Mile 20

2.5 hours in, river is moving at about 4.1 mph. Lexington CP in just about 6 hours is looking good.

Jeremy and Justin are still out front, proving their manhood... You go boys.

Start Day!

Its been quite an adventure already and we're not quite to the starting put in.



We've been to Wal-Mart, the gas station, the grocery store, the hotel....



Regardless, we'll be in the boats in just over an hour ready to go.

Safety first everyone!

A shot from the 30 minute safety meeting that went 75 minutes....

340 miles that way!

In Kansas City for check in

Welcome to Missouri!

Welcome to MO James!

Still drivng...

About 60 miles to KC, long day of driving. Why did I sign up for this again?

Driving Across Missouri

We're now in Kingdon City, heading to Jefferson City behind a cow trailer and a homeless guy.

We'll be picking up Andy and heading to Kansas City.

Only about 150 more miles of driving today.

Departing Carmel

6:35, leaving for St. Charles to meet the group. The forecast for the week is 90+ and sunny, its going to be hot!

I'm either packed perfectly or not, either way the gear feels heavier than I thought it would. Other than some extra food, there isn't anything in there that hasn't need with me on other overnight paddle trips. It should be good.

Driving.....

Packing Day

Tomorrow is the drive to St. Charles to meet the rest of the group as we head towards Kansas City.

Seems like I'm ready to go... and the trailer made it back from Michigan in one piece. Thanks R :)

Pre-Race Time Estimates

A Google Spreadsheet with paddle/race time estimates.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p2GeuOkBVmnEKKZL5eSiHWg

-

Water Levels

One week to race start and the water levels are looking good.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lsx

-

Google Earth

Here's a Google Earth KML file that includes all my pre-race waypoints and route markers. You can download the file by clicking here.

Needed some last minute gear...

The good people at Nurpu River & Mountain Supply fixed me right up!

Thanks Kevin!

Info from the Forums that may prove useful

Just a few comments that include some potentially useful info during the paddle.

Getting closer

Got my numbers mounted on the sides of the kayak as well as a couple strips of reflective tape. I still need to figure out the navigation lights, looking at some of the portable options. I really have no use for them once this trip is over.

Also reviewing backpacking stoves. I've been wanting to buy one for quite a while and have considered the JetBoil system or the MSR Whisperlite, will have to decide eventually I suppose.

Checkpoints

[START] Kaw Point, mile 367, race begins, 8am.
[CP1] Lexington, mile 317, (50 miles) 6pm Tuesday.
[CP2] Waverly, mile 294, (23 miles) 11pm Tuesday.
[CP3] Miami, mile 262, (32 miles) Noon Wed.
[CP4] Glasgow, mile 226, (36 miles) 9pm Wed.
[CP5] Cooper's Landing, mile 170, (56 miles) 9pm Thurs.
[CP6] Noren (Jeff City), mile 144, (26 miles) 5am Friday
[CP7] Hermann, mile 98, (46 miles) 8pm Friday
[CP8] Washington, mile 68, (30 miles) 4am Saturday
[FINISH] St. Charles, mile 29, finish line, (39 miles) noon Saturday

Two weeks to start time

It's two weeks to the start of the adventure. Washed off the kayak today, getting things ready to depart. I need to install some things on the hull, plan locations of items, and pickup the last few things I need for the trip.