Post #9: CFS

I was curious about the cubic feet per second of discharge along the Missouri River from Three Forks, Mt. to Williston, ND.  The USGS website has a list of their gage locations here:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow

The following list is in sequence for down river flow. Using the historical data for the dates I would be near the gage, I wanted to compare the Skagit and the Sauk Rivers' cfs when Ellen and I paddled from Darrington to Concrete via the two rivers.  The Sauk's cfs was 2340 and the Skagit was at 5020 cfs.  That is mid-winter numbers compared to spring run off and summer flow on the Missouri River.

Missouri River CFS for June 2013

Three Forks-Jefferson River 5/30 4,500 cfs

Toston  6/1 10,000 cfs

Hauser Dam 6/8 6,500 cfs 6/15 6,000

Holter Dam 6/1 4,000 cfs 

Ulm 6/15 12,000 cfs 6/22 12,000 (The Smith River drains here)

Great Falls 6/15 15,000 cfs

Fort Benton 6/15 18,000 cfs 6/22 16,500 cfs

Virgelle 6/15 16,000 cfs 6/22 13,000 (Both the Teton and Marias Rivers drain here)

Landusky 6/15 20,000 6/22 15,000

Below Fort Peck Dam 6/22 no information

Wolf Point 11,000

Culberston 11,500

Williston, ND no cfs the water temperature on July 1, 2013 was 67 degrees.

Post #8: River Paddle

Ellen and I paddled from Darrington to Concrete via the Sauk and Skagit Rivers.  The Sauk River was running 5.8 mph at 2340 cfs.  We put-in at 9:34 am in 37 degrees and fog. Beautiful first few hours in the fog and sunlight. We didn't even try to count eagles. The water level was low enough that we hit bottom a few times and I hit a few large rocks.  It was 22 river miles from Darrington to the Skagit River with several Class II rapids and numerous difficult turns.  Our Eddyline Nighthawks (16') flatten the rapids but their length made them difficult to maneuver at times. They are sea kayaks.
The Skagit was running at 6.1 mph at 5020 cfs.  No problems. It was the perfect fit for our kayaks. We arrived at Concrete at 3:30 pm. for a total of 32.5 miles.  The Jefferson River near Three Forks, Mt. is presently running at1130 cfs.  Ice?  The Missouri River below Holter Dam is at 4610 cfs.  That is discharge from the dam.
It was a very challenging paddle.  Our clothing and hardware held up well.  We will be purchasing new spray skirts as soon as possible.  The GOPRO worked flawlessly.  I liked the distance it was positioned from the cockpit.  It does need to be higher.

Post #7: Sleeping Pad

My wife purchased a new delux sleeping pad for me.

Post #6: Hero 3+

My wife purchased the GoPro Hero3+ for me.

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.

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.

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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.