Want to participate in a World Record attempt?

[+Jamie Z]

Martin Strel is attempting to become the first person to swim the entire Mississippi River.

 

He is scheduled to arrive in Memphis on the evening of August 18 and leave the city the next day, although he is a day or two behind schedule.

 

Immediately following PaterQuest, I plan to paddle alongside Martin from August 19 through August 23, and I need a paddling partner.

 

I have an Old Town Discovery 174 that is too big for me to solo.

 

I'm hoping someone out there is looking for an adventure and wants to spend five days floating the Mississippi River. You don't need a whole lot of canoeing experience.

 

I have most of the necessary gear. You'll have to provide your own sleeping gear, although I have a couple sleeping bags you could borrow.

 

We'll be spending at least one night in a hotel with meals provided while we're there.

 

If you can be in Memphis on Monday morning, please email me so we can arrange our trip.

 

...As an alternative, I'm looking for a sea-kayak that someone would be willing to rent to me for five days, in case I can't find a partner in time. I will come pick it up and return it to you. Again, email me.

 

What does this have to do with caching? Well, I suppose we could look for the couple of caches along the river that we'll pass by.

 

Jamie

[+Buck8Point]

I live right near the River myself.

I wont be able to make the canoe trip but I sure could cheer him on from the levee as he passes Plaquemine, Louisiana if I knew when he was scheduled to be on my stretch of the Ol Muddy..

 

Buck8Point

-------------------------

If I can't Fix it, It's Definately Broke.

[+Buck8Point]

I live right near the River myself.

I wont be able to make the canoe trip but I sure could cheer him on from the levee as he passes Plaquemine, Louisiana if I knew when he was scheduled to be on my stretch of the Ol Muddy..

 

Buck8Point

-------------------------

If I can't Fix it, It's Definately Broke.

[+Jamie Z]

Buck,

 

His itinerary shows him swimming from Memphis to Arkansas city, 180 river miles away in the five days I plan to be on the river.

 

From my personal experience, I believe he will swim a bit (if not a lot) further than that. The itinerary doesn't seem to account for the fact that the river flows much quicker in the south than in the north.

 

You can check his itinerary (and read the "news") to find out when he'll pass by your area.

 

Anyone? Anyone?

 

I've got the gear ready to go.

 

Don't have paddling experience? As long as you've got enthusiasm, you'll figure it out.

 

Jamie

[+rpecot]

Sounds like a lot of fun.

 

The most I've paddled was a three day trip on the Black Creek in Mississippi. It was hot, but it was a blast.

 

I've still got my beast of a Grumman on the roof of my Xterra from yesterday's cache placement: Cane Island. I got home late and didn't want to mess with it. Had somewhat of a close enounter of the gatory-kind. Now that was exciting!

[+rpecot]

Sounds like a lot of fun.

 

The most I've paddled was a three day trip on the Black Creek in Mississippi. It was hot, but it was a blast.

 

I've still got my beast of a Grumman on the roof of my Xterra from yesterday's cache placement: Cane Island. I got home late and didn't want to mess with it. Had somewhat of a close enounter of the gatory-kind. Now that was exciting!

[+Jamie Z]

While I don't expect to see any reptiles on the Mississippi, you're right. It'll be a blast.

 

I'm still looking for a paddling partner or a solo canoe or kayak.

 

I left a flyer at a local outdoors store.. but that's just a shot in the dark?

 

None of you geocachers are adventurous or what?

 

Jamie

[+helixblue]

Man, how I would love to join you on this one. I really hope you can find someone else willing to go for it!

 

If only I hadn't overdrawn my vacation days hanging out on the Amazon last month, I'd be all over this

[+helixblue]

Man, how I would love to join you on this one. I really hope you can find someone else willing to go for it!

 

If only I hadn't overdrawn my vacation days hanging out on the Amazon last month, I'd be all over this

[+bitbrain]

What rotten timing. Here I am with 6 weeks of vacation time saved up & I'm in the middle of a facility move that won't be finished until the first of September.

 

I'd be there if I wasn't moving & building network infrastructure over the next 2 weeks.

 

What's Salvo up to that week?

 

- "This river don?t go to Aintry. You done taken a wrong turn." -

[+Jamie Z]

I've conned Cachercarry into joining me. He's on for at least a few days, and hoping to make the whole thing.

 

I'm at his place right now, and we've spent the evening discussing details.

 

Come Monday, I'll be back on the river.. this time watching history being made.

 

I do have another canoe if someone wants to come along at the last minute.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

Tuesday morning, Cachercarry and I are heading out.

 

We'll be putting in in Memphis and paddling about six or seven miles to catch up to Martin, and then paddle with him for the next four days.

 

We ought to end up around Greenville, MS.

 

Watch his site for our pics. (the link is on the first post of this thread.)

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

We made it.

