SIOUX CITY, IA -
We met him at the start of his 1000-mile journey back in August. Now, 250 miles later, he arrived in Sioux City.
British adventurer Dave Cornthwaite traveled across the pond to take a swim in the Missouri River.
The feeling shared amongst onlookers Sunday morning as Dave Cornthwaite and his adventure crew got ready to hit the water was one of serenity.
The spectators all share one thing in common: they have been directly affected by cancer.
That's why Dave decided to do this journey: for his friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23.
"So many people are affected by cancer, not just breast cancer but, and there are some cancer sufferers here in the crowd, just to say goodbye to us, so I think it's a message that affects everybody," he said.
That message is why he started the Expedition 1000 project: 25 journeys of 1000 miles or more, each using a different form of non–motorized transport.
His grand plan is to cover a distance equivalent to the circumference of the Earth around the equator.
This current journey is a particularly daunting one.
"I'm swimming a thousand miles down the Missouri River."
That's right, swimming. He plans to swim the entire way, with a crew following close behind for support. He hopes to raise $150,000 for breast cancer research and treatment.
And even though he's already accomplished 6 other adventures, he says this one is the most demanding.
"I'm gonna be exhausted, delighted, shattered, and I think jubilant when we reach St. Louis," he said.
Seven years ago, Dave gave up his life of normalcy: a house, a career in graphic design, a long term partner, even a cat, to pursue what really makes him happy: Adventure.
"I wanted to make a living out of something I was passionate about, so slowly I started doing these adventures, and every aspect of it ticks every box that makes me happy," he said.
He says he's got big ideas for his next string of adventures.
"I'm gonna row across the Pacific Ocean, I'm gonna take a horse across Mongolia and all kinds of stuff, I've got basically 18 journeys left and any way to travel without a motor is gonna be on there. It's a long–term project."
He told us he was not a swimmer at the beginning of this, but his body has adapted.
The first day he swam three miles and was exhausted, but this Saturday he swam 40 miles, his longest distance to date on this journey.
If you wish to follow along on Dave's journey or even donate to the cause, you can visit his website: www.davecornthwaite.com
