So here's the plan ...........
Launch the kayak on the 1st June at headwaters near Three Forks Montana and head down river to St Louis MIssouri. It's about 2,351 miles of winding river, dams and lakes through the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet.
I've been in Bozeman Montana for the last ten days organising all my gear, clothing, equipment and food for this Missouri River expedition; my kayak arrived from Washington over a week ago. Today I meet up with my friend Lloyd Buckner and his wife Pat who have travelled over from Northern California in their fifth wheeler trailer. Lloyd is going to accompany me for the first 200 miles on the river and Pat is going to be our road crew. I first met Lloyd and his daughter Marci while walking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2010, we walked with Lloyd on and off for over 400 miles and around 700 miles with Marci.
I spent some time at the headwaters while waiting for Lloyd to arrive checking out the "put in" point and watching the fast waters merge as the three rivers came together. I wondered how this river was going to treat me over the next few months, how would the boat handle the conditions, was I prepared with the right gear, equipment to make this journey or have I taken on more than I can handle. The usual questions one has when embarking on something new like this I suspect. Although it's a physical challenge to paddle over 2,000 miles I'm advised by those that have made the journey themselves that it becomes more of a mental challenge to keep focussed and motivated; much the same as walking the Pacific Crest Trail was.
No second thoughts though, I can't wait to get started and believe that my concerns and hesitations are what will keep me safe; as my friend Rennae says "it's all about making good decisions".
I will be carrying a SPOT personal location device that allows me to check in each night advising that I'm safe and well. You can see my last daily check-in location by clicking on the "Current Location" link in the right hand column of this page. If you zoom in on a location marker and and click "Satellite" you will be able to see exactly where I called in. The SPOT device also has an EMERGENCY button I can press if I need immediate assistance.
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1 comment:
Keep the round side down Bob---you can do it!!!!! Can't wait to follow your progress.
One stroke at a time will get you to St.Louis...take your time and enjoy the river...but paddle
like hell near Wolf Point!
Cheers!!
Norm & Kris
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