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MOM'S CORNER!
Tuesday, September 4. We were thrilled to hear from Jody and Joshua again last night! They spent a safe night, I'm sure, in Aitkin, Minnesota. They are making good time. They met up with Buzz in Palisade. Buzz had such kind remarks. He is a jewel of a man whose address I just picked up off a fishing message board I discovered while trying to find contacts near Grand Rapids. Read Jody's message on What's New, and find out more!
Tammy, from Aitkin, and I were e-mailing back and forth when Jody called. That was really exciting. He called her, and she e-mailed me immediately. We were glad he was there, but she was disappointed that it was late, and she couldn't meet them there. She's going to shoot for Brainerd! I'm adding some information about Tammy and her family somewhere. I'm not sure where yet.
E-MAIL LINKS ARE WORKING AGAIN...I think! (Uncle Carl got through, anyway!) Use them to contact us SO I WILL KNOW FOR SURE!
I got the BEST anniversary gift today, a postcard from Jody! Today is also Brooke's 23rd birthday! She's our lovely, sweet daughter who lives in Houston! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKE!
Remember to try the links and IF THEY FAIL, Contact us at jodyontheriver@hotmail.com
Claudia (Mom)
FORWARD THIS SITE ADDRESS TO YOUR FRIENDS! Let's keep this project alive!
Sunday, September 9
Computer is okay again. It was really hard being without it for a few days! It, and the friends I have made as a result of this adventure, are like my lifelines to Jody. Tonight marks the end of the first three weeks of jodyontheriver. I didn't know in the beginning that his adventure would become my adventure also. I have learned so much about the Mississippi River and Minnesota.
I expect they are near Little Falls. I haven't heard from him yet this evening.
Okay! Here's the newest! I've started another site to store information, etc. It is so not finished yet, but if you would like to browse, it is jodyontheriver.freeservers.com
Claudia (Mom)
Friday, September 14
Jody called at 10:00 p.m. (I was already in bed.) They are at Ketter's, a canoe outfitters in Minneapolis. They are in good spirits. I had a wonderful conversation with Joshua. He said eight days into his trip, he pulled up at this dock, and this fellow started asking him questions about Tennessee. He had confused him with Jody. When the man discovered they were two different canoers, he loaded Joshua up in his truck and took him a mile to the campsite where Jody was. Also, I called Joshua's mom, Sheila, in Melbourne, Florida. She was so nice...a worried mom just like me.
Claudia (Mom)
Friday, September 21
Mom's Corner
I am excited about the photo of Jody and Joshua (received from Buzz today)! You can view it on the MISCELLANEOUS page. Joshua is quite handsome, and Jody looks...okay (well, pretty darned good) with a beard. It feels great to see them looking so happy and healthy. Also, I received a letter from Joshua yesterday. It was very gracious, and I am so appreciative. Something I couldn't help but notice is that Joshua is quite the calligrapher. He addressed the envelope beautifully. Maybe I'll scan it so all of you can see how talented he is!
I have this queasy, uneasy feeling in my belly. I am pretty sure it is caused by a combination of things...the horrible acts bestowed upon our country...the prospects of what's to come...not being able to be with my daughter, Brooke...and Jody and Joshua being at the mercy of nature and the Mississippi River.
Claudia(Mom)
Sunday, September 23
Jody called early this morning. I think perhaps the events of yesterday were scary for them. Jody told my niece that he thought they might be swimming. I hope that will serve as a lesson to them to not get caught like that again, not to cross large areas when conditions are questionable. Watching the television must have really thrown them for a loop, also. Word of mouth couldn't possible convey the magnitude of what is going on in the world.
Jody and Joshua have met the nicest people along the river. I have heard from most of them. I am so thankful that there really are so many wonderful people in this world.
Claudia(Mom)
Tuesday, September 25.
I have a feeling that I will hear from Jody and Joshua tonight. Mother's intuition tells me they are near Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin. A couple of miles past there are three state parks, on the Iowa side. Knowing my Jody, that's what he's got his sites set on!
