The Friends of the Mississippi River are holding a canoeing and kayacking event on the Twin Cities stretch of Old Muddy on July 25 and 26, 2009.   They’re a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mississippi.  It sounds like a great weekend of fun, exercise, and exploration.  It’s an opportunity to get a very different view of this beautiful waterway that has shaped the histories of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.  There’ll be a day of paddling through three locks, followed by a celebration that includes live music and great food.  For more information, see the Mississippi River Challenge 2009 website.