Lebanon, Missouri – In a feat that blends adventure and eccentricity, Steve Kueny of Lebanon, Missouri, has etched his name into the Guinness World Records by completing the longest journey on a pumpkin boat. Braving the cold waters of the Missouri River, Kueny embarked on an almost 11-hour odyssey aboard his 1,208-pound pumpkin vessel, aptly named Huckle Berry.
The journey, spanning an impressive 38 miles, began at 7:30 a.m. in Kansas City, Kansas, and concluded triumphantly at 6:18 p.m. in Napoleon, Missouri. Battling the elements and pushing the boundaries of pumpkin-based travel, Kueny emerged from his nautical adventure “cold, tired but pleased with the result,” as he shared with USA Today.
Ensuring safety was at the forefront of this quirky expedition, Kueny was accompanied by the Paddle KC Paddling Club and a fleet of half a dozen boats. In his own words, they aimed to do something “very silly very safely.” The supporting crew played a vital role in monitoring Kueny’s pace, ensuring that he wasn’t navigating the river in the dark.
The experience of being inside a carved-out pumpkin, according to Kueny, was as one might imagine—cold and slimy. Yet, undeterred by the challenges, he persevered, logging a remarkable distance of over 39 miles while kneeling inside the unique vessel, Huckle Berry.
This daring endeavor not only secured Kueny’s place in the Guinness World Records but also showcased the spirit of adventure and innovation that resides within individuals willing to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. The fusion of pumpkin and river navigation serves as a testament to human creativity and determination, turning an ordinary gourd into a vessel of record-breaking proportions. As Lebanon, Missouri, celebrates this unusual achievement, Kueny’s journey remains a remarkable highlight in the world of unconventional records.