In this reflective and engaging presentation, long-distance paddler Parker.paddles shares the deeper story behind his cross-country canoe expedition, not just the 5,000 miles traveled, but the mindset shaped along the way. Over months of navigating from Neah Bay, Washington to Key Largo, Florida through remote rivers, wild weather, and long stretches of solitude, Parker discovered unexpected lessons about resilience, fear, trust, time, and the quiet, profound kindness of strangers met along the way.

Through powerful storytelling and stunning imagery, he explores how the journey tested and transformed him physically, mentally, and emotionally. This talk goes beyond adventure to ask bigger questions about purpose, discomfort, connection, and how wild places can reveal who we are when everything else is stripped away.

Whether you're drawn to the outdoors or simply curious about what long journeys can teach us, this is a thoughtful reflection on the inner terrain we travel when we venture far from home.