Michael Falconeri has been to Nova Scotia, the southwest coast of Ireland, Maine, the New England coast and Utah. Sure, many people have traveled to those places, but not in a kayak. "So far, the best place has been Lake Powell," Falconeri said. "It was so quiet." Falconeri’s latest endeavor is a trip around the United States. The trip will start in Seattle, Washington. From there he will make his way down the Pacific Coast into southern California, to the Gulf coast and up the Atlantic coast back to Connecticut. He expects it to take between six and eight months, weather permitting.

For people who want to know about the expedition as he is going through it, there will be a web-site for people to access with updates and pictures. "I want to bring an awareness to the United States," the Wallingford resident said. "I want people to look at the problems in the United States." Falconeri plans to do this with a web site with updates and a documentary. He will also be submitting a column to Atlantic Coastal Kayaker magazine. Falconeri will be carrying his food and clothes in his kayak, restocking every month.

What has been the hardest thing so far? "Purifying the salt water so I could drink it," Falconeri said. When he paddled from Branford to Maine, he learned by experience. "I will learn new things as I go along," Falconeri said. Desmond Harrington has known Mike for ten years and has faith in his friend’s plans. Harrington also runs Urban Eskimo Kayaking West, which is based in California. He will also be maintaining the web site for the company and adding updates about the excursion. "This is the hardest unassisted trip around the United States that anybody has done," Harrington said. "But he is capable. Once he puts his mind to it he will have no problem. He will do it."