Mid-South adventurer looks to break record, raise money
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Dale Sanders celebrated his 80th birthday in June. Now, he is attempting to become the oldest man to solo-paddle the Mississippi River from source to sea.
Sanders, who is from Bartlett, is the Director of Outreach for the Wolf River Conservancy. He is a long-time member of the Bluff City Canoe Club.
Memphian Richard Sojourner, 70-year-old president of the Bluff City Canoe Club, will try and paddle the river as well.
The team began paddling from the headwaters of the Mississippi River on May 15th. They are averaging about 30 miles per day and plan to arrive in the Gulf of Mexico in mid-August.
Motivated by his grand niece, Anna's, love for life, Sanders is also raising money to support people with Type 1 Diabetes. Having already raised nearly $14,000 he hopes to exceed the goal of $20,000 by the time the he reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
Dale arrived at Shelby Forest on July 18th. He paddled through the Memphis Harbor amid the cheers of many of his local paddling friends.
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