Headed to the headwaters

This has been our view all afternoon. All in all it's been a good road trip with easy going.

Eagle has landed

We just picked up our canoe from Jim and Louise! It was great meet this nice couple of adventurers in our travels.

With the ship strapped to our roof, we are on the last leg before launch.

Spotted!

Picture: this is our first sighting of the Mississippi river!

Prep

We just picked up some last minute supplies at Walmart. Food, batteries, etc.

Its looking like we are going to be launching today, a day earlier than scheduled.

Photo: check out the shirts that we are repping down the river!

Adventure Dog

May 14^th

- - 18 Days til Launch - -

Still no canoe...

We do have some strong leads and want to make sure we have the right vessel for such a long and daring adventure. 

We have been working with Everest (www.evr.st) and are looking forward to their product launch on June 1^st.  We will be using their app during our journey to help reach and track our goals along the river.

After some discussion with my employer, I have chosen to resign in order to make this trip a reality.  While both parties are on good terms, we could not come to a compromise on a 6 week vacation from work.  While this is somewhat nerve-racking, the choice had been made long ago, in case I ever came to this ledge.  I always knew I would jump.

We are also applying for The Outside Adventure Grant:

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/The-Outside-Adventure-Grant.html

We will keep everyone updated on that.

In the meantime, back to gathering gear, reaching out to folks, and polishing the last facets of this trip.

For anyone reading this blog, how can we become more interactive with you all?  How can we really create an online community for like-minded adventurers?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Best,

C

A Thank You Post

May 10th

-22 days until launch-


Today I voted in Indiana's primary election.

On my way in to cast my primary ballot, a political supporter thanked me for coming in to vote.  He didn't even mention his candidate... so I voted for his candidate.

Admittedly, I hadn't done my homework on most of the races; the main purpose of the visit was to vote for Ron Paul. And I had no inclination to vote for either of the men running for treasurer, or comptroller, or something like that.

Looking back, the reasoning behind my vote was quite clear (although not a great model to follow).  
The candidate must be a stand-up guy if he has someone believing in him enough to stand outside a polling station to represent him.

As the launch date for Canoe to the Future draws near, I see the people around us who are believing in Canoe to the Future and its goal to raise $10,000 for Local Livelihood, and give thanks.  The amount of encouragement that we receive from those who would give even a thought to our cause is incalculable.

Yet, friends are offering up their camping gear, and strangers are replying to Craigslist adds to loan us a canoe! Add to all of this the encouragement, the well wishes, the I-wish-I-could-goes, and the healthy concern (I love you mom).

It is only fitting that this project is benefiting Local Livelihood, an organization using coffee agriculture to strengthen communities in Thailand.

With a veritable community at our backs, I am confident that we will accomplish our goals:  Canoe the Mississippi to the end, and Raise $10,000 for Local Livelihood.

Crunch Time

May 3rd, 2012

- - 29 Days til Launch - -

The launch date is fast approaching, and electricity fills our conversations.  While we have some concerns currently, Luke and I are both confident that our vision will come to reality.

It has been quite a journey, manifesting this idea into reality.  The whole time making me question what I value and taking an active look at where I spend my time and energy.  Undertaking this project has helped develop a better understanding of myself, my values, and most importantly reevaluate my role in the communities I am involved in.

I’m glad we have chosen to follow through with our project. I see real value in the experience and motivation that this project will instill in others and me.

The next few weeks will be filled with excitement, expectation, and challenge; there may also be some second-guessing, doubt, and even fear.  I can’t recall where, but I have heard that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. As we squeeze everything we can out of the last 30 days of prep time; we must not succumb to the fear of failing or not pulling everything together.

Surely this project will not go as smoothly as planned.  We didn’t make everything perfect, and are certainly expecting some snafus along the way. 

This brings a human element to our journey.  Anyone following our journey will see our triumphs and failures; identifying with the emotion and events we are experiencing.