For four travelers, their only goal for the past four months has been "to be surprised by adventure."
Sara Dykman, Nia Thomas, Aaron Viducich and Matt Titre described their 2,000-mile journey to Jefferson City on Monday, as the group stopped on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Known as "On the River," the group began traveling in July, starting a 3,500-mile canoe trip across 13 states.
"We're following the birds," Viducich said. "We're trying to get south before it gets too cold."
Along the way, the group has stopped at several cities and towns, going into schools and trying to get children more connected to the river.
Titre said the group tries to get schools to bring classes to the river, where children can receive hands-on learning about the river and its importance. Afterwards, he said, children are asked to pledge that they will honor and respect the river, as well as keep trash out of it. Those who take the pledge are then invited to sign the group's canoes.
Joe Wilson, known for his involvement with the Missouri River, helped the group plan its Jefferson City visit and said he was unable to get any schools in Jefferson City to agree to bring the group in.
The group arrived in Jefferson City on Saturday and heads back on the river today.
Viducich said many towns along the river can be intimidating to paddlers, but coming into Jefferson City at the Noren Access, he said the group immediately felt welcome.
"We immediately knew this was a place we wanted to stop and spend a few days," Viducich said.
Dykman said the group also has been collecting water samples every 150 miles along the river, which they send to a lab to test for microplastics, or tiny plastic particles that accumulate in large waters. Dykman said all but one sample tested so far showed evidence of microplastics.
The group hopes to reach New Orleans by around Dec. 10, noting they have a bit of a ticking clock.
Thomas is from Wales and is in the United States on a six-month travel visa, meaning she has to be out of the country by mid-December.
For more information on the group and their travels, visit ontheriver.org.