 

As it turns out, we paddled 51 miles on Tuesday before catching Martin and his three escorts.

 

Lane (Cachercarry) and I were not very well prepared for a 50-mile paddle, and our arms, backs, and butts were very sore, but in the end we paddled 54 miles the first day. We stayed at the Horseshoe that night. (pictures here)

 

Our second day was the first full day alongside Martin and his crew (Lane and I are the two on the right. I don't know what's up with my hair.) We camped out that night with Matt, a member of Martin's kayak crew, on a sandbar.

 

Day three was eventful in that we toted with us after lunch the son of a Slovenian government official so he could take photographs from our boat. Night approached while we were still in the water. Martin, in a rare break from swimming, motioned us and told us to go on ahead in order to return the young man safely to shore while light was still available. Lane thinks we may have avoided a diplomatic nightmare.

 

Our final day on the water was a half-day. We stopped at lunchtime while Martin and his crew continued on. We pulled in ahead of Martin and had lunch just before the only rain of our trip came and went.

 

In the 3 1/2 days on the river, Lane and I paddled roughly 165 miles with virtually no problems. I'm happy to say that Martin and his crew seemed glad we were there.

 

Martin is a fantastic person, and for the four days we paddled, we felt like members of the crew, helping out when we could, staying out of the way the rest of the time.

 

Lane probably has some things to say about the trip too... and I'm tired.

 

Jamie

[ArchieDH]

Jamie,

 

These are times you will never, ever, forget...

 

I know it was an enjoyment to you and Lane, as well as to some of us keeping up with y'all via your post here.

 

Thank you for taking time to let us enjoy this with you and Lane.

 

Archie

[+Jamie Z]

Now, a new proposal.

 

Martin is scheduled to finish his trip on September 7, a Saturday.

 

I plan to drive down to Venice, LA on Friday night and join Martin in my canoe for his last 10 miles. A boat will be there to pick us up at Head of Passes.

 

Not everything is set in stone, there are some things to be worked out, namely:

 

• I have to get the weekend off from work
• Martin might finish a day early, which would negate my plans
• I have to be sure it's ok with the crew that we're in the water with them
• The boat must have the room to tote us and the canoe back

 

These obstacles will most likely be solved... but they may not be.

 

Keeping that in mind, I'm searching for someone (probably from Southern Louisiana, but not necessary) that would like to paddle with me to witness Martin Strel become the first man to swim the entire Mississippi River.

 

I've spoken with a guy at school that has expressed some interest, and I certainly wouldn't mind Lane joining me again.. but I thought I'd open this to anyone who wasn't able to make it for my first offer.

 

My plan is to drive to Venice Friday evening and spend the night on a boat down there (already arranged). The next day, we'll wait around until we hear about Martin nearing Venice, and then we'll put in the water and join the crew out on the Mississippi for the final 10 miles. A boat (or two) will be waiting for all of us at Head of Passes and will pick us up and return us to Venice. From there, we are free to go wherever we want.

 

The time on the water will be short... probably no more than three or four hours. The river at the mouth is mostly calm, and not as dangerous as its reputation might have you believe, but that's the purpose for this offer. Come see for yourself. Boat traffic will be our only concern, but I feel that most of the captains will be aware of Martin swimming and will make sure not to put us in a wake.

 

Well.. it's on the table. Anyone interested?

 

Jamie

[+rpecot]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jamie Z:

 

Well.. it's on the table. Anyone interested?

 

Jamie

---

 

If you can line it up, I can probably make it. Maybe I could try out one of those bent shaft paddles you spoke so highly of.

 

There's a chance I'll be offshore that week, returning to Venice on Friday (still tentative).

 

Keep me informed! I'll do the same.

 

Russell

[+rpecot]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jamie Z:

 

Well.. it's on the table. Anyone interested?

 

Jamie

---

 

If you can line it up, I can probably make it. Maybe I could try out one of those bent shaft paddles you spoke so highly of.

 

There's a chance I'll be offshore that week, returning to Venice on Friday (still tentative).

 

Keep me informed! I'll do the same.

 

Russell

[+Jamie Z]

Russell,

 

I spoke with ClayJar in the chatroom, and he was interested in joining me... but he also suggested that he bring his inflatable kayak along to paddle solo if there was another person along.

 

The three of us could try to work something out.

 

I don't plan to kick ClayJar out of my boat, but if he enjoys soloing, then I'd love to have you aboard.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

Alright,

 

I may be in the search for another volunteer.

 

Latest word from Martin's people is that he'll be finishing up his swim on September 9, a Monday.

 

ClayJar and RPecot had expressed interest before, but with this change of plans, I'm not sure if either will be able to go.

 

I've just spoken with RPecot and he definitely can't make it on Monday. I've emailed ClayJar but haven't heard back. I fear a Monday will count him out as well.

