Itasca to New Orleans

In June of 2014, Alex and Alex (Howard) plan on canoeing the Mississippi River from source to sea "“ a 2,320 mile trek through ten states, taking an estimated three months of paddling. The idea was hatched when Alex's grandfather (and dear friend of Howard's) attempted to fulfill his lifelong dream of canoeing the Mississippi in 2002. However, after several months of paddling, his attempt was thwarted when severe weather destroyed his tent and much of his gear, forcing him to throw in the towel on his dream. Unfortunately, he passed in 2013 and was unable to complete his adventure. Alex and Howard are determined to pick up the torch and complete his adventure in his memory. But they need your help! Who are these boys?

Alex Hammond and Alex Barron are childhood best friends, explorers, and paddling junkies. Growing up in the same cul-de-sac, their adventures range from their backyards to the Canadian Arctic. They are 2010 graduates of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and alumni of YMCA Camp Widjiwagan. Currently, both attend college and are graduating in the spring of 2014. Alex is a geology and music double major at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Howard is an Applied Economics major at the University of Minnesota "“ Twin Cities.

Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. Funds raised will go towards costs of food, clean water, transportation, and safety gear. Additional funds will be donated to a charitable cause yet to be determined.