The Plan

So after thinking about this little trip (and I know I'm ahead of myself here but it's fun to think about) I checked out a couple maps and inquired about easy paddling stretches of the river I've found a pretty sweet trip.

Starting at the top of MA, we pick up the river as it flows out from NH and VT (the black dot and the orange) on DAY ONE and travel probably the longest stretch of the trip ending in Greenfield County right before the Connecticut Water Trail. DAY TWO will consist of traveling the length of the Water Trail indicated by the yellow in which we would finish the day near Hadley. DAY THREE is a nice stretch of water leading us down into the middle of MA near North Hampton in green. On our last day on the water DAY FOUR is a shorter stretch to help pick up cars and travel home in the pink ending in Holyoke.

Now, to be perfectly clear, I have no idea how long any of these stretched are, it could be anywhere from 14-20 Miles... Maybe a lot less, so really I would just play it by ear and have a good time. It could take two days or maybe even five, but what's an adventure without some uncertainty? Right?

So all you need is a Canoe or Kayak, Minor Camping Equipment, Beer, and A Sense of Adventure!

Looking Ahead

With the start of a new week I'm looking forward to PROGRESS it will be a great feeling to get some work done after a bit of a lull in work. On my drive back from a friend's house in Albany this weekend I found myself thinking about the possibilities of my soon to be "Light Watercraft." Where I will take her and where she'll take me. As she is designed for slow moving and smaller bodies of water I think it would be ideal for a short distance, maybe 2-3 day trip down the Connecticut River.

Connecticut River (NH)

While I am currently dreaming of such a little adventure, it really isn't to outrages and I believe could be easily planned/executed. The trick is to cruise the flat lengths of the river between dams. Those interested in such a journey need only talk to me about it, I think it'd be a ton of fun and a different way to camp than I've done before. What do you say Tris?

Not A Lot Of Progress

Sorry to anyone (who actually follows my blog outside of my brother Tristan) that I haven't posted anything substantial recently, I hope to start making a lot more progress in the next two weeks. We haven't had great weather, and on the good days I find myself always busy doing something else. But with Little league wrapping up by next week I should have a few more bright afternoons to work on getting things together/finished so that when I move into the new space I will be able to put it together much like a kit. My next step is to buy the plywood that will become the hull, and to build the "frame" which helps by adding stability and the shape of the craft.

I'm now able to update any of my networks without logging in or anything...pretty neat, pretty lazy

Trying to figure out Ping.fm

The Whimbrel Has A Home

Friday afternoon I was lucky enough to meet with a local Shipwright in his shop, amazingly he was the only person who replied to my criagslist post inquiring about any available space to work in. Out of the 29,000+ people who reside in this town, it's truly amazing that he saw my post. Anyway, upon his return from an Atlantic sailing trip on his 30' Wooden Cutter "Penny Rover"(Designed & Built By Him) I will have a small space to call my own for the duration of the build. The stems are coming along nicely and if we get any good weather this week I will post finished pictures of them. I hope to get everything together, so that when I get into the shop it will be like a kit that I can put together. It's all comming together!

Day Two

Ok, so my mantra didn't work quite so well, I started work as soon as I got home, but I was interrupted by the task of roasting a "Dr. Pepper" Chicken that was amazing, I dare anyone to turn that chicken down. Delicious!

Anyway, after cooking and eating I didn't have that much time left but I have a really good feeling as far as where I'm headed. After fiddling with the blade height and angle for a bit I really hit my stride. The angle I'm planing is straight and right on and now that I'm having an easier go of it I can already see it taking shape and I'm glad I'm doing it by hand. I'm feeling really good about it. Lucky for me, right after work I get great light on the back porch so I snapped a few pictures to show that I am making some progress.

Here's the Bow Stem fitted with the new clamps

Planing the Bow Stem, Self Timer....Oh yea

Nice Line, Lots of Shavings Too

I know this isn't the productivity that I'd hoped for but I'm not worried, with a pretty light three day weekend I'm looking forward to getting a lot done. A finished Bow Stem and possibly a completed Stern stem as well? I don't know my other 2"x4" split (shitty), I don't think Home Depot will take it back, whatever, only $1.77

To Be Continued.....................................................