Men have dominated the world of outdoor adventuring and guiding for so long, that it’s easy to overlook the increasing presence of women in all spheres. More women now complete long-distance paddles on the Mississippi, as well as through hikes on the major trails. The world of guided paddling on the Mississippi reflects the trend. In this episode, I talk with five women who worked this past season as river guides on the Mississippi for one of the outfitters or river-focused organizations. I asked each to talk about their paths to guiding, to describe their stretch of the Mississippi, and to spotlight a few places and experiences that highlighted their year. At the end of the conversation, I asked each woman to identify something about their experience on the Mississippi this year that they’re grateful for.

You’ll hear from:

• Amber “Sparky” Lynum from Paddle Bridge in the Twin Cities
• Melissa Sauter from the Mississippi River Water Trail Association in St. Louis
• Heather “Red River Otter” Crosse from the Quapaw Canoe Company in Clarksdale, Mississippi
• Cory Maria Dack and Sarah Lent

In the Mississippi Minute, I mention a few things that I’m grateful for.