Artists Maxime Berthou and Mark Požlep embarked on a practice-based research journey on the Mississippi River from September 2 to October 20, 2019. Their means of transportation was a hand-built 20-foot (6-meter) steam-powered paddle boat named "Thumpa." Their goal was to research and experience contemporary American life along this mythical river. Following the methodology and chronology of a research-action project,