Decorah canoeists near Gulf of Mexico

Our thanks to Justin Sellers from the Vicksburg Post for sharing his photos with us

Decorah residents Corey Smock and Lance Loney could be just one week away from wrapping up their canoe trip along the 2,550-mile length of the Mississippi River.

The two are canoeing the entire Mississippi River to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of Smock's cousin, Adam Christopherson, who committed suicide in January of 2013.  They set a goal of raising $10,000 — and have already raised over $13,000 — but plan to keep accepting donations at http://paddleforprevention.weebly.com/donate.html

On Tuesday the two left Vicksburg, Mississippi, 55 days after leaving Lake Itasca in Minnesota.  Their plan is to reach the Gulf of Mexico next Wednesday or Thursday, August 5th or 6th.

Smock and Loney are both 2009 graduates of Decorah High School.  Smock is a 2013 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and the son of Mike and Renee Smock of Decorah.  Loney is a 2013 graduate of Iowa State University and the son of Mike and Kristin Loney of Decorah.

(Click on photos for larger images)