ALTON — Brian Dawson, a drywall finisher from Newton, Iowa, recently made a stop in Alton as part of his ambitious 2,450-mile canoe trip down the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast. Dawson embarked on his journey in June and is traveling with his loyal German shepherd, Jade. Dawson decided to undertake this river expedition and seize the moment to explore the river. "I chose to spend money while I can," Dawson said. "It means the world to me; I've been waiting a long time." Jade, who has been with Dawson for eight years, provides companionship and security during the trip. "She has guard duty during the night and sleeps in the canoe during the day," Dawson noted. The journey, which includes breaks such as a five-day hiatus for the Iowa State Fair, has been both challenging and rewarding. Dawson has been documenting his travels every three to four days in the Mississippi River Paddlers journal and keeps in touch with his family and followers via Facebook. "The most interesting
Continue Reading