Dying Out Here Is Not An Option: PaddleQuest 1500–A 1500 Mile, 75 Day, Solo Canoe & Kayak Odyssey

On June 25th, 2016, John Connelly became the first to both canoe the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and kayak the Maine Island Trail, but went a step further connecting them with the Saint John River and Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada; 1500 miles in 75 days. This solo expedition launched in the Adirondack Mountains on April 16th proved challenging, rewarding, eye-opening and was tracked in real-time by satellite and was followed by thousands online. Find out how he met the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and survived violent storms. Be inspired to seek out these water trails and experience portions of them for yourself.Connelly’s 75-day trip took him through 2 countries, 4 states, 22 streams, 58 lakes and the North Atlantic. Check out his trip at paddlequest1500.com.The trip was inspired by Connelly’s recognition of a growing body of evidence that confirms the physical and mental health benefits that come from communing with nature at a time when EPA reports suggest that Americans spend 93% of their lives indoors.Connelly hopes that his trip can inspire others to increase the time they spend outside, citing research that suggests the profound sense of personal stewardship for natural resources that such contact inspires.“This was a physical and mental challenge; an adventure of epic proportions living out of my boat experiencing wild rivers, the volatile ocean, unpredictable weather, diverse wildlife, unique people, quaint backwoods towns and rugged working-waterfront villages along the way; all in one extraordinary 1,500-mile canoe and kayak journey.” — John Connelly“a grand adventure with many twists and turns . . .” — Kevin Fedarko, Contributor, Outside, Esquire, National Geographic Adventure, Time and author of The Emerald Mile“a brilliant and engrossing tale of true grit and adventure . . .” — Richard Bangs, Contributor, The New York Times, Slate, Huffington Post, Host of PBS Richard Bangs’ Quests and Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose“Amidst the rapids and tides, exertion and exhaustion, what jumps out is Connelly’s incredible drive, a purpose matched by impressive physical prowess.” — Everett Potter, Contributor, Forbes.com, Editor, Everett Potter’s Travel Report