Maine Teen Paddles the Mississippi River

Longer than the fabled Appalachian Trail, the Mississippi River winds its way over 2,350 miles on its journey to the sea. And 17-year-old Benton Purnell of Oakland spent the summer paddling it, most of it solo. This young man was not a big outdoor adventurer prior to the trip, but he learned a lifetime of lessons and more about himself in a summer than most do in a lifetime. There were many challenges along the way, from weather, to pests, to river obstacles, to people, but he persevered and grew as a result. Despite winter’s rapid approach, this entire article on a summer adventure is definitely worth a read. Congrats Benton!