UW-Eau Claire student paddles to New Orleans
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior Ben Jonas used to describe himself as more likely to be on the couch playing video games than playing outdoors.
The description no longer fits the Lancaster native.
Jonas, 21, embarked on a 39-day trip from Eau Claire, Wis. to New Orleans, La., on June 2, with only a little planning, a canoe, a tent, blankets, extra clothing, canned food, a weather radio, a knife, and a cellphone.
No maps.
Restlessness spurred the trip, he said. He wasn’t passionate about his course of study, public relations, and Jonas said he heard voices telling him to do something.
While looking at the Chippewa River in Eau Claire one day, he said he wondered if it would take him to New Orleans and began to tell friends and family that he was going to do it. Months later, Jonas gave it a try. He started on the Chippewa River and made it to the Mississippi by day 2 of his journey.
Jonas actually ended up going past New Orleans, and landed in Empire, La., where his parents picked him up.
While Jonas collected a number of stories and new friends during his trip, he said he learned to calm himself or give himself pep talks if necessary.
“It awakened something in me,” Jonas told The Capital Times.
Read the full story here.
4 Comments for "UW-Eau Claire student paddles to New Orleans"
SpikeThomas Jul 29, 2011 3:10 PM
JTBA Jul 29, 2011 3:40 PM
waxworks Jul 29, 2011 3:54 PM
Slick Willie Aug 02, 2011 12:47 PM