Canoeist to paddle 6,000-mile Great Loop

Peter Frank, a 23-year-old adventurer, is embarking on an epic journey from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland in his 1982 Sawyer Loon decked canoe. This is just the beginning of his planned 6,000-mile voyage to complete the Great Loop route, a continuous watercourse that includes parts of the Atlantic and Gulf intracoastal waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and inland U.S. rivers.

For Frank, this journey is a way to express his gratitude for still being alive and having the physical ability to take on such a challenge. Almost a decade ago, a car accident left him with 14 broken bones and nearly paralyzed. Now, he sees this voyage as a form of appreciation for life and the ability to walk and explore the world.

Clad in a rabbit-fur hat and self-made pirate-like attire, Frank spends his days paddling between six and 10 hours in his decked vessel, which he has hollowed out to store supplies. He often sleeps in a tent by the water but also receives invitations from readers of his blog to stay in their homes along the way.

To stay warm during the journey, Frank has collected an assortment of vintage and thrift store clothing, as well as multiple layers of warm thermals and wool socks. His pack is filled with portable power banks, cords, and outlet plugs to keep his electronics charged, along with a solar panel for backup.

While he carries minimal self-defense tools, such as a small filet knife and a pocket knife, Frank relies on his outdoor skills and experience to stay safe during the expedition. As an Eagle Scout, he has prepared dehydrated food for the trip and earns income through his blog and writing for magazines.

Despite facing challenges and navigating uncharted territories, Frank remains optimistic and determined to complete the Great Loop route in approximately 17 months. He hopes to share his experiences through an informational guide and possibly an autobiography in the future.

For Frank, this journey is not just about completing a physical challenge but also about self-discovery and gratitude for life’s adventures. As he continues his voyage, he embraces the uncertainties and natural deadlines set by the changing seasons, knowing that nature is his biggest competitor on this epic expedition.