I’m now on my final approach into New Orleans with plans to arrive into the city on Tuesday, December 1st to land at 5pm – if the weather holds up! I’ll plan to be in town from Dec 1st thru Dec 8th.
Today is my birthday and I’ll be paddling with local Natchez kayaker Adam Elliott for the second part of the day. This is a sincerely beautiful portion of the river and the weather forecast for the next several days is bright and sunny. I couldn’t ask for a better day or for that matter spell of my life.
I’m really excited to be on this final stretch of the Mississippi. Am trying to enjoy the beauty of it all and to take it all in as the experience is about to come to an end.
So whether you can make it to New Orleans in person or meet up with me via this blog – I’ll look forward to seeing you all come NOLA!
Neal Moore is a world traveler, creative activist and co-author of Down the Mississippi: A Modern-day Huck on America's River Road (Mark Twain Museum Press). Check it out! -- 
Flash River Safari 
Happy birthday Neal!! Awesome adventure. What are you going to do after New Orleans? By the way, my dad finished his transcon ride yesterday. Talk soon. Ben P.
Very cool, Ben — tell your dad congrats! Life is up in the air at this stage of my life — we’ll see what happens following the great trek!
Bon anniversaire mon ami! (You did say, “French” Quarter, right?) Have a great day, Neal!
Cheers, Cindy! Departing the Great State of Mississippi today as I enter Louisiana Proper – on both sides of the river. Really very hard to think or even say it – but here goes… Au revoir, Mississippi!
Cheers, Cindy! Am going to have to brush up on my French to be sure… All I know how to say is “Au revoir” — and I’m not looking forward to the moment when I have to say this to the Mississippi.
Birthday greetings from the Blue Ridge foothills in Virginia! Neal, I am so thankful that you sent me your website so I can follow your extraordinary journey. Who could have suspected on your Original Birthday all the miles those baby feet would one day wander around the world??? You have such rich experiences under your belt, and I am already anticipating the next, undecided chapter. Godspeed ahead to New Orleans!
Thanks a stack, Audrey — almost there! Will contact upon arrival. Neal
Happy Birthday sir!!!!!
So you just turned 19 huh?hahahaha
Congragulations sir!!!!!!
Everything’s going great here…I might be doing my first gig anytime now…so if I do…I’ll post the video on facebook or something…..
So what are you going to do for your B-Day?
Be safe sir and GodSpeed!!!!!
-Shemiah
Hey Shemiah — thanks for all the well-wishes! Great to hear about your first gig. Would definitely love to hear how that pans out! All best for now Neal
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEAL!!!!!
Today Sunday we spent part of the day catching up on your Mississippi River Journey as a way to celebrate your Birthday while we enjoyed listening to your voice on the iReports as you interviewed some of the folks along the way. Sounds like you were having a great day today as well. It all sounds wonderful. Thinking about you, keep up the good work Neal, you are doing a great job. We are proud to pass along your link to our friends and family. Everyone is in awe of your journey and all the experiences you are having.
Well, take care and hope your Birthday was a great one today.
Our love,
Dad and Amanda
Thanks a lot — really looking forward to coming out to join up with you both here in short order. Going to be great! Stay well and I’ll look forward to that flight out west!
Neal,
Happy belated birthday. Be safe in your final days on the river. As one who grew up on the river, I’m very impressed by your accomplishment. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving.
Jim
Thanks, Jim — doing great. Just passed the point where I was to meet you here in N. Louisiana. Am sorry to have missed you at St. Francesville. All best and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well! Neal
Cheers, Bob — Really looking forward to meeting up come NOLA! Now in striking distance — going to be great! Neal
Sorry I missed your birthday. Lost a family member on that day and things have been hectic. Hope you had a great day. You are a gift to many.
Warmest,
Wynette
Neal,
It was great to meet you and spend a little time at the Ranchhouse learning about your journey. Truly amazing! I still can’t believe what you’ve done, especially as a novice boater, and I still think you’re a little bit crazy!!! Hope you enjoyed your time at Angola. Come back and see us when you have a little more time to stay. Good luck and be safe.
Perry
Brother Neal — and many more to ya! See you in New Orleans I hope, I’ll be with Old Man River Project rowing the final miles with them Baton Rouge to the Gulf, I think the plan is to make a stop at the Moonwalk Landing (French Quarter) sometime Dec Dec 4th, 5th or 6th. I’ll give you an update if possible for a rendevouz & a cafe au lait!
-John
Hey Neal…Hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving yesterday and it sounds like today is your birthday? If not, it must have been yesterday.. Whenever, I also wish you a happy birthday and many more of them to come.. One of the many things I was thankful for yesterday was for the opportunity to meet you and by following your trip and activities, to broaden my horizons in a big way! Looking forward to seeing you again some day when you return to Iowa!
Janet
Oops….! reading a bit further, I see that your birthday was on the 22nd….a few more yesterdays ago…so….happy belated birthday!! 🙂
Janet
Hi Neal: We send belated birthday wishes and did think about you on 22nd… by now we are eager to hear about your arrival in New Orleans and your adventures there. Our family is eagerly following your journalism and adventures. Our very best to you and eat some crawfish for us! Jo Ann, Ken and boys