John Crowley gets his kayak ready this morning after driving all night with Craig Oubre from Flagstaff, Ariz., for a trip down the Mississippi River. The two were packing their gear for a trip to Natchez and possibly New Orleans. Crowley, who said this would be his first overnight kayak trip, brought camping gear for the two to camp along the river. Crowley and Oubre said they were not sure how they would manage their return, though they had a transportation offer from new friends in Vicksburg. (Jon Giffin The Vicksburg Post)