Traveling the Mississippi, in a canoe.

I've been conflicted about traveling thru hostels, as opposed to being thrifty, and meeting locals, thru Couch Surfing. On the other hand, I've meeting great people from around the world (and the U.S.) and getting new ideas. There's 3 bunk beds in my hostel room (the Pilgrim House Hostel inside of church in Memphis). Its just me and another guy, who's Scottish and a resident of New York. He's  been canoeing solo down the Mississippi for the 5th time and is on his third month. Camping. Avoiding flying carp. And making crafts out of beer cans, to pay for his bar tab. Perhaps I can join him later on his trip.