Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Peter Frank’s Epic Canoe Journey on the Great Loop
Peter Frank, a 23-year-old adventurer, is currently undertaking a remarkable solo canoe expedition known as the Great Loop, which spans approximately 9,700 kilometers across the eastern United States and part of Canada. This extensive route typically accommodates motorized boats, featuring prominent waterways such as the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic coast.
The journey began in June, with Frank choosing a counterclockwise path—a distinctive choice, as most adventurers take the opposite route. This unconventional direction means he will paddle upstream for a significant portion of his trip, adding an extra layer of challenge to his expedition.
Frank is inspired by the legendary canoer Verlen Kruger, who crafted his own canoe in the 1970s. Kruger is renowned for completing two of the longest canoeing expeditions in history: the 29,341-kilometer Two Continent Canoe Expedition and the 45,130-kilometer Ultimate Canoe Challenge, which traversed the interiors and coasts of North America.
Charting a Clockwise Course
In his quest, Frank aims to replicate a portion of Kruger’s journey and believes he and Kruger’s son Steve Landick may be the only canoeists to have completed this loop in a clockwise direction. By pursuing this route, Frank hopes to test its feasibility and gather insights about the challenges and triumphs that accompany such an endeavor.
As he progresses, Frank estimates the entire journey will take around six months. He began on Lake Michigan, paddling through the Great Lakes, navigating the Erie Canal, and journeying down the Hudson River. After covering 2,380 kilometers, he recently reached the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and is currently exploring Chesapeake Bay.
Next, Frank plans to move toward the Intracoastal Waterway and travel along the East Coast down to Florida, before making his way back up the Mississippi River. His daily routine involves paddling for six to ten hours while carrying a tent and essential supplies in a canoe resembling a kayak, but powered by a single-bladed paddle. His diet includes dehydrated foods, although he seeks fresh produce whenever possible.
While most nights find him camping in the wild, he occasionally enjoys the hospitality of strangers offering a warm bed and shower, adding a communal aspect to his solitary journey.
Previous Adventures
This canoe expedition marks just one of Frank’s many solo adventures. Back in 2021, he completed an impressive 3,800-kilometer unicycle journey from Wisconsin to Arizona, an undertaking he meticulously planned for three years. The following year, he spent five months paddling down the Mississippi River, followed by a biking expedition through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, culminating in a canoe circumnavigation of Florida.
Frank’s adventurous spirit can be traced back to a life-changing incident at 14, when a car accident left him with a shattered spine and near paralysis. This traumatic experience guided him away from a conventional lifestyle, eventually propelling him into the world of adventure and exploration. His unicycle journey was not only a personal challenge but also a fundraiser for the organization that supported his recovery.
For those interested in following Frank’s journey, updates are available on his Instagram account.
Source
explorersweb.com