This morning I was looking for a phone number to order the lower Mississippi River maps. I didn't find it, but I did find this wonderful website (bigmuddyadventure.com). These guys started the same trip on September 4th. I think they may be near Jody and Joshua. I'm trying to contact them. They are doing the trip as an educational endeavor. They have a lot of information helpful for teachers! I had always thought that was a good idea and have tried to add interesting tidbits that I've found during my research of the places Jody and Joshua have been. Let's hope we hear from them.
A sample of Joshua's calligraphy is on the CONTACT PAGE. He is quite talented, wouldn't you agree!!! Check the LINKS PAGE for a gorgeous photo of the river at Lansing, Iowa! It won't be there long because...the boys are moving along, and I have to move with them!
Claudia(Mom)
E-mail us!
Wednesday, September 26
Mom's Corner
Jody called early this morning. I think perhaps the events of yesterday were scary for them. Jody told my niece that he thought they might be swimming. I hope that will serve as a lesson to them to not get caught like that again, not to cross large areas when conditions are questionable. Watching the television must have really thrown them for a loop, also. Word of mouth couldn't possible convey the magnitude of what is going on in the world.
Jody and Joshua have met the nicest people along the river. I have heard from most of them. I am so thankful that there really are so many wonderful people in this world.
Claudia(Mom)
Saturday, September 29
Mom's intuition was right again! A special thanks to the Clements for helping Jody and Joshua and giving them a place to stay for the night. Their website (clementsfishing.com) is nice, and I've heard from Mark Clements, a very nice fellow! If I could contact them, I would thank the two nice fellows who fed Jody and Joshua yesterday.
Claudia(Mom)
Wednesday, October 3
I was expecting a call from Jody last night. I took the cell phone to my Bunko meeting. (Bunko is this game a bunch of us teachers play once a month!) I told my friend, Teresa, that, if the phone rang while we were playing, I would just have to become a dummy! Dummy is what we call the empty chairs when we don't have enough players. Anyway, I narrowly escaped becoming a dummy because it rang while we were eating!
I was thrilled and amazed, once again, at the generosity of the wonderful people the boys have met along the river. Thank you, Dudley and Mary Stevenson for looking out for Jody and Joshua!
Claudia(Mom)
Friday, October 5
When Jody told me about the pivoting bridge at Lock and Dam 15, I knew exactly what he was talking about as I had added the photo yesterday morning! I told him that they have got to get going! It is getting cold where he is, and he needs to get home!
A special thanks to "sailboat friends". It was kind of you to take Joshua and Jody under your wing for the night!
Claudia(Mom)
Monday, October 8
It was good to hear from Jody. I know the cold weather is beginning to be a problem. They need to make better progress. I guess it is going to be pretty chilly for the rest of the trip. We will take them some warmer things when we see them in two weeks.
Claudia(Mom)
Thursday, October 11
You cannot know how relieved we were to hear from Jody today. I was about to get in the car and go to find them! You know the Mom's intuition thing...well, when Jody called today, I had the river map turned to Oquawka. He called back today because he talked with his dad this morning and not me. He was then in Burlington. This mom had already done her research and had the Burlington page up before he called! They seem to be learning important lessons about the river! They will be in Keokuk tomorrow!
Claudia(Mom)
Wednesday, October 16
Jody and Joshua should be near Hannibal, Missouri. I have made a good friend on the internet from Hannibal. Her name is Myrna. She secured a campsite for them there and contacted the newspaper. She was so looking forward to meeting them. Alas, her mother passed away over the weekend. Please keep Myrna and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Claudia(Mom)
Thursday, October 18
We are leaving today. It is 5:30 a.m., and I am battling the clock. I've got to finish packing and get ready for work. I won't be back home again until Tuesday. I look forward to the meeting and seeing for myself that the boys are okay. I hope to have lots of info and photos upon our return!
