1APRIL2010 ... Began my trip today at 1PM. Walking away from my house at 212 State Street in Helena, Montana I grabbed one end of my canoe and rolled east up State Street to Davis Gulch. I turned north on Davis Gulch, then east on Breckenridge, then north on Raleigh, then east on 8th, then north on Idaho, then east on Butte, then north through the alley near Dr. Howell's office. At this point I was near the heavily travelled North Montana Avenue. I proceeded north on the sidewalk to Billings Avenue where a traffic light helped me cross. Proceeding east I stopped briefly where the Helena Bengals softball team was practicing, sharing some of my trip plans with one of the moms in attendance. From there it was several blocks of downwind walking to 2028 Missula Avenue where the canoe was stored for the night.
I had felt before starting that this initial segment of the trip would be a bit foolish - certainly feeling - and I wondered if I should do it. During the walk I realized the importance of this "Shakedown" portage. When I stop I will purchase another set of portage wheels. Not only will it be more sensible to roll along with four wheels, it will also be reassuring to know that should one set of wheels fail at any point on the trip I will still have the second set with which to proceed. The four wheels will be especially valuable for any long portage, such as right now and also when I portage around Great Falls in a week or so.
Though my portage today is only about 2.5 miles, it helps to get started. It helps also to return to my desk where I can finish my tax preparation. Weather is bright and brisk today. I rolled past several small patches of snow still visible in the shaded bottoms of rock walls and other lithic structures. I resolved to get two miles of portage done tomorrow ... doing this will further test the portage equipment and also get me clear of the Helena city limits.
At this auspicious, or is it suspicious, start of your voyage out of Helena, my only question is regards to the number of bottles of Corona that are safely secured on board your vessel. I plan to restock your supply as you pass under the Iron Bridge north of Wolf Creek. Watch and Wait. R.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can do a 2,000 mile canoe trip, it is you! Sounds like an outstanding adventure. I hope you have a camera to record this. May I also suggest a pre-paid phone, a radio, a snake bite kit, and a roll of toilet paper? I look forward to learn of your progress, so I'll be checking your blog on a regular basis. Don't forget all the festivities in Hannibal this year.
ReplyDeleteWell, I figured out how to communicate on this thing without the help of either someone under-30 or a 10 year-old grandchild. My knowledge of Montana geography is limited but I am guessing that you will going north through Great Falls. If so, when you pass the Sun River, try to think of what it was like 100 years ago when grandpa Fjeld started his homestead a few miles west near Fort Shaw.
ReplyDeleteBob
Good luck and don't forget the importance of enjoying the actual thing. I've made week long trips in a kayak and felt like it was impossible to have covered such long distances. I paddled too much and probably missed a lot. There are too many rocks and trees to jump from. Too many rapids to run again. Too many spots to lay back and just be part of the river. A few disposable waterproof cameras lashed to the boat will get used up quicker than you can imagine too.
ReplyDeleteI'll be reading, and envious, until your feet are dry again. Nice choice for #1, by the way.