Jay and I were looking for a fun and challenging weekend. I suggested we paddled from Cambridge to Anoka down the Rum River in Minnesota. He said, "Ok sounds like a good time!" We then got our other buddy Mitch to join! This was perfect since Jay was rocking his canoe.

September 8, 2017, we launched at 2nd Ave SW, with a cooler of beer, music going, and smiles on our faces. Knowing it was going to be a long paddle we wanted to make the most of it. Making stops along the way to snack, hit a rope swing (Mitch's first time!), and other fun. Mitch then had to part ways with us at Rum River North County Park, 19.17 miles, due to playing in a soccer game the next morning. Jay and I headed further down the river. Hitting mile 28.62 we decided it was time to get off at the Rum River Central Regional Park, plus we just paddled the past two hours in the dark. Set up camp and called it day.

Next day, we got Mitch to come join us again! He brought us some breakfast and we hit the water. Not as much goofing off this time but we still had a great time. True push for all of us but we hammered it out! 41.33 miles in total with 11:14:28 moving time and 01:37:11 rest time in total, that is pretty flipping sweet for being all of our longest paddles to date in that short of time.

Truly and awesome challenge start to finish. Few hangups but nothing we could not walk away from with a smile on our faces. Celebrated with a beer and a few pints of course :)