The 54-year-old commercial photographer boarded his specially designed 16-foot canoe in order to discover the mysteries and myths of the Mississippi River. Since launching the canoe in Spencer's Creek, which flows through the artist's historic 23-acre farm in Tennessee's Williamson County, Guider has paddled through the Harpeth and Cumberland Rivers, Barkley and Kentucky Lakes, leading to the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers and eventually to the Mississippi River.

Awakening to crimson and orange sunrises, alone on the river for five to six days at a time with the occasional company of geese overhead, constantly paddling for 8 to10 hours a day, being chased by mosquitoes into his tent at night - his physically arduous challenge has resulted in a renewal of connection between a man and nature. The strenuous regime for Guider has also produced a thirty-pound weight loss as well as lowering his blood pressure and relieving symptoms of arthritis.

Guider and his canoe have endured 24-hour storms (resulting in breathtaking photos), large snakes with heads as big as fists, and alligators that fortunately wished to be alone. "It is hard to believe I could be afraid of anything ever again," remarked Mr. Guider. "Being surrounded by the Mississippi, a true national treasure, I have been a witness to nature - and I hope through my photographs taken on this voyage, others will be able to do the same."