On our signup sheet so far we have the following listed

David Christofferson

Beth Hynes-Cernia and Pat Cernia (one day only)

Thelma Boeder (willing to fill in as needed)

Steve and Linda Bryan

Spence Johnson (may convince Cindy to join us too)

As per the discussion at last meeting, I am not planning to recruit any of my husband's relatives this year and we shouldn't need to, since HSP's paddlers are expected to be members_! We have informed the new contact person for Friends of Mississippi-- Kirsten Nierengarten--that the canoe can handle 8-14 paddlers and she is hoping to come up with some people. We are committed to provide at least 4 people each day but we can put more on if we can convince you to join us. We have also volunteered to put a few sleepers under the canoe down on the waterfront below the Fort as a security measure, but this is optional for paddlers. 

If we get sufficient people to fully supply the 30 foot Big Canoe, then David and I and one or two more persons could put David's bateau on the water also. This would be a wonderful addition to the visual display and show the public more Minnesota historical watercraft!

You don't have to be a top-class paddler for the Big Canoe, just a reliable melieu who can keep a beat and a happy disposition. Paddle one or two days. Go home Saturday night to feed the dog and enjoy your own bed or sleep in a tent at the Fort--or under the Big Canoe.

Everyone who has paddled the Mississippi Challenge has come away from the experience feeling emotionally richer as well as smarter about Minnesota history. This is a fabulous way to connect with the voyageur experience, from viewing the landscape... to using muscles for hours on end... to just plain cogitating on the voyageur life. Additionally, the participant fees are waived in our case, so you can do the event without raising money or even pulling out your wallet.

Call or email me if you are even _considering_ Mississippi Challenge participating.

--Linda Bryan

651 777 7037  Mrs. Bryan@...

P.S. Although I have no need to be an event fund raiser, I usually do this. The Challenge is working up a fund raising page for me which I will tell you about once it's set up. Some of you have indicated that you might want to pledge again this year.   Linda