Paddling Upstream

[Wheatenheimer]

Ok, if you didn't already think that I am a bonehead, I am about to change your opinion!

Calling out to all of you wise River Rat's (and I mean that with the deepest respect!) How tough do you think it would be for one man to paddle, portage and pull a 14' Roylex canoe from Galena to Springfield Lake Dam? And how long do you think it would take? I think it is about 45 river miles, roughly.

Think about and let me know, I take constructive criticism, quite well.

Thanks,

Kevin

[laker67]

Ok, if you didn't already think that I am a bonehead, I am about to change your opinion!

Calling out all of you wise River Rat's (and I mean that with the deepest respect!) How tough do you think it would for one man to paddle, portage and pull a '14 Roylex canoe from Galena to Springfield Lake Dam? And how long do you think it would take? I think it is about 45 river miles, roughly.

Think about and let me know, I take constructive criticism, quite well.

Thanks,

Kevin

First you would have to determine the average rate of flow of the river. Lets say that it would be traveling downstream at a rate of 3 mph. If you were to average 6 mph upstream for an eight hour period, you could make it in 2 days. Honestly, I don't have a freeking clue. Good luck on your adventure.

[FishinCricket]

Kevin, you've lost your mind.

My guess is 4 days. What do I win if I'm right?

[zander]

3 days if you go unjuiced.... maybe 2 if you take a bunch of 5 hour energy drinks with you and don't get any blisters. Seriously that is what I would be worried about.

[smallmouthjoe]

Does this trip include fishing?

With a moderate amount of fishing at least six days.

Without fishing three days.

I was planning on taking a week to get from 125 to Galena, and that's floating down stream.

[RSBreth]

I've done that trip dozens of times. In 5- to 8-mile increments.

How long to go the whole way? Forever.

[fishinwrench]

I do a considerable amount of upstream paddling. Mostly because organizing shuttles on the rivers/streams I fish is a pain, and secondly because I notice more stuff and catch more fish when I am working my way upriver. I think it's kinda cool figuring out ways to get up through tricky fast areas, but sometimes it is more of a workout than it is worth.

My average solo push is usually 3 miles or less in a OT Guide 147 with lots of fishing and plenty of stops along the way. I could add a mile or so easily if I was paddling a lighter, narrower canoe.

I'm not familiar with the James, but on any river with a decent flow I wouldn't count on traveling more than 5 miles per day.

[Wheatenheimer]

Hey guys, thanks for all the input so far! I really appreciate it. If and when I give this a go, I will be doing a moderate amount of fishing along the way, which I know will slow me down. I was thinking of trying this over a four-day-weekend, but it's looking like that may not be enough time, so maybe I'll put it off until I have vacation the first week of September. That is if the lady will let me do a soul-searching-dissapear-from-society stunt like this!

Thanks again and keep posting your thoughts and opinions on this.......I love it!

Kevin

Oh and Cricket.....yes, I have lost my mind, ask Flysmallie, there wasn't much there to begin with!

[Flysmallie]

Kev, just a thought. You do know the river flows the other direction?

I don't understand why you would want to "float" upstream, but you've always done things a little different.

My guess is it would take a long time.

Did you get a canoe or is the 14 ft just something you are planning on borrowing for the event?

[Wheatenheimer]

Kev, just a thought. You do know the river flows the other direction?

I don't understand why you would want to "float" upstream, but you've always done things a little different.

My guess is it would take a long time.

Did you get a canoe or is the 14 ft just something you are planning on borrowing for the event?

Hey Ronnie, I guess now is as good of a time as any................Can I borrow your 14' canoe and use it to paddle upstream on the James for a week?

No, really, I am planning on purchasing a 14'3" Royalex canoe from Two Brothers Canoe in Garfield, AR. One of the brothers is a buddy of mine and although I haven't seen his boats in person yet, knowing Louis, I'm sure they are top knotch! So here in a couple of weeks I will be picking up my new boat.

Now to address the "float" upstream part a little more. The other night after having a few, I thought wouldn't it be cool to pick up my new canoe and have my buddy drop me off with it below Beaver Dam on the White. I could paddle all the way into Table Rock Lake, up the James river arm and then upstream all the way to Springfield Lake, which is close to my house. What a way to Chrisen a new boat, eh?

Then I sobered up and reallized that unless I was willing to take a couple of months off work (which I can't afford) and look for a new girlfriend when it's over (which I can't afford) I should reduce my Journey to the last and probably the most difficult stretch. And now I'm thinking I should drive down to AR, pick up the boat, do a day float on the Buffalo and then strap it on top of the wagon and bring it home.

Thanks again to everyone with your encouragement and advice! Keep it coming!

Kevin