No kids, that is time available #1. My own boss is #2. Quit hiring employees years ago #3.
Got lucky with some savings early on #4 which allows me to work for living instead of living to work.
It's been awhile since I've thru paddled a river. Been getting the itch lately. I hiked the whole A.T. back in 2000 just out of college, but can't take 6+ months at this point to hike PCT or CDT so 50 days or less. Any Northern river recommendations? I've done a bunch of thru paddles in the Southeast, and wouldn't mind avoiding a bunch of lakes and dams next trip. I paddle the Buffalo in Arkansas every 2 to 3 years. If almost navigable at 130 miles that is a week taking my time. I'm thinking 900-600 miles of mostly obstruction free water.
One of you Midwesterners has to have some cool river that you know is a great paddle.