Something I've been working on

While I am out on the river paddling my kayak in the MR340 I thought I would take the opportunity to show everyone what I have been up to in my somewhat limited spare time.



The raft was supposed to be floated with four inner tubes underneath but while I had the tubes sitting in the yard two of them burst for reasons unknown.  Since I can't trust the tubes out on the river (yes this is being built for a Missouri river adventure) I will be using plastic barrels instead.

Cinco de Paddle-O

This Saturday while everyone in the US is celebrating Mexico's independence, my nephew and I will be paddling from Jefferson City, Mo to either St Charles, Mo or Hartford, IL.  This will be far and away the longest paddling trip I have ever attempted, and it makes me a little nervous.

I only hunt decoys!

We are planning on going non-stop all the way through the night.  It will take us over 24hours to cover the distance.  I have paddled at night before but never on a big river like the Missouri.  Safety is our number one priority and we hope to make to the end without incident.

The new paddle I ordered is scheduled to be delivered Friday and I am hoping it arrives before we leave.  The plan is to leave Friday after work and drive to Jeff City where we will stay the night.  Saturday morning we will get an early start and head east.  When we get to Hermann we will meet our wives and have some dinner before settling in for the long haul.  In Hermann we will decide whether to finish at St Charles, or Hartford.  Both routes will take us over 100miles.

There are a few things left to do to make sure my kayak is ready but for the most part I am prepared.  This is going to be a real adventure and while I am nervous about it I also anxious to get started!

I will be bringing my Spot Tracker and will post updates to facebook and twitter so stay tuned for all the fun!

Dave Cornthwaite and the Big Swim

Image courtesy of: www.davecornthwaite.com

Dave Cornthwaite is coming back to the river!  No not the Mississippi.  This time the intrepid adventurer will be swimming over 1000miles down the Missouri river.  That's right SWIMMING, over 1000miles!

"For 50 days, between August 10th and the end of September 2012, Dave Cornthwaite will be swimming 1000 miles along the Lower Missouri River in the USA, between Yankton, SD and St Louis, MO."

I have entertained the notion of swimming 100miles for the 100+Project, and decided to put it off for another time.  Frankly the thought of swimming 100miles seemed too big to wrap my head around.  When I heard the news that Dave was planning on swimming over 1000miles, my jaw hit the floor.  The I learned that Dave is not really much of a swimmer.  I wish him all the luck, but I fear this will be his most difficult challenge to date.

Dave won't be going it alone though.  You can go with him!

 "For the first time in six years Dave is opening up applications for a dedicated support team to join one of his expeditions; helping to create, document and ensure completion of the most testing acts of endurance in his career."

If you think you might have what it takes to be an Expedition 1000 team member visit Dave's website and learn more.

Trust me, if I could get the time away from work I would be there in a heartbeat.  In fact as he gets closer to the St Louis area I plan to offer any support I can give.  It's not often an opportunity like this presents itself so if you are available don't let it pass you by.

Good Luck Dave!
See You Soon!

Missouri River: Hermann to Washington

With the MR340 looming on the horizon Mark, Ryan and I decided it was time to hit the river.  We met at Washington and Mark's parents gave us a ride to Hermann.  These river towns are quaint, almost a step back to a more idyllic time that probably never existed.
I was anxious to get back on the river since I hadn't been since last year right before it was closed for recreational use due to flooding.  Back then the wing dikes were under about 15feet of water and Chuck and I were reaching speeds of almost 8mph while we were eating lunch just floating along.  We made really good time but it wasn't a very good measure of actual river conditions.  This time the wing dikes and buoys were in full view and we estimated the flow of the river to be around 3mph.  I was kicking myself for forgetting my Garmin at home.  The plan was to get some good metrics with which to plan our MR340 strategy.  Next time I'll remember.  I did manage to remember my spot tracker, but almost forgot to turn it on.  A long time ago I realized that for me there is a limited amount of technology that I can bring on an adventure and use properly.  The MR340 is really going to test my technological limitations (2cameras, gps, spot tracker, iphone, etc.) as well as my physical and mental toughness.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Spot Tracker map

Mark and Ryan in the little dingy.

Nothing wrong with some river time.

Bluffs, yo!

Mark likes to chill.

Ryan watching for any geese on the attack.

Obligatory bridge picture.

Watch out for the wing dikes!

River view.