Direct Flight to Tomorrow: Journey Without Limits
A remarkable journey began on July 3, 1981, when a group of young adventurers from the U.S. and Germany launched a makeshift raft named Eulenspiegel on the Missouri River near Kansas City. Their goal was to float to St. Louis and continue down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. This adventure, documented by photography enthusiast Justus Wayne Thomas, spans two months of extraordinary experiences.
Launch of the Eulenspiegel Raft
Tom Bates organized the trip and invited Thomas to document their journey through photographs. These images are now collected in the upcoming book, The River Will Be a Part of Us, to be published by Daylight Books in 2024. The book features reflections from Thomas and other crew members, with an introductory essay by cultural historian TK Smith.
A Nostalgic Adventure
According to Smith, the allure of Thomas’s photographs extends beyond their aesthetic appeal. They encapsulate a longing for adventure, a feeling rarely experienced yet deeply yearned for in the U.S. visual culture.
Reflections on the Journey
Initially, Thomas and Bates planned to release their findings shortly after the raft trip. Unfortunately, much of their draft was lost to the river near New Orleans. Over the years, life took the crew in separate directions, and Thomas’s Ektachrome slides remained untouched until a film scanner revived their potential. By 2010, technological advancements allowed crew members to reconnect, leading to a reunion in Winter Park, Colorado, in 2011.
Experiencing Danger and Adventure
During the trip, Thomas struck a balance between observation and participation. While he sometimes stood apart to capture moments, he frequently engaged with his crew. The group faced real dangers; navigating the river was not always easy. A night arrival in St. Louis after a storm posed a significant threat, nearly leading to disaster under a barge at the city’s iconic Gateway Arch.
Another daunting experience occurred when the raft was swept into a chute, leading back into a dark wilderness and over a waterfall before returning to the Mississippi River.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on the physical challenges of the trip, Thomas wonders if he could undertake such a journey again. However, he hopes his book will inspire a new generation of adventurers to embark on similar leaps of faith. In doing so, they may find themselves answering future “why in the world” questions about their own journeys.
Conclusion
The Eulenspiegel’s journey exemplifies the spirit of adventure and exploration. The upcoming publication of The River Will Be a Part of Us is a tribute to the bonds formed and experiences shared over the course of two months, framed within the broader narrative of youthful daring and discovery.
