On June 25th, 2016, John Connelly became the first to both canoe the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and kayak the Maine Island Trail, but went a step further connecting them with the Saint John River and Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada; 1500 miles in 75 days. This solo expedition launched in the Adirondack Mountains on April 16th proved challenging, rewarding, eye-opening and was tracked in real-time by satellite and was followed by thousands online. Find out how he met the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and survived violent storms. Be inspired to seek out these water trails and experience portions of them for yourself.
Connelly’s 75-day trip took him through 2 countries, 4 states, 22 streams, 58 lakes and the North Atlantic. Check out his trip at paddlequest1500.com.

–A physical and mental challenge; an epic adventure, living out of my boat–wild rivers, volatile ocean, unpredictable weather, unique people, backwoods towns and rugged working-waterfront villages–one extraordinary journey. – John Connelly

Dying Out Here is Not an Option is as wonderful a read as it is a wild ride. Connelly uses his luscious narrative style like a magic boat to transport readers effortlessly into his epic journey. With all the skills of an accomplished novelist, he vividly builds the universe he transects, detail by fascinating detail. You can feel the sun on your back and the cold water in your face as the struggle proceeds. It is a brilliant and engrossing tale of true grit and adventure, and the apotheosis that comes from an heroic effort. I’m so glad he survived to tell the shape of his waters.

-Richard Bangs: Contributor, The New York Times, Slate, Huffington Post, Host of PBS Richard Bangs’ Quests and Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose