MISSISSIPPI ADVENTURES
13-20 OCTOBER 2024
Join an unbeatable week-long Mississippi Adventure in October 2024 with a fleet of canoes and paddleboards, campfire stories and new friends, as we discover a new riverbank home on sandy shores and islands each night.
Five days on the river are sandwiched between nights strolling the music-filled streets of Memphis, Tennessee and Clarksdale, Mississippi, two towns which have played an enormous part in the birth of the Blues, Rock n’Roll and the Civil Rights Movement.
If you’re seeking a unique break from daily life, and the headspace to explore new possibilities alongside a like-minded, thoughtful group, this adventure has been designed for you.
A little film from a September 2019 Mississippi adventure, with a crew of paddlers from Europe and the USA coming together as strangers and leaving as friends.
TRIP PRICE
GBP £1450/ US $1850
Multiple instalments possible
This cost includes:
All river craft and equipment, incl. canoes and SUPs, lifejackets and paddles
Professional guides
Hotel accommodation for 2 nights, either side of our time on the river
All food provisions while on the river
Shuttle from Clarksdale back to Memphis on the final Sunday
Not included:
Travel to/from Memphis either side of trip
Evening meals on Night 1 (Memphis) and Night 7 (Clarksdale)
Personal travel insurance
Optional camping gear rental for river trip - tent, mat and sleeping bag for the week is £100 extra. If you just need one or two of these items the fee comes down.
“So many memories...sunrises and sunsets like I’ve never seen before, an awesome group of people and friendships forged, stunning scenery, wildlife, the whole thing from start to finish was a massive adventure that just kept growing by the day. ”
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THE JOURNEY
The Mighty Mississippi flows 99 miles out of Memphis down to Clarksdale in giant meandering loops into the verdant and fantastically fertile Mississippi Delta, the former cotton kingdom that gave birth to the Delta Blues.
The river leaves the city behind, carving elegant S-curves through deep woods as it meanders through Commerce Bend, Mhoon Bend and Walnut Bend, and then wanders down through a floodplain fifteen miles wide to the mouth of the St. Francis River, one of several tributaries that adds to the feeling of wildness.
Hundreds of thousands of acres of protected bottomland hardwood forest rest alongside the Mississippi in an incredible labyrinth of islands, forests, bayous, blue holes and back channels. Its the largest roadless area in the mid-south and where the road ends, the trail begins for paddlers. Giant islands in the river adds to the experience and we will enjoy wild open places, deep forests, hidden back channels, rich wildlife, and spectacular camping throughout.
A LITTLE MORE INSPIRATION
This is a chance to escape and reassess life’s goals, but also to dip your feet in a pot full of potential. Learn how to canoe and paddleboard (no prior experience necessary), find yourself comfortable in a misunderstood environment and soak up the starry nights around a driftwood campfire.
THE JOURNEY
Beginning in Memphis, Tennessee, we spend one night together in the city and the next day set off from the famous Mud Island. We’ll spend five nights on the river, wild camping at night, enjoying wonderful food and enriching, challenging conversations. Then to Clarksdale, the home of the Blues, for live music, a slow southern pace of life and a final supper to wrap up a memorable week.
THINK BIG
Wide open, remote spaces and water, water everywhere. There’s no better scenario for escaping life as we know it, cooking up a brand new life plan or simply building up your confidence and a set of outdoorsy skills to make your next adventure so much more achievable.
PLAYTIME
This isn’t all about changing the world and making a difference. Stopping off at epic places, wild camping on remote sandbars, swimming, paddleboarding, eagle and pelican watching and letting our hair down is all part of the package. Pack light, soak up the sun and recharge in between the deep bits by taking a wander around islands or along wide open sand bars at sunset. Or just jump in and have a swim as the river flows on by.
SKILLS & TEAMWORK
Remote locations plus a geographical journey provides the ideal scenario for learning. We don't require any previous skills ahead of a trip, but you will leave us well qualified to move forwards, whatever you plan on doing next. From paddling 30ft canoes and 14ft paddleboards, to making fires and slinging hammocks; welcome to the world’s best classroom!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrive in Memphis at 4pm, check into local hotel, meet the team and head out for a walk around town, a first glimpse of the Mississippi and dinner on Beale St.
Day 2 (Monday): Head down to the river after breakfast, set off for the first day on the river (excess gear not needed on the trip travels by vehicle to Clarksdale [our end point])
Days 3 to 6 (Tuesday -Friday): Life on the river - paddling & discussions by day, camping and star gazing by night
Day 7 (Saturday): Final day on the river, arrive into Helena, pack up kit and head to Clarksdale
Day 8 (Sunday): Final team breakfast, a wander around the Quapaw Canoe Centre and shop, before departing Clarksdale for a 1h30 shuttle back to Memphis Airport, o your onward journey
MY FELLOW EXPEDITION LEADERS
JOHN RUSKEY
John Ruskey is an artist, canoe builder, youth leader and a Mississippi River paddler since 1982. He leads Quapaw Canoe Company from Clarksdale, Mississippi and is writing the Rivergator: Paddler’s Guide to the Lower Mississippi River. He runs year-round workshops on canoe building, navigation and survival skills for the youth of the Lower Mississippi Valley.
EMMA CORNTHWAITE
There aren’t many humans who have paddled down the Mississippi wearing a wedding dress but Em has and no, she didn’t fall off!
After spending years in Sierra Leone Em returned to London to take over the reigns at SayYesMore, setting up endless events that bring people together in the great outdoors.
Testimonials
“An amazing week with people I had so much fun with, completely disconnected from life back home and 100% present on the Mississippi. I can’t think of another time where I’ve managed this. It was pure tonic and I crave more!
The river guides looked after us so well, the food was out of this world and the time in Memphis and Clarksdale either side of paddling was brilliant fun and the icing on the cake for the whole trip.
I can’t say enough good things about this trip. Just do it - treat yourself to some ‘River Time’”
“An absolutely unique experience that I will treasure for the rest of my days! The camaraderie was brilliant, and our guide’s knowledge of the river is second to none! Also, the food we had each day was incredible. Thanks to all involved for making this trip so memorable! ”
“I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have been introduced to this stunning, hidden gem of wilderness. The Lower Mississippi is somewhere I wouldn’t have necessarily considered going or been able to gain access to, what a unique experience to canoe and paddleboard on such a powerful yet calming river. The wild camp spots on our own private sand bars and islands, under the stars were otherworldly, all shared with an an amazing bunch of like-minded people! A special, inspiring trip, great for the soul!”
“Sitting by the fire, water fights on the river, eating delicious food, camping under the stars and captaining Cricket the canoe! Just do it! It is a fantastic experience with wonderful people!”
“The minute I heard the coyotes howling I felt my wild side awakening.
It’s more than magic in the Mississippi but words cannot do justice to this adventure. You must go and experience it for yourself.”
“The river was stunning and so calming, certainly felt good for the soul. Such a great location for a special adventure. The team of guides were all truly fantastic and the food was delicious. Surprisingly for someone like myself who is very quiet and happier alone with nature, the group of people were all really special too. I think the whole trip came together because of each part and person rather than one singular thing. Highly recommended!”