 

So, again, I present the opportunity for someone to step up and join me as I watch Martin Strel finish his historic swim.

 

If you can be in Venice, Louisiana on Monday morning (I could provide transportation from Southern Louisiana) and would like to paddle with me (I have all necessary gear) please respond to this thread or email me.

 

Keep in mind that plans can and will change.

 

Buck?

 

Jamie

 

[This message was edited by Jamie Z on September 04, 2002 at 10:16 AM.]

[+VentureForth]

Did you get a GPS Track log of your trip???

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+VentureForth]

Did you get a GPS Track log of your trip???

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+Jamie Z]

No... but I know Lane had his GPS on most of the way, he probably has that. I can't imagine it'd be too interesting, though.. just a line down the map in the middle of the river.

 

Jamie

[+VentureForth]

Just so long as a GPS was involved some way.

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+VentureForth]

quote:

---

Originally posted by VentureForth:

Just so long as a GPS was involved some way.

 

---------------

http://www.scubaboard.com/images/smilies/wavey.gif Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

---

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+VentureForth]

quote:

---

Originally posted by VentureForth:

Just so long as a GPS was involved some way.

 

---------------

http://www.scubaboard.com/images/smilies/wavey.gif Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

---

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+cachercarry]

I do have a track and can post it if you want, but as Jamie said it is basicaly a red line down the river with a few detours where I left the GPS on when we were off the river.

 

Lane Smith

Jackson, MS

 

Be verry verry quiet we're hunting caches

[+Jamie Z]

VentureForth, the trip was much more exciting than the tracklog.

 

Where you gonna be this weekend?

 

By the way, ClayJar just emailed me and said he might be able to pull something for Monday. Cool.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

VentureForth, the trip was much more exciting than the tracklog.

 

Where you gonna be this weekend?

 

By the way, ClayJar just emailed me and said he might be able to pull something for Monday. Cool.

 

Jamie

[+cachercarry]

I just got off the phone with the folks I spoke to you about. They are both stuck working Monday. I will definitely be down there with Joy and We will hook up somewhere. We are going to escape that direction this weekend and maybe hunt some S. Mississippi or LA caches as well as play around. I will call Guy tomorrow and finilize plans for the boat trip.

 

Lane

 

Be verry verry quiet we're hunting caches

[+Jamie Z]

Thanks for checking, Lane. Too bad. People get too caught up with work sometimes.

 

I haven't yet spoken with Guy, I suppose I could try that today.

 

Basically my plan is to bring my canoe down south, and if ClayJar (or someone else) can make it with me, great. If not, I'll be with you and Joy on the boat.

 

Jamie

[+VentureForth]

Just too far away. I'd miss more than just one day of work.

 

I'll look for y'all on TV, though!!

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+VentureForth]

Just too far away. I'd miss more than just one day of work.

 

I'll look for y'all on TV, though!!

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+Jamie Z]

It's Friday morning; I'm about to head south.

 

Martin is scheduled to finish his journey Monday, September 9. My plan is to be in Venice Sunday night, meet ClayJar either that night, or early the next morning and meet Martin and his crew as they start their last day.

 

Saturday and Sunday will be bumming days on the coast... Mississippi, Louisiana, wherever I feel like going.

 

I'm missing a day of school for this. Today I learned there is a Spanish quiz on Monday, so I asked the professor about making up the quiz. Instead, I must write a short paragraph about my experience on the river. In Spanish, of course.

 

ClayJar and I will be on the water Monday morning, and I plan to see Cachercarry there as well. You'll probably hear about it in chat Monday night.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

ClayJar showed up in Venice right on schedule at 5:45 am on Monday. I was up and waiting, almost ready to go. We drove into town for a quick breakfast, then headed back to the marina to put-in before sunrise.

 

We paddled out to the river with perfect timing and met up with Martin and his crew just as they were leaving. First we had to deal with an overprotective Army Corps escort boat. The captain came out and hollered at us to stay away from Martin, but a quick word from the kayak crew cleared that up.

 

The first few miles of river were rough, and we had a stiff headwind.

 

Midday a helicopter came above us to film Martin. It circled three or four times before leaving. Several large boats came near and occupants would emerge with cameras to photograph the moment.

 

The second half of the day, the wind died down quite a bit, and the paddling was easier.

 

About a mile from Head of Passes, the 105-foot crewboat to pick us up arrived. It was loaded with about 40 people, most of whom were taking pictures or waving.

 

We arrived at the zero mile marker. ClayJar and I stayed back to let Martin and his crew have their glory, then we all boarded the boat and rode back to Venice with a river authority ship escorting us.

 

Although hardly identifiable, these are the pictures ClayJar and I appear in. We're the two nuts in the green canoe:

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

pic 4

pic 5(my personal favorite)

 

When we got to Venice, ClayJar left and I hung around to participate in a few festivities.