Claudia(Mom)
Monday, October 22
The plan was that Joe and I were to spend Friday and Saturday nights in Metropolis, Illinois, for my birthday and a little R&R. We arrived in Metropolis at 10:30 Thursday evening. I read the sign "Giant Superman Statue" aloud. Joe either didn't hear me (he is deaf in the passenger side ear) or he thought I was kidding. We came upon it, and he said, "My Gosh! It's Superman!" The next day we visited the Superman Museum! Saturday morning I woke up, and there was a revelation! I knew we must leave to find the boys. Jody was supposed to call on that (Saturday) morning. We loaded up and left not having heard from Jody. We knew we were headed north of St. Louis. Jody called around 1:00. He told us they were in Louisianna, Missouri. I told him that we would be there by 3:30. At precisely 3:30, we walked down to the dock. I saw Jody's boat but not Joshua's. Then Joshua's boat bobbed around, and there was a young man. I snapped a picture and started running. "Joshua!" I yelled. "I'm Claudia!" He hugged me, and a few moments later Jody walked up. It was so wonderful to see him. He looked good, healthy and fit. (I still have reservations about the beard.) We loaded up the boats and gear. Jody had already checked and knew there were no rooms in Louisianna, so we headed south to Clarksville. There were no rooms available there either, so we went a few more miles down the road to Elsberry. Bingo! We spent a wonderful two nights there with the boys! On Saturday night, we ate at Big D's Place, and they played pool afterward. We spent a lot of time just visiting and talking about the trip. Sunday morning, we headed out to the laundromat. Jody was looking forward to watching the Titans, but they were not being aired there. Joe called a nearby golf course and found out they had rental clubs. The boys were ecstatic at the thoughts of playing golf. We went through our suitcase and found appropriate clothing for both boys. Joshua wore Joe's tennis shoes, and Jody wore his dad's dress shoes. The rental clubs turned out to be one set of six irons ranging from a 3 to 13. Anyway, we managed, and I think they had a good time. We returned to Sadie's for dinner (we had eaten breakfast there that morning). The next morning, after breakfast, we loaded up the boats and gear and made our way to the river about 6 miles away. The departure at Timberlake Marina was bittersweet. I didn't want to see them go, but I also knew the sooner they left, the sooner they would be home! We all agreed it would be no more than fifty days, and I guess I can stand anything for fifty days. I've already begun marking them off. We're down to forty-nine now! The memory of the past two days and the quaint little town of Elsberry, Missouri, will forever hold a special place in my heart!
Claudia(Mom)
Thursday, October 25
After the call from the hospital yesterday, Joe and I were on pins and needles. He cleaned out the truck in anticipation of having to go and get the boys. He waited impatiently on the couch last night and I on the computer. When I received the e-mail from Dana telling me the boys were safe and at her house, I broke down...only the second time since Jody left on August 20th. I am so thankful for the wonderful people we have met on the river. It is a tribute to America! How can we ever return their kindnesses?
Claudia(Mom)
Monday, October 29
Jody tried to call us yesterday, but, alas, we failed him. We were otherwise occupied...hard to believe, huh?They really are making good time now. I'm guessing 43 days to the end. What an adventure/ordeal this has been!
I was excited to find out about Brendan and his adventure. I would like to know him better, and we may...his trip is being logged on riverroad.com. The guys from bigmuddyadventure have passed the boys.
I am going to try to post some new photos tonight. With the time change and all, I don't know for sure if I can stay awake long enough.
Claudia(Mom)
Friday, November 2
I knew I would hear from Jody this evening! He knows my limit. We have always been kindred spirits! The photo above is when we left him in Elberry, Missouri. In my heart, I believed they were fine, but a mother needs to hear to know for sure. I also believe this journey will be over in a little over a month. What an adventure it has been! Thanks to each and everyone of you for your concern and interest. You have been my support group!
Meanwhile, on the home front, my daughter, Brooke, is home from Houston this weekend. We will see her tomorrow at the MTSU/Arkansas game, and she will be here Sunday for some of Granny's chicken and rice! If we are lucky, we will get a photo of her so all of you can see what a lovely daughter we have! She has been very gracious to take the backseat for a short time while her brother, Jody, is...on the river!
