The Journey to the Heart Podcast

After weathering a big storm in my tent on the Northside of Lake Sakakawea, I managed to reach Tobacco Gardens, a campground and haven for travellers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is owned and run by an incredible lady called Peggy Hellandsaas whose hospitality and kindness for paddlers of the Missouri River, knows no bounds. After a few days of respite in this little slice of paradise I now feel refreshed and ready to con...

After a week preparing in Great Falls, Montana. I have finally begun paddling my way down the Missouri River with the first stop in Ft. Benton. Known as the birthplace of Montana.

This small town has an incredible connection to the river and the arts. I ended up playing two shows here, one at the Public House and another at Wake Cup Coffee House. That being said, the true gold in this town is its people. Something that continues...

I am pleased to announce my return to the river and the beginning of the second season of my canoe journey across America!

The following conversation is with Tracy Jerman from Great Falls Montana. A wonderful and wise human being who hosted me when I concluded my paddling for the summer last year, she was kind enough to host me again as I prepared to continue canoeing down the Missouri River towards St. Louis. Hope you enjoy thi...

So I have now completed my 400 mile bicycle portage through the Rockies and despite a very old yet sturdy bike without a front derailer, narrow/sometimes treacherous roads, and often steep windy and windy terrain, I had the pleasure of traversing through some incredible mountain passes, soaked in some beautiful hots springs, and met some incredible and inspiring people along the way.

Upon reaching Helena, Montana, I was fortunate ...

I have now successfully reached Lewiston, Idaho and completed the upstream paddle on my canoe odyssey across the country. It’s hard to put into words what completing this section has meant to me as I have paddled and portaged upstream through breathtaking landscapes, a variety of wonderful communities, and connected with so many amazing people.  Now I am transitioning to a 400+ mile bicycle portage over the Lolo Pass and the Bitter...

After paddling through the rest of the eastern Columbia River Gorge which brought with it a heat wave of 110 degrees or 43 degrees celsius for more than a week. I managed to finally reach the mouth of the Snake River and begin my ascent to Lewiston, Idaho. Which is the end of my upstream canoe journey by river before transitioning to a bicycle portage over the rockies. 

The following is a conversation with John Macbeth who lives ...

After an extended visit in the beautiful town of St. Helens, Oregon, I ended up having to switch gears due to excessive flooding and debris and bicycled 75 miles through Portland to the town of Cascade Locks just above the Bonneville Dam. This ultimately ended up being a blessing in disguise as I was able to explore Portland, Oregon much more extensively on a bicycle as well as riding high up on the bluffs overlooking the beginning...

After a great visit with Chris Algero in Longview, I paddled up through Rainier, Oregon to Prescott Park where I met and visited with the wonderful camp hosts George and Debbie. The current on the Columbia has become very powerful at times. With rough weather and headwinds I need to know when I can paddle and when to wait it out. I had a humbling experience one day on this stretch when I paddled only 200 yards in 45 minutes of maxi...

The following is a conversation with my host in Longview, Washington, Chris Algero, who is a Scientific Technician for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Originally from New Orleans, Chris moved to the Northwest to live his dream of spending time researching, studying, and working in wild places. An optimistic, insightful, and passionate human being, I really enjoyed speaking with him about life, our relationship...

The following is a conversation with Javier Sanchez. Co-owner of the Mile 38 Brewery. He and his husband Rex moved to Cathlamet from Seattle a few years ago and are in the process of transitioning out of corporate jobs to build their dream of living on a farm and running a craft brewery/farm to table restaurant full time. They were also kind enough to host my stay in Cathlamet, where I ended up playing my first musical show along t...