The First Hundred Miles are the Longest

by John Shaffer

In the summer of 2002, John Shaffer, his dog Shoba, and his father Terry set out in two canoes to paddle the length of the Mississippi River. The trio paddled through intense weather conditions, met all sorts of interesting river people, and learned more about themselves and each other as they travelled. Through all of the ups and downs, it became one of the greatest adventures of their lives.

514 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2013

Reviews

[Ariel Boswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puts you right in the canoe

I very much enjoyed this travelogue, lots of local Minnesota color! The author kept detailed notes so you almost feel every mosquito bite, smell every stinky fish, and feel the trepidation of paddling every lock. I’m ready for a paddling adventure now!

[Sidney E. Carlstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this book special is that the author gets to do his dream voyage with his father. Having put up with such miserable conditions most of the trip they should be proud on what they accomplished.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a friend of mine from high school, John recounts his journey by canoe down the Mississippi River from the headwaters with his father and his dog, Shoba. I was immersed and didn't want it to end just as much as he didn't want the adventure to be over. While I am not sure this would have been my dream, I could relate to having something similar and chasing it (mine would probably be by bicycle if anything). I do love reading memoirs of adventures and journeys that people take on to challenge and learn more about themselves. This is that!

[Ken Daigrepont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I loved this book. The Adventures if Huck Finn was one of my favorite books as a kid.

Thanks for sharing a great experience with us.