|
Would I be able to get in my own personal watercraft at the "top" of the Mississippi in Minnesota, and follow it all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico without leaving my boat? Are you related to Louis Jolliet? He was the first to do it in 1673. He, along with 5 others did it by canoe...almost. They stopped 435 miles from the end due to Spaniardphobia. Martin Strel did it in 2002. He swam. Famous for swimming the entire lengths of rivers, he prepares for a year and a half, sleeps for 5 hours each day during the swim, and takes 6 to 7 months to recover. Also in 2002 by canoe, Gary Hoffman and his son did it. You can get some of his info and order his book at mightymiss.com. So it seems like you can in fact, do it. So I spoke with Chief Warrant Officer Andy Brown, Asst. Public Relations Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, Upper Mississippi sector. I put the question to him. He said, "It would be possible. Anything is possible. Proper planning is essential." "You would have to understand the rules of the road, so to speak." Mississippi river currents are fast and treacherous, plus there is a lot of other traffic. 15 barges being pushed together above St. Louis are possible, and up to 25 below St. Louis. But Officer Brown wasn't done. He added that the Coast Guard offers a free inspection to confirm that your vessel is worthy. I suggest you take advantage of the service to be sure. "A commercial boat makes this trip in 4 weeks, but they are traveling 24/7 at 6-8 knots. If you had a faster boat, and docked and slept along the way, you still might be able to make it in 4 weeks, but it depends on so many factors." At 2,320 miles, the Mississippi is the fourth longest in the world and the 10th most powerful. You'll need to start below the headwaters since there are 14 dams. After that, beginning in Minneapolis there are 29 dams equipped with locks, and you'll need to understand how to get through them. Does your boat use Diesel? If not, you'll need to know where there are private marinas along the way. Officer Brown had many stories of people thinking they were Tom Sawyer and attempting to do it in a raft. They last about 10 minutes, realize how dangerous it is, and bail out. Do lots and lots of research. There is much to learn. No shame in changing your mind. Can you drive from the U.S. to Argentina? Hmm, I have often wondered this very question so I did a little research. Yes you can, but it is a monster undertaking. There are so many things you need to do when you prepare and to be aware of during your trip. For help, I contacted Elliott Kim, a guy who has done it and created the website traveltosouthamerica.com, the best, most informative of several websites. I asked Mr. Kim what were the three most important things to do when preparing for the trip. "The three most important things are Planning, Language, and Financing. Proper and thorough planning is absolutely essential. You should also have a good working knowledge of Spanish. Take a Spanish class if you need it, but learn it as well as you can. Financing is critical. The trip is very expensive and you'll also need to be prepared for emergencies. I spent nearly $10,000 dollars." And the three most important things during the trip? "Be prepared for the Darien Gap. Your car must be shipped from Panama. It costs about $1500 and takes up to two weeks. DO NOT take pictures of children. Kidnapping is not uncommon. Finally, understand border crossings. There are people for hire at each border. You will need them." This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. You should read every page thoroughly on Mr. Kim's website. Follow his advice. You will also find 3 or 4 other websites by people who have done it. Read them all for invaluable tips, hints, and guides. You don't have a fear of Spaniards do you? |
The Adventure Guy - Series 2: The Mississippi and Drive South America -Christopher Reilly |
Copia Magazine Home --- Contact Us --- Privacy Policy --- Copyright |