Thursday, December 26, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Post #5: Solar Charger
After researching solar chargers, the PowerMonkey Extreme is my new addition to my electronic collection. I have charged the 9000mAh battery numerous times and it holds 98% charge each time. It has charged my cell phone, iPad, AA and AAA batteries, and my iPod. It takes 12 to 15 hours to achieve a full charge (98%) via the AC outlet. I had to purchase the GoalZero Guide 10 Plus AA/AAA charger in order to charge the Garmin GPS, headlamp, and the Gygo bike light that will be used for night paddling. I have yet to use the solar panel.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Post #4: Inspiration
When I first conceived this paddle I spent time trying to talk myself out of doing it. The question I couldn't answer was " "Why would I want to paddle nearly 769 river miles?" I have the equipment. It wouldn't cost much and it would be a great experience. Still, "Why?"
My first epic mountain bike tour was going to be in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. It was inspired by this blog:
http://www.leelau.net/2006/taseko0706/tasekolorna280706/tasekolorna.htm
My wife will not join me for her fear of the numerous bears in the area. My neighbor said no. I have no biking friends that would do this ride. I may have to do this one alone and it will take plenty of training.
I came across the following blog and it inspired me. An Aussie flew to the States leaving his wife and child at home and he purchased most of his equipment in the States and he had never been in a kayak before. Yet, he paddle from Three Forks, Mt. to St. Louis. I was impressed. Here is his story:
http://www.steadypaddling.com
Recently I read a blog written by a women who is making her way down the Missouri River from the headwaters of the Jefferson River to New Orleans. She could be the first women to solo the journey.
Her blog is still on going at:
http://loveyourbigmuddy.com
I received my degree from Western in Bellingham, Wa. in the early 70's and started teaching and coaching soon after that. WWU has a publication called Window and it is sent to the alumni. The 2013 Fall/Winter edition had a story about two Western grads that made their way from Bellingham to the northwest coast of Alaska after rowing, skiing, hiking, paddling, and route finding over numerous passes for a 4,000 mile journey. Now that is impressive. Not only the physical and mental aspects but the logistics alone would overwhelm the toughest and most skilled backpacker. Their impressive story is found here:
http://carolineandpat.wordpress.com
After reading those four epic journeys, I finally can answer the question "Why would I want to paddle nearly 769 river miles?"
Simple. There is no better time than now. I am not getting any younger.
My first epic mountain bike tour was going to be in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. It was inspired by this blog:
http://www.leelau.net/2006/taseko0706/tasekolorna280706/tasekolorna.htm
My wife will not join me for her fear of the numerous bears in the area. My neighbor said no. I have no biking friends that would do this ride. I may have to do this one alone and it will take plenty of training.
I came across the following blog and it inspired me. An Aussie flew to the States leaving his wife and child at home and he purchased most of his equipment in the States and he had never been in a kayak before. Yet, he paddle from Three Forks, Mt. to St. Louis. I was impressed. Here is his story:
http://www.steadypaddling.com
Recently I read a blog written by a women who is making her way down the Missouri River from the headwaters of the Jefferson River to New Orleans. She could be the first women to solo the journey.
Her blog is still on going at:
http://loveyourbigmuddy.com
I received my degree from Western in Bellingham, Wa. in the early 70's and started teaching and coaching soon after that. WWU has a publication called Window and it is sent to the alumni. The 2013 Fall/Winter edition had a story about two Western grads that made their way from Bellingham to the northwest coast of Alaska after rowing, skiing, hiking, paddling, and route finding over numerous passes for a 4,000 mile journey. Now that is impressive. Not only the physical and mental aspects but the logistics alone would overwhelm the toughest and most skilled backpacker. Their impressive story is found here:
http://carolineandpat.wordpress.com
After reading those four epic journeys, I finally can answer the question "Why would I want to paddle nearly 769 river miles?"
Simple. There is no better time than now. I am not getting any younger.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Post #3: Historical Sites
I read Glenn Monahan's Montana's Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River and transferred the historical sites he describes to my Garmin. The paddle will not be a race. Stretching my legs while searching for historical sites will be needed. I am still searching for coordinates locating fossils on the Missouri River.
Small items remain to complete the deck.
Small items remain to complete the deck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)