Subject: [baidarka] big trip
From: Kcorkey@aol.com
Date: Mon Feb 28 2005 - 07:56:33 EST
Cabin fever can be a very dangerous thing. Here it is, almost March,
the ice won't be off the river for another 6 weeks. Too much time
available to plan big things. I've been thinking about this one for a
couple years now and I've decided that now's the time. So I've come to
ask some advice/opinions (there's a big can of worms! ;-).
The plan is to paddle from the tip of Lake Champlain, at the
US/Canadian border, to Key West. Yup, it's about 2000 miles. I'm
planning on leaving around August 1st (avoiding seriously cold water
and the need for much cold water gear) and hopefully arriving within 60
days. That means averaging 40 to 50 miles per day. Most of the trip
will be done in the Intracoastal Waterway with a few short stints in
the ocean. Hopefully it will be an uneventful hurricane season!
About 3 years ago I built an MAE AC from plans from the Canadian Museum
of Civilization. Long story short, I goofed on the hull depth and had
to take the skin off and replace the ribs on the aft end. After a quick
test paddle with temporary skin I decided that I love this boat! But
now it was winter and my job was eating up too much time. Currently it
hangs without it's skin from our dining room ceiling.
So my first question is: What would be an ideal boat for this trip? I'm
pretty comfortable with the handling of the MAEs and the speed will be
essential if I'm to make a daily average of 40/50 miles (which may be
completely unreasonable). But possibly a little more wiggle room would
be nice. Both for comfort and a bit more stability. I only weight about
125 lbs so I realize that once the boat is loaded it will bit a bit
more stable. I'm packing light, probably around 40 lbs of gear (I may
need to do a few short portages).
Second question: Anyone out there have any experience with finding
sponsors? I'm not looking for a lot. We just got married last year and
opened a business at the same time, so money is tight. I can almost
justify taking 2 months off work (I might even still have a job when I
come back!), but I can't justify spending a lot of money on gear on top
of it. It's probably a little late to find any big sponsors, but any
little bit helps. Any advice about who/how to approach would be
wonderful.
As things come together more clearly I'll probably have a few more
questions. Either that or I'll come to my senses!
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Kirsten Jetti
Ottawa, Ontario
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