Claudia(Mom)
Sunday, November 4
Jody called this morning, and Brooke was with us most of the day! What a wonderful day it has been! I failed to mention that he said their goal to finish is December 3. WOW! Less than a month away. I am so thankful they are well and safe. I have to admit, in the beginning, I really wasn't sure my son would survive this trip. I believe now that he will! I am also contemplating going to Memphis next weekend to be a part of "whoever decides to meet him". Maybe I will surprise him. That's a nice thought.
A reality check...Last weekend I broke a tooth while at a college reunion. On Monday, I got a temporary crown. This morning, while flossing, I was daydreaming...thinking about "other things". I popped the crown right off. The moral of this story is...focus while flossing?...or maybe it is STAY FOCUSED ON THE PROJECT AT HAND!
Claudia(Mom)
Monday, November 5
How surprised and thankful I was to hear from Jody two days in a row! He didn't have a lot to say...just that they are making good time, and don't know what the weather will be like for the next week.
I am in touch with Shawn Powers in Memphis. I WILL BE THERE...at 2:00 on Sunday! It would be wonderful to actually meet some of you in person. (Jean, I hope you are there.) Anyway, I'm still working on my tooth problem. In the meantime, my mind is churning about the weekend and my driving the pickup in Memphis... I'm not the best driver in the world, but I will do what I have to for my children.
Claudia(Mom)
Wednesday, November 7
When I got home today, I switched on my computer to check my e-mail. I had an e-mail from Tilo's mother telling how frantic they were to hear how the boys were after the ROBBERY! I immediately e-mailed her back and told her I knew nothing of it! I gathered my senses and called her(first time). She said Joshua had called his sister in Florida who had e-mailed her! When I talked with Jody tonight, he asked me how I knew about the robbery. He had been busy with the authorities and hadn't called since he thought I knew nothing of the incident. Isn't it strange how word spreads in cyberspace? We are very thankful that they are fine, have bought groceries, and will be in Memphis on Sunday!
Claudia(Mom)
Tuesday, November 13
My trip home was delayed a day because of the fuel pump problem on the truck. I guess we could call that a blessing in disguise because I had extra time to visit with my cousin, and I didn't have to travel at night! Disregard the .00 it cost us. Joe said it would have happened sooner or later.
I loved being with my son and Joshua...and Linda, my cousin. It was a special weekend, and I can't imagine how I ever considered not going. I feel that the boys are winding down...ready for the trip to continue and to then be over. They were still up and very comfortable in their canoes, but I sense they can see the end and are ready to get on with the rest of their lives.
I let Jody drive to the grocery store so that I could navigate. He kept sitting at lights after they had turned green. He said, "Mom, I'm just not used to so many distractions!" The river has changed them. I pray to God that it is for the better!
Claudia(Mom)
Sunday, November 18
When Joshua called me, I thought the worst! Fortunately, it was a benign call. Also, at the end, he said he missed me. That was a nice touch.
I have been stressing a lot about how this ending is going to come together. It will all work out, you know. Jody and Joshua will be okay. I know that now. I certainly didn't know in the beginning. As a mother, I have to have something to worry about. Well, I've had my share here lately! I believe in three weeks Jody and I will be here in the den, fussing about who is using the computer, and HE WILL BE LOOKING FOR A JOB!
Claudia(Mom)
Wednesday, November 21
I don't know about Jody, but I am ready for this trip to be over! I see the end is in sight, but I am not sure how it going to come about. I know we plan to leave week after next to go and get him.
I have been working all day, since I got out of school at 10 a.m., cooking and enjoying every minute of it. As much as I can remember, tomorrow will be the first Thanksgiving that Jody has not been home. We will be thinking of him and including him in our prayers, and I thank all of you who have been doing the same.
Claudia(Mom)
Thursday, November 29
When Jody called yesterday, it had been almost a week since we had heard from him. One has to be a parent to know the fears we were internalizing. He sounded the same. I'm okay, Mom, etc. I have tried to turn my fears over to the Higher Power. Yet, in my light sleep, there continues to be dreams, and they all seem to find ME...SOMEWHERE ON THE RIVER, in my subconscious state, searching for my son.