 

VentureForth, did you see us on television?

 

Jamie

[ArchieDH]

A block away I went by a trailer load of golf carts painted camoflauge. What's that for?

 

DEER HUNTING JAMES MY-MAN, DEER HUNTING....

 

Plus, "they be styling" :-)

[+cachercarry]

As you read, Martin Strel made it the full length of the Mississippi River. Four Geocachers were there to see it. Me & Wife, (Cachercarry & Joy) and JamieZ & Clayjar. Joy & I went out on the crewboat with the rest of the crowd. Jamie & Clayjar paddled along side Martin & his escort for the final ten miles.

Martin touching the piling at mile zero was an emotional moment for all present.

Here is a link to Yahoo Photos of several shots. Mississippi River

 

Lane & Joy

Jackson, MS

 

Be verry verry quiet we're hunting caches

[+Jamie Z]

Lane, that link asks me for a password, or I can't view the photos.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

Lane, that link asks me for a password, or I can't view the photos.

 

Jamie

[+cachercarry]

Yea-hoo pics is being it's usual user-hostile self. The pics should be public now.

 

Lane

 

Be verry verry quiet we're hunting caches

[+Jamie Z]

Lane, thanks.

 

I'm glad you got a picture of me and ClayJar, as I didn't even take my camera out of its case the entire day. On the river, it was too rough, and then when we were hanging onto the pilings, we didn't have any sort of angle, and on the boat I was busy talking to everyone.

 

I was gonna post my Spanish version of the story that I had to turn in to make up for my missed quiz on Monday, but... alas, I turned it in.

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

quote:

---

Originally posted by ArchieDH:

A block away I went by a trailer load of golf carts painted camoflauge. What's that for?

 

DEER HUNTING JAMES MY-MAN, DEER HUNTING....

---

It took me a while to figure out where this question came from, but now I've got it. For those of you who haven't read, I presented that question in a log for a cache I found on my way to meet Martin.

 

In any case, what good would a golf cart do for deer hunting? Where I come from, you'd be lucky to get an ATV out to your deer stand. Usually one has to walk quite a ways. What, do they have paved deer hunting trails down there?

 

Jamie

[+Jamie Z]

quote:

---

Originally posted by ArchieDH:

A block away I went by a trailer load of golf carts painted camoflauge. What's that for?

 

DEER HUNTING JAMES MY-MAN, DEER HUNTING....

---

It took me a while to figure out where this question came from, but now I've got it. For those of you who haven't read, I presented that question in a log for a cache I found on my way to meet Martin.

 

In any case, what good would a golf cart do for deer hunting? Where I come from, you'd be lucky to get an ATV out to your deer stand. Usually one has to walk quite a ways. What, do they have paved deer hunting trails down there?

 

Jamie

[+cachercarry]

I have about 50 more still pics and about 2 hrs of video to edit. When I get time I will get some of this stuff to you.

 

Lane

 

Be verry verry quiet we're hunting caches

[ArchieDH]

Jamie,

 

These golf carts are used to get one close, if not right up to, a deer stand/hunting area. They can be made to have pickup like bed for hauling "stuff".

 

They also are very quiet. "Mr or Mrs" deer will be much less likely to hear "Mr or Mrs" hunter coming after them. :-)

 

Archie

[ArchieDH]

Thanks for the sharing your pictures guys!

 

I enjoyed seeing them.

 

Archie

[+bartacus]

From The Sun Online

 

By BRIAN FLYNN

 

EXHAUSTED Martin Strel stepped from the water after completing the longest swim in history and declared: “I need a good woman.”

 

Strel, 47, covered the 2,400-mile length of America’s Mississippi River in 68 days.

 

He started in Minnesota, swam for 12 hours a day and was shattered by the time he reached the Gulf of Mexico.

 

But saucy Strel, a Slovenian, yesterday managed to summon up extra energy as he said: “I need a massage — I need a good woman.

 

“I didn’t touch woman in three months. Not good for me!”

 

Strel beat his own world record set in Europe when he swam the 1,866 miles of the Danube River.

 

Along the Mississippi, he dodged speed boats, huge transport ships and endured storms and whirlpools.

 

He said: “I felt lucky when we got to the Gulf of Mexico. I felt very lucky to finish.”

 

But he has no plans to retire. He added: “Maybe now I’ll go to the American Great Lakes and break records there or maybe the Yukon River in Alaska.

 

“Many people from there tell me ‘Martin, you have to come here. We have a big river’.”

 

[+Jamie Z]

Interesting...

 

I'd heard the Yukon rumor. Seems as though Martin is good friends with Will Steger, and Will encouraged Martin to swim the Yukon. When I asked some of the crew about this, they only shook their head and told me that right now they were concentrating on the Mississippi.

 

I want to paddle the Yukon. This could be my chance.

 

Jamie