Six men embark on nine-month canoe expedition from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean

Two Colorado Mountain College graduates take part in “Rediscover North America” expedition.

This article was printed in Steamboat Today. By Audrey Dwyer.

Photo of six men canoeing from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, these six men embarked on their "Rediscovering North America" expedition Jan. 2. From left, are Winchell Delano, Adam Trigg, Luke Kimmes, John Keaveny, Jarrad Moore and Daniel Flynn — Canoeing from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, these six men embarked on their “Rediscovering North America” expedition Jan. 2. From left, are Winchell Delano, Adam Trigg, Luke Kimmes, John Keaveny, Jarrad Moore and Daniel Flynn. Photo: Luke Kimmes.

Steamboat Springs — Encountering strong winds, snow and ice in the Midwest are only minor obstacles for six men taking part in a daring feat.

For nine months, Adam Trigg, Winchell Delano, Jarrad Moore, Daniel Flynn, John Keaveny and Luke Kimmes will canoe from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Paddling upstream, they will connect the Mississippi River, the Red River, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Athabasca, Great Slave Lake and the Hood River to reach their destination.

The “Rediscover North America” canoe expedition started on Jan. 2. And as of Monday, the six outdoor enthusiasts are on day 52 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

“People always ask us why, and I still can’t give you that answer,” said Kimmes during a telephone interview Sunday.

As one of the outdoor education instructors at Colorado Mountain College’s Alpine Campus in Steamboat Springs, Kimmes approached Big Agnes about outfitting the six guys on their trip.

“When I first read Luke’s request, I immediately noticed which direction they were paddling — up,” Big Agnes marketing specialist Rob Peterson said. “That in itself caught my eye because Click for full article