caught up with us and we've returned to the days of seeing our breath,

drying clothes by fireside, and stuffing frost-laden tents each morning. Our sense of wonder, determination, and team spirit, however, keep us plenty warm. (A good sweater and sleeping bag help too.) We've once again met a solo canoeist who brings a new dimension to the journey. Otter is paddling from the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota to New Orleans and has spent about the past week with us. It's been a privilege and great fun to exchange stories and create new ones to tell downriver. We arrived in Memphis after a 63 mile push at dusk on the 18th, making camp at a riverside park. The city has been a wonderful stop-blues bars, museums, art exhibits, coffee shops and of course, Graceland. We've decided to spend an extra day here to see Nelson Mandela speak, an opportunity not to be missed or taken lightly. We'll be taking Thanksgiving off on a sandbar somewhere south of Memphis and plan to cook a full spread over campstove and fire, including turkey, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pie. Family will be missed dearly, but we feel lucky to be giving thanks in the environment we are so thankful for.

Thank ya; thank ya very much Cape-Memphis:

Vanessa Williams

The Lees

David, Keith, and Jane

Downtown Memphis YMCA

Dad-more energizing treats to keep us going and going

Grandma