Inspired by Huck Finn, Georgia couple plans river adventure

ST. MARYS, Ga. -- A Georgia couple plans to cross the nation by canoe on a journey inspired by the classic book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

Cody Presny and Haley Brasile plan to start their journey on Minnesota's Lake Itasca, then continue paddling south on the Mississippi River until they reach the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

They say their trek is aimed at supporting the Mississippi River Network and the organization's work to protect the river.

They are Western Illinois University graduates with degrees in recreation, parks, tourism and administration.

"We wanted to do this as a service trip and a travel trip," Presny said. "I've been wanting to do this for years. I've always wanted a Huck Finn adventure."

Presny most recently managed a kayak-rental business in St. Marys and worked as a naturalist at Crooked River State Park.

The couple plans to travel a total of 2,320 miles from Minnesota to New Orleans.

It will take about 3 1/2 months to complete the journey, with the toughest stretch at the beginning, where shallow water likely will force them to get out of the water and carry their canoe over land from time to time, Presny said.

"The beginning will probably kick our butts for the first few weeks," he said.

They also have to navigate 29 locks and dams, mostly at the first part of the journey. Some of the waits may be longer than a day, Presny said.

"It all depends on the traffic that day," he said.

Once the river opens up, it can be as wide as four miles. Presny said they plan to average about 25 miles a day, camping much of the time.

They also will post information about their daily travels online to keep readers updated on their travels.

The couple plans to start paddling later this month. They plan to post updates on their journey at amongstthecurrent.com and on Facebook.

They've paddled together and know how to work with each other, they said.

"It mixes everything we like as a couple," Brasile said. "It's a meaningful adventure."