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How did you get the idea?
Geoff was traveling to Yellowstone November 1999 with his dad and during a solo backpacking trip, took some time to contemplate the nature of water and where it flowed. It amazed him that water from the park ended up in the Gulf of Mexico over 3000 miles away and an idea was born. His business background, coupled with his desire to serve, led to the dream of a kayaking expedition to raise money for organizations that encouraged kids to broaden their horizons, set goals, and dream.
How long did it take to organize?
Geoff began laying the groundwork in December, 1999 by contacting various sponsors to obtain the gear necessary for such a venture. Nine months later, it was a reality.
How do you get food?
There are 10 cities along the way that we designated as food drops. Before the trip began, we went shopping and repackaged the food into the drops and mailed them off. (Many thanks to the Millers for their support with food drops). Prior to the trip, Kiwanis groups were contacted, as well as various media outlets. Representatives from these groups have volunteered to receive our food and meet us at the river on a prearranged date.
Short Answer—LOTS.
Long Answer:
Breakfast—Oatmeal, Pancakes, Cream of Wheat
Lunch—Peanut butter/honey/dried fruit/granola/chocolate chips on tortillas or tuna/ranch in tortillas
Dinner—Pasta (various varieties), Spaghetti, Rice/Beans, Mac&Cheese
About 30 miles—depends on energy level, weather, current, etc.
Each day is different. Some days on the lakes in headwinds, we paddle for 10 hours. On the flowing river with a tailwind, we can get done in about 5-6.
3mph in headwind on the lakes; 5-6 mph on lakes with tailwind or calm; 6-7mph on flowing water.
How do you deal with inclement weather?
Fires help keep gear dry (and sometimes melt it.); our layers from Lowe Alpine protect us from wind and cold and dry quickly; Sierra Designs tents and sleeping bags keep us warm at night. So far, weather hasn’t kept us from paddling—heat waves, cold snaps, and winds have been the most extreme circumstances we’ve endured.
How did you all get together?
Geoff met Dave in Rome while traveling in 1998 and worked with him at Miniwanca, an American Youth Foundation camp. Geoff also met Woody there and the three of them spent quite some time together during summer, 1999. When Geoff had the idea and called/emailed Dave and Woody, both were very responsive and on board immediately. Nate worked for the park service in Yellowstone this summer and met Geoff there. On a long hike, the expedition came up and the fourth spot was filled.
What’s Ireland Like?
You really have to go there to find out.
Are the boats stable?
Yes—as stable as possible. Of course when water makes it’s way inside in high waves, the sloshing around creates more instability than normal.
What happens if you flip (or when)?
We have—just past the 212 bridge on Lake Oahe. High swells, water in the boats, and a crosswind combined to capsize the Perpetual Dreamer. Geoff and Woody swam the boat ashore and managed to save everything but a Nalgene, watch and two camp towels. (Woody’s 2nd Nalgene sacrificed to a lake) After bailing the boats and taking care of drenched gear, we built a fire, ate lunch and were back in the water 3 hours after the spill.
Why are you doing this?
Different reasons—support kids, adventure, encourage people to dream…personal challenge, each of us has different drives.
Are you Crazy?
No. (Well, maybe a little, but who wants to be sane, anyway?)
Usually every food drop city…10-12 days.
How often do you shower?
As often as we do laundry…plus in the river whenever we feel a bit too dirty.
We all share most of the trip duties…Nate cooks a lot, Woody makes things (like fire and shelters), Dave and Nate Navigate, Geoff is the glue that keeps it all together.
Every two days, we switch partners, which gives us a chance to mix it up a bit, while getting a chance to get in sync for more than a day with a partner.
Most nights are spent camped next to the river; every once in awhile, people bursting with generosity offer a hotel room or a home to stay in.
22 foot long Wilderness Systems touring kayaks.
You just have to go there.
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