The Big Getter Voyage Map
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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.
7 comments:
Hello My Friend,
I just left Wolf and Tom at the Sea Horse. Hung out for a while.
I am so very happy for you and your wonderful family. I cant wait to come aboard. Give me an address to send the pipe and tabacco.
Be well and write loads and take even more pics.
Mike
You 4 Bighavers on the Biggetter seem to want for nothin. Great stories (old and new), fab companions, beautiful days,swift current, and when the scenery gets sparse you can alway shift your focus to Alice's eternally perfect legs.
For you three McLarty men, the "coolness gene" has not skipped a generation. Just another thing totally compatible with the biggetter. Paddle on.
love you 4,
Ellen
I'm a neighbor to John Boling. He flew out yesterday (June 18) to join you. This trip with you is all he has been able to talk about for weeks. I have the greatest admiration for you and your endeavor, good luck and god bless. Aubrey
Dang, I was hopin for some new visuals.
Where are you now? I keep seeing the Iowa Atlantis images and think of you floating in high waters. Look for some steamers for me. My favotire steamer is the Natchez in New Orleans, but as you get closer to St. Louis you should see a few others . . . glad all is well, smooth sailing and more crazies vid!!!
Mile High Jaime
Hello Clan, It is wonderful to see all you together. I just wanted to say hello and wonderful floating. Take care Kyle Erkkila
I think your ship is great. Loved the pic of you in the hat sitting on the park bench along the river. I would also like for you to pass along to your momma that we all miss her here at Disneyland on the Potomac, and wish her & your dad a safe trip home. May your pontoon's be guided by the stars and a gentle current be yours to help you along your way. Keep up the good work! And, by the way, that word at the end of the blog window (fgqcwgby), whats that mean? :-)
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