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The Last River Rat: Scott Bestul, the Man Who Lived on the Mississippi River for 25 Years

Orson Scott Card

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Scott Bestul, The Last River Rat, Standing On The Bank Of The Mississippi River The Last River Rat J Scott Bestul

The Last River Rat

by J Scott Bestul

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages

In the heart of the American Midwest, where the mighty Mississippi River snakes its way through rolling hills and fertile plains, there lived a man named Scott Bestul. For 25 years, Bestul called the river his home, living off the land and water, and forging an unbreakable bond with the natural world.

Bestul's journey to the river began in the early 1970s. A restless spirit, he had always felt drawn to the outdoors, and after a stint in the military, he decided to embark on a new adventure. With little more than a canoe and a few supplies, he set off down the Mississippi, determined to find a life beyond the confines of society.

As he paddled down the river, Bestul encountered a diverse cast of characters, from fellow river rats to fishermen and farmers. He learned the ways of the river, how to navigate its currents and find food and shelter. He also discovered the beauty and fragility of the ecosystem, and the threats it faced from pollution and development.

In 1978, Bestul decided to settle down on a remote stretch of the river in southeastern Minnesota. He built a cabin on a sandbar, and for the next 25 years, he lived a life of solitude and self-reliance. He fished for his food, grew his own vegetables, and collected firewood for heat and cooking. He also became a skilled craftsman, building his own furniture and tools from the materials he found in the forest.

Bestul's life on the river was not without its challenges. He had to contend with harsh weather conditions, floods, and the occasional run-in with wildlife. But he also found immense joy and satisfaction in his simple existence. He loved the peace and tranquility of the river, and the feeling of being connected to the natural world.

In 2003, Bestul published a book about his experiences on the river, entitled "Living on the Mississippi." The book became a bestseller, and Bestul became a sought-after speaker and environmental advocate. He used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mississippi River and its ecosystem.

In 2013, Bestul decided to leave his cabin on the river and move to a nearby town. He was 70 years old, and his health was beginning to decline. But he never forgot his time on the river, and he continued to speak out for its protection until his death in 2019.

Scott Bestul was a true pioneer, a man who lived his life on his own terms, and who left behind a legacy of environmental stewardship. His story is an inspiration to all who dream of living a life of adventure and self-reliance, and who are committed to protecting the natural world.

The Last River Rat

by J Scott Bestul

4.6 out of 5