We look forward to picking Jody up next week. We would go and get him tonight if he asked us to. We are happy that he has had the opportunity to have this wonderful adventure, but we, as parents, want our son home where the risks for survival are somewhat more predictable.
Claudia(Mom)
Sunday, December 2
We haven't heard from Jody since last Wednesday. We did, however, hear from Joshua on Friday night. He and Jason were also camping at the Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez. The townfolk told them that Jody had left that morning, so Jody is one day ahead of them. Joshua will be getting off the river at New Orleans on December 8. Jody will also be stopping in New Orleans but on the 6th or 7th. The two hope to meet up again in Baton Rouge...maybe tomorrow.
I received an e-mail last night from Bill in Natchez who visited with Jody there. It is always reassuring to hear from someone who has talked with him since I have.
Claudia(Mom)
Tuesday, December 4
Jody called last night and again this morning. He is safe and happy...showers equate with happiness these days!He said the guys were really nice there. They wanted him to get off the phone so they could call the tv station to get someone down for an interview. He said he thought they might feed him in a little while!
We are anxious to pick him up (couldn't tell, could you?). As much as I've tried to be on top of this thing from the beginning, Joe is boucing off the ceiling...cannot wait to get out of here. He was the one who insisted that this would be a fast trip...now he is dying to hook up with Josh and Tilo for an ending toast! These guys...go figure!
Claudia(Mom)
Saturday, December 8
Joe and I left Wednesday evening for New Orleans. We spent the night on the road in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On Thursday, around 11:30, we arrived in New Orleans. I didn't think Jody would be finished, but we decided that we would go upriver and see if we could find him...just for the heck of it. One couldn't see the river because of the levies, and signs were posted everywhere..."no trespassing". We kept pulling over, and I would run to the top of the levy and look. We checked in at Edgar Ferry, and they hadn't seen him. We only saw one other place where we might get down on the river. I said, "Let's go further upstream, and we'll check by here on the way back." Well, we went up a ways and found this great little grocery store/restaurant with Cajun food. We had a great lunch and headed back downstream. We stopped in at the Marine Landing place and asked the men had they seen a solo canoeist with a big brown barrel in the canoe. They said, "Yes, passed by about 20 minutes ago." They said the best place to find him was at the ferry which was 6 miles down. We rushed back to the ferry and watched...and watched. I kept seeing logs that I swore were canoes, and frankly, I was a nervous wreck. We were about to leave, and who do we see? Right! Jody Bowman...about 20 feet off shore. Joe yelled at him...he saw us and tried to make his way to shore. A ferry was actually coming in, and a tug was passing by also. He actually went in between the tug and the ferry, and we actually nearly had heart attacks! To his credit, he really seemed to know what he was doing. He made it to shore, somewhat surprised to see us. We took him three or four miles up the road for a soft drink and a double cheeseburger, po boy sandwich. We enjoyed a short visit, took him back to his canoe and held our respective breaths as he left again. Joe was yelling, "Look out, Jody! Those barges have started moving!" I said, "Come on, Daddy. Let's leave him in God's hands. It's certainly out of ours." And Joe and I left.
What concerned us so much was the amount of traffic, going different directions, all different shapes, sizes, and speeds. It was overwhelming to us because the real danger of this part of the river was right before our eyes! We went back to our motel room, took a nap, ate supper and went to bed. The next morning with nothing else to do but wait for Jody's call, we set out to find Joshua. We figured he was a little ways behind Jody and would be in the same general area where we had found Jody the day before. We checked by the ferry, climbed a few levies, and went to the Marine Landing place. They hadn't seen Josh, but they said if an aircraft carrier was passing by they wouldn't see it either because the fog was so heavy. So we left a number and a message for Joshua to call us if they happened to see him.
