#165 - The Missouri River winds through America's heartland like a massive, muddy snake—but what's it like to follow it from source to mouth? Larry Campbell, a retired math professor, did exactly that in a life-changing seven-week adventure that transformed his understanding of this iconic waterway.

Larry's journey began at Three Forks, Montana, where he made the startling discovery that the Missouri begins by flowing north, not south as many assume. From there, he traced the river's 2,300-mile path through seven states, 27 cities, and centuries of American history. Along the way, he walked in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, often standing in the exact spots where these legendary explorers had stood more than two centuries earlier.

What makes Larry's story so captivating isn't just the magnificent landscapes or historical sites—it's the "human treasures" he encountered. There's the story of Shep, a loyal dog who greeted trains daily for five years hoping his deceased owner would return. There's the Swiss woman who found freedom in South Dakota's vast open spaces after leaving the confines of alpine Europe. And there's the unexpected discovery that Larry's own great-great-grandfather was one of the founders of Atchison, Kansas, a revelation that gave his journey a deeply personal dimension.

The Missouri River isn't just water flowing through America—it's a cultural dividing line separating farmers from ranchers, splitting cities across state lines, and even creating time zone boundaries in places like Pierre and Fort Pierre. Larry's vivid descriptions bring these fascinating quirks to life, showing how the river has shaped not just the landscape but the very identity of the communities along its banks.

Ready to experience this fascinating journey yourself? Pick up Larry's beautifully illustrated book "Rollin' Down the River: Discovering People and Places Along the Mighty Missouri," featuring 200 photographs and stories that will make you feel like you're traveling alongside him. Contact Larry directly for a signed copy at a special discount for podcast listeners—and discover why this adventure became so much more than just a trip down a river. You can reach Larry by email larrycampbell@missouristate.edu or check out his website www.larryncampbell.com.

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