Some people have the outdoors in their blood. Will Collins is one of them. From the time he attended his first summer camp as a child, he felt drawn to the outdoors. In this episode, I talk with Will about his path from childhood summer camps in Wisconsin to multi-week expeditions in remote areas. In 2017, he paddled source-to-sea on the Mississippi River. I ask him how he planned for the trip, about the generosity of people he met along the way and the daily rhythms of a long-distance trip, and also about adjusting to life after the completion of a big expedition. The year after his Mississippi River trip, he paddled for 70 days on the Yukon River. He describes how that trip differed from paddling the Mississippi. Will’s love for the outdoors extends well beyond his own expeditions, so we finish with a discussion of his podcast, Buffalo Roamer Outdoors, and the guided trips he coordinates. Will’s enthusiasm for getting outside is infectious and may inspire you to get out for your own adventures.

Hope you enjoy this Guest Post as Will joined Dean Klinkenberg on the Mississippi Valley Traveler Podcast.

Join Will on the River! Summer and Fall 2024 Guided Canoe trips available at www.buffaloroamer.com/trips

Brought to you by:

Soda Peak Outfitters - Experience true Wyoming Wilderness With Soda Peak Outfitters. DIY and Guided Pack trips, fishing trips and more. Nestled in the Greater Yellowstone Area, Soda Peak calls the stunning Bridger Teton National Forest and the Teton Wilderness Home. Use code BR2024 for 5% off any trip, or email charles@sodapeakoutfitters.com for details or to help you plan your wilderness adventure.

Fishell Paddles - Makers of Fine, Handcrafted Wooden Canoe Paddles
Try a Fishell paddle and FEEL the difference. Each paddle is handmade by Greg Fishell at his shop in Flagstaff, Arizona. Will uses a Ray Special model, and outfits all of his trips with Fishell Paddles as well. Use code WILL at checkout for a free paddle hanger w/ purchase of new paddle!

SREgear.com
SRE Outdoors is a Family Owned & Operated Outdoor Gear Shop in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Great gear, great prices, unbeatable customer service. Use code WILL at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Interested in advertising or partnering with Buffalo Roamer Outdoors? Contact Will here: buffaloroamer.com/contact