Details on Paddling

So here are the details on tomorrow for those who are paddling -

First - we are definitely going - snow will not affect the trip at all (except to make it prettier) - rain would slow everything down, but it wouldn't stop us either...temperature will be reasonable...and water levels are at the normal seasonal low, so there are TONS of sandbars out there...no icebergs yet, but possibly some ice chunks making their way south along with the eagles.

Second - If you did not pick up the gear you bought, Mike will have it at the river tomorrow morning.  He will also have gear there for all adults. His daughter has a house right there by North Riverfront Park so we'll have a place to go to change...Also nice to have a place nearby in case we need any additional support at any time during the trip.

The rest - We are meeting at NCS by 8am...I'll be there by 7:30am to open the doors for all who arrive after.  I'll put on a pot of coffee for anyone needing a perk-me-up or warm-me-up...

We'll leave NCS shortly after 8am and arrive at the put in about 8:50 - Mike will be there shortly after.  We'll check that everyone has the necessary gear and hear from Mike about winter paddling guidelines.

We'll portage the canoes and gear about 100 yards to from the parking lot to the river and then paddle out by 10am.

The paddle across to our camp on Mosenthein Island will take between 1-1.5 hours.

We'll make camp around 11:30 and collect firewood.  Mike will start the fire and get food out while we collect.

Lunch at noon.

Hike/Explore/Cleanup Mosenthein for about 2 hours.  Then We'll pack up and paddle back to the put in by about 4:30-4:45.  We'll change into non-river clothes and leave there by about 5:15.  We should be back to NCS by 6:00pm, hopefully a little before.

If you haven't read the email about how to gear the kids up, please make sure you read it carefully.  We are most concerned about heads, hands and feet.  And if you can't get your hands on those rubber boots, plastic bags taped around hiking boots are good...

Don't forget I have dry bags at school for anyone who wants one in the morning.

This will be a long, fun day despite the cold...we'll see things most people will never see and experience things most less adventurous beings will never experience.  No matter what happens you can be guaranteed of two things we'll all be bringing back...tired bodies and LOTS of great memories.

If you have any questions, email or call me - 314-680-9442.  Otherwise, I'll see you in the morning!

Ben

Paddling Gear Update

Mike just contacted me about the gear...He works with several other crews around town, and some of his gear has gone missing.  He has all adults covered, but needs us to outfit our kids in the traditional pre-neoprene style.  Mike apologized for not having all the gear he thought he did.

I asked and Mike assured me that we will be fine in this gear as well...it's not as easy or pretty as having the tetraprene/neoprene gear, but it will be fine.  He's mostly concerned about head, hands and feet.  So please take a look at the note he sent and make sure you have the right gear for this weekend or as close to it as possible.

Some of this was already necessary gear, but I'm sorry for the additional gear and the prep time that wasn't anticipated!

See you all soon!

Ben

Here's the note he sent me with how the kids should prepare:

Kids Winter Paddling Clothing
Try to avoid Cotton clothing, it won't dry and gets very heavy if wet.  Poly
blend, or wool or wool blend is best.

Three layer system + Rain / Snow layer

• First layer = long underwear, top and bottom (can substitute sweat pants and shirt for long underwear)
• Second layer = fleece coat and wool pants, blue jeans will work if necessary
• Top layer = winter coat

Rain/Snow Layer

• plastic poncho and plastic pants or rain suit
• Head, Feet and Hands
• Should bring two sets of each for a change just in case of wet head, wet feet and wet hands
• Wool winter hat that covers ears + hood on coat
• Thick Wool socks + plastic bags over socks
• Thinsulate winter gloves, (ski gloves are good because they are generally water proof scarf to wrap around face if windy
• Winter snow boots

Kids Clothing Tips and Notes

No Gym Shoes!!  only bring them to change into when we are done

"Farm boots" are good, they are rubber and come up over the calf.  I know that they can be purchased for $16-$20 at Wal Mart (yes, I know, I hate it too, but it's the cheapest and only place to get them easily) These farm boots will work all year for all cleanups, and garden stuff, etc.... Not a bad investment for the kids.

Don't forget to bring a pair of sweats or some type of change of clothing for the ride home.  Let this be a reminder to all to bring something to exchange for any muddy outerwear that shouldn't be worn in the cars and a reminder to drivers that it might be good to bring an empty rubbermaid tub to throw muddy stuff into for the ride.

I will bring a bunch of small wool gloves to put on under everyone's gloves or mittens.  They are cheap one size fit all that I got a while ago.  I have enough for all the river kids.

Lunch

For paddlers this weekend...I'll still be sending another email about the details for Saturday...Mike is going through all the gear tonight and will report back to me about some final details...

I do have a menu worked up...Check it out:

Menu:

• Chili = 2 versions, veggie and meat.
• Sandwiches = hot dogs, Italian subs, veggie subs and peanut butter
• and jelly
• Chips = Cheez-its (river rat faves), potato chips, tortilla chips
• Fruit = apples, pineapple, bananas
• Vegetables = veggie tray with carrots, broccoli, and peppers
• Desserts = Smores
• Drinks = hot apple cider, hot chocolate, tea, water

Anything you want that's not on this list you are welcome to bring along. This is just what we are providing.  Anyone want to bake some cookies?  :)

If you are planning to eat vegetarian, please reply to this email and let me know.  I'll make sure Mike knows our veg vs meat numbers tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks!

Ben

Paddling Driver

I have one additional driver on board for this weekend...with so many people going, we'll need at least one more.  Of the 5 adults going who haven't already volunteered, is there anyone willing to take a couple additional kids?

Ben

NRS Order Pickup

I'm checking with Mike to see when he'll be around with the gear that folks ordered on Friday...I'll let you all know when that time is...if you can't make it then, you could simply show up 15 minutes early on Saturday to get geared up.

I'll send out another note with the Friday time and firm up details on Saturday soon.  Thanks!

Ben