Joe and I had what we thought was several hours before Jody would call. I suggested we could tour some of these old plantations or walk around in down town New Orleans. Joe said why couldn't we do both. We were pulling into the parking lot of this beautiful old home when the phone rang. It was Lori from our business saying Jody had called and left a number. He was at his ending place and wanted us to come and get him. I called the number. The answer on the other end was, "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is Jody. How may I help you?" Well, I've got to tell you. That threw us for a loop. He said the man who answered the phone had stepped out to get him a cup of coffee and had directed him to answer the phone that way! He was at the Spillway Boat Ramp and was declaring his journey had reached its end. With my river map in hand, I knew exactly how to get there. In about forty minutes, we arrived. As we were loading up our son to come home, the phone rang. It was Joshua! He had received our message! I was so glad to hear that he, too, was safe. I asked him if he would like us to drive around to visit with him, but he respectfully declined saying he really needed to be paddling so that he could reach his destination of the Moon Walk by tomorrow.
After a nice Cajun lunch, the three of us headed back toward Tennessee. Our goal was to be home by 10 p.m., but an ailing left tail-light caused us to have to spend the night on the road. We didn't sleep at all, had breakfast at 5 a.m., and were on the road by 6:30. We rolled into Shelbyville around noon, today, Saturday, December 8th. We are all tired, but Joe, Petey, and I are glad to have Jody home. I am so thankful that he has arrived home in one piece! I am also thankful to Jody that he has let me be a part of his great adventure!
Claudia(Mom)
jody.freeservers.com
Hey! Everyone!
Jody and Josh are fine! Jody is safe and at home with us, and Josh is safely with his family in Florida. I am still adding odds and ends to the site...photos, etc. We so appreciate your continued interest in what is going on in their lives! Jody is looking for a job, and Josh is preparing for his next adventure in Europe. Please stay tuned because I don't have any idea where this site is going. Josh has mentioned sending out e-mails for his next adventure. I, of course, offered to help.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and interest.
Claudia (Mom)
March 1, 2002
Hey Friends!
If any of you are still watching, here is what is going on with Jody and Josh right now!
Jody has a job! He works in Nashville with Arlen Terminals. He installs computer software...mostly for school cafeterias. He recently moved into his own apartment. Josh is walking the coastline of Spain with his girlfriend, Tilo. We have heard from them a few times, and they seem very happy.
Stay in touch. We never know what lies ahead for these two fellows!
Claudia (Mom)
July 28, 2002
Dear Friends,
I checked the stats on the site today and was thrilled to see that people are still viewing the site. We still have an average of 5 hits a day with the exception of one day last week when there were 42! I thought it might be time to add an update!
Josh took a bus from Jacksonville in May to Nashville. He went on a weekend canoe trip with Jody and some of his friends. He then came to Shelbyville to spend a few days with Joe and me. Tilo, Josh's girlfriend, met him here. We took them to Jack Daniels' distillery and had a family and friends dinner for them. Jody and new friend, Delain, were here, also. I cooked red beans and RICE. I thought the rice would be appropriate. Josh and Tilo left. The plan was to visit friends in Chicago and then to go to Florida to live while Josh finished his degree. We recently received a card from Josh stating that he and Tilo would be staying in Chicago where he would finish his degree at the University of Chicago.
Stan Hanson, the e-buddy who rescued Jody and Josh after the tornado, and Verlen Kruger, known world-wide in the canoeing world, are presently canoeing the Yukon River.
Joe and I took a road trip down the Natchez Trace Parkway in April. We visited the Under the Hill Saloon and thanked the people who so graciously allowed him to stay there when he passed through Natchez. Even the cab driver had heard of Jody!
In June, Joe, Jody, Brooke, and I attended the Bowman family reunion in Pensacola, Florida. He was presented with a medal by the Bowman family for his efforts to raise money through his trip for the American Diabetes Association. There are many diabetics in the Bowman line.
Today at the grocery store, I ran into David Renegar, who had been keeping up with Jody's trip. He asked, "Is Jody ready to take another big trip?" I replied wearily, "I'm sure he will want to someday."
Sincerely,
Claudia (Mom)
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