60 %The power of water
Why DonationsSupport behind the expedition
HumbledA note to readers and supporters
Medical IssueA candid update from the river
November 7, 2017Sleep journal
November 10 2017 Sleep JournalSleep journal
November 11, 2017 Sleep LogSleep journal
December 14, 2017 Sleep LogSleep journal
December 18, 2018 – Sleep LogSleep journal (original title preserved)
This is a preserved historical archive. Some tracking feeds and interactive map services from 2018 have changed; their original references and downloadable datasets have been retained for further restoration.