Peter Frank paddles through Peoria on the Illinois River recently of his effort to complete the Great Loop, a roughly 6,000-mile nautical journey through waterways in the eastern United States and Canada. (Photo courtesy of Kennith Johnson)

ESCANABA — The community event to welcome canoeist Peter Frank back home to Escanaba after his Great Loop expedition has been postponed.

Prioritizing safety, Frank has paused in central-eastern Wisconsin to wait out dangerous conditions on Lake Michigan. Once the waves subside, he will continue.

Frank’s journey, which began June 27, 2024, has taken him through rivers, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean in a decked canoe as he paddled through challenges and made countless friends.

Though his family, friends and fans had hoped he might make it back before Oct. 11 — the date that had been tentatively set for a public party at the Escanaba Country Club — that proved unrealistic.

As his trip’s completion is based on conditions and the date upon which he will return to Escanaba’s beach is yet unknown, those interested in receiving updates are advised to join the Facebook group “Peter’s Voyage,” where details about the event will be released as his journey progresses.