“What are you going to call your boat”? “Does she have a name yet”? These were questions I was asked long before I even started construction and she hadn’t a name yet. I felt a little embarrassed to have to say “no” but I wanted a suitable name and one that I was proud of. Some folks offered suggestions like “Huck II” or “Muddy Mississippi” one man even asked me if the boat’s name was for sale. The boat’s name however was not for sale nor did any of the suggested names really grab me. So, just like a virgin tattoo wearer searching for the most meaningful design, I waited. In fact I thought the chances were good that I would be miles downstream before a befitting name would take hold.
One afternoon about a month ago, I heard my Grandpa Marvin say, “Well, like my Grandma Alexander always said: The worst thing of all is to go through life with a great big wanter and a little bitty getter. So keep your getter bigger than your wanter”. This was an anecdote that I had heard all my life but I still chuckled because it’s such a funny saying and because it’s so simply true. Then my chuckle grew silent and was replaced by a smile that could have been seen by the people sitting behind me. I finally had a name that was as obvious as the perm-a-grin it gave me, “Big Getter.”
Overview
The Big Getter Voyage Map
click here to follow along
In the summer of 2008 I will be taking a pontoon houseboat down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis St. Paul to the Gulf of Mexico. It will be my home and vessel as I descend the mighty Mississip. This will be a healthy and relaxing trip, an adventure worth experiencing, and a good-livin-hell-of-a-time. For six years this trip has been living as a fantastical goal within me. I know the beginning is around the bend, and that makes me smile like I just lost my training wheels.
The boat is not traditional in many ways except for that it floats. It is a unique HPB (human powered boat) that in basic appearance looks like a hybrid between a cataraft on steroids and a traditional houseboat. There are four different systems of propulsion that can be operated individually or in conjunction with one another. Its primary form of power comes from two pedal-driven-propeller stations located at the stern on both sides of the boat. They resemble recumbent bicycles with a propeller instead of wheels. In addition, there is a set of oars for rowing on the front deck. The boat also has, for those occasions when the current is strong, sweeps that can be operated from the top of the cabin. Sweeps are long oars that resemble gigantic hockey sticks. They protrude fore and aft of the boat and are used for steering and lateral movement but not necessarily to gain downstream momentum. Lastly there is an outboard motor that can be used in emergencies, for safety and to make up lost time.
The 3-foot diameter inflatable pontoons are 22 feet long and are attached to a frame constructed from 2” Aluminum pipe. The frame also doubles as the skeletal structure, which supports a hanging floor, two side decks, a front deck and a cabin. Plywood that is cut to the right dimensions and fastened to the aluminum pipe forms the floor and decks. As for the cabin, it is waterproof nylon, canvas and mesh all sewn together and fitted around the aluminum pipe. Inside the cabin there are four berths, a living area, a kitchen and storage. Oh yeah there is a bathroom too, outfitted with all the amenities a camping king would expect.
From June through August I’ll weave approximately 1800 miles through 10 states to the ever-nearing Gulf Coast. Geographically speaking the Mississippi River is separated into two sections, the upper and lower, with the dividing point lying at the confluence with the Ohio River. Both section are as unique as they are long and will offer a river front glimpse at Middle America. One major difference of the Upper Mississippi is that it is a series of pools created by channel dams, while the lower half is free flowing. Due to this, the average current will be much faster downstream of the Ohio River. Along the way I will ‘lock through’ 27 locks, visit the homes of Mark Twain and Elvis, dodge barge traffic, and do some fishing and sunbathing. I intend to explore as much as possible, learn what I can and enjoy life to brim.
If you’d like to come, believe me, I want you to. In fact, I want as much company as possible. The cabin will sleep four, so I hope to have three others with me at all times. The invitation is open to everyone and anyone, family, friends, friends of friends, and especially to characters I meet along the way. There is an itinerary in the blog archive that will help you choose when, where and for how long you would like to join the adventure. Don't worry; I expect the trip will take me 100 days, so you'll have all summer to fit in a Mississippi get-a-way.
Navigation Tips
Once you have selected a blog from the blog archive you will have to scroll down to view it. ;)
3 comments:
Is this 'Granpa Marvin' - the same Marvin McClarty that founded the Sea Horse Swim School in Lubbock Texas? I learned to swim there - half the kids in Lubbock did.
Ive gone and "big gotten" twin girls. Big Getters of the world unite. Have a great one Justo - and remember, excuses are the nails that built the house of failure baby! Couldnt have chosen a better name - Marvin is a living legend.
Johnny B. told me of your river plans. I'm Tom's next door neighbor. Have you read "Old Glory : A Voyage Down the Mississippi" by Jonathan Raban? If not, I have a copy you can borrow.
Good luck with your adventure.
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