I’d like to thank those who helped regarding my recent trip canoeing the Wisconsin River.

My canoe partner, Mike Kinziger, my wife, Diana, and I had support on our river quest from the beginning, at the Michigan border, to the end at the Mississippi River. And that support grew as the Wisconsin River grew from a small creek with beaver dams to a mighty river with 26 man-made dams called, "The world's hardest working river."

We had family and friends coming to the river to urge us on from the first day to the last. They followed our progress on the internet and became a part of the adventure.

When it seemed the river full of vengeance from high waves was urging our demise friendly people encouraged us to find a safe passage. In Stevens Point, we found a way to continue with a two-mile portage around the end of a lake where it was too dangerous to paddle.

Coming into Mosinee Flowage we missed the main passage to the open lake. We saw a family enjoying a ride in their pontoon boat and asked directions to the dam. "We're going that way," he said. "I'll throw you a rope and we can tow you to the portage."

"We can't do that!" I exclaimed.

"That would be cheating, wouldn't it," he responded. "Follow us, I'll go slow." We obediently followed, they were concerned we might miss the portage and go over the dam.

Dave Carlson, and his camera man, Dave Roll, of Northland Adventures, became a part of the trip. They were at the beginning, end, and in between with camera running. And when we needed to extend a front foot brace in the canoe they went to a lumber yard and returned with polystyrene insulation. In short order my wife, Diana, fashioned a new foot brace with pieces of insulation duct-taped into the bow.

We were a three member team, two paddlers, and Diana, the support team member. Long distance canoeing today is done with a support crew. Diana provided for all our meals in terms of hot coffee, oatmeal, bananas, cold water, sandwiches, power bars -- whatever our heart or body desired. Diana had the job of scouting portages and then directing us. Some of the portages, over a mile long, were not marked. Then, too, she was in constant communication with the news media, relatives, and friends.

A special thank you to Editor of Vernon County Broadcaster, Matt Johnson, he was in contact with Diana three times a day to get progress reports. Matt charted our course down the river on a Wisconsin map. Friends, family, and people we may never know, followed on the web-site and urged us on. It seemed my canoe, named "Inspiration," had more than two occupants. Thank you, Matt Johnson, for your support from the very beginning through the entire trip.

Friday, June 20th, when the trip ended we were physically and mentally tired from putting all our effort into the great adventure. I had a wonderful peaceful feeling as we entered Vernon County, and then Viroqua, knowing we were home where we had the support of hundreds of people -- some we may never meet. So please, from the bottom of my heart, allow me to thank you with this letter.

--Jay Thurston,

"Old Man of the River"