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Kayak Journey That Started In MN Ends In Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) -- A kayaker has arrived in Key West after paddling some 4,000 miles -- from the northernmost spots in lower 48 states to the country's southernmost city.

Daniel Alvarez pulled his 17-foot kayak onto Key West's South Beach on Saturday, completing the trek that began June 11th.

The 31-year-old from Tallahassee started at Minnesota's Northwest Angle. His route took him through Lake Superior, the Mississippi River, Florida's Everglades and a portion of the Florida Keys island chain. He won a $10,000 endowment for the journey after competing in an online contest for an outdoor adventure magazine.

He said he paddles about 20 miles per day, but wind and weather conditions set him back. He stopped along the way to conduct presentations on waterway conservation.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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