Wednesday, March 31, 2010

No more ice



It took two days in the high 60's to finish off the ice cover on Otter Lake. Now the water is completely open. This will allow me to start training a little more seriously. I've got a majority of my gear and I can load up the Dirty Gondola and see how she handles when fully loaded. If you happen to be along the river keep an eye out for me.

Additionally, since the article in the Leader came out I've received a large amount of support from the community. Many people seem to be very excited about the trip. It sure is great to get a whole bunch of positive encouragement. Thanks to everyone who has shown their support!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Two very big thanks




First of all, the Hutch Leader ran a story about the trip today, very exciting stuff. It made the front page with some great pictures taken by Kay Johnson. I stopped by the Leader office earlier today to personally thank Kay and Doug Hanneman. They've been very supportive of the trip ever since I first came to them. I am very grateful for their support.

Second, Zella's restaurant has been enthusiastic about the trip since I began planning it. All my co-workers in the kitchen are pretty pumped about the whole idea and some are a bit jealous. The servers in the front of the house have also been very supportive, a majority of my t-shirt sales have been to co-workers so far. Thanks a lot Zella's crew.

Also, Tiff and Blake (the owners of Zella's) have been extremely supportive. Not only have they given a great deal of emotional support, they are very active in financially supporting the trip and helping to get the word out. Today I sold my first Gondola Granola, which would not have even become a reality without a lot of help from Tiff and Blake (it was actually Tiff's idea). It can't be easy to lose an employee, and yet they are still openly showing their support. Perhaps I owe my biggest thanks to these two.

On a different note, in roughly 2 days the ice cover on Otter Lake has gone from about 95% to 50%. The warm weather and high winds have opened up the water considerably. I have been on the river almost everyday for the last few weeks, but now I don't even have to drive to a spot: just another sign of spring.

Rudy

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wheels are turning...



Had a "photo shoot" with Kay Johnson from the Hutch Leader yesterday. Got some pictures with the Dirty Gondola. A story will be in the paper sometime next week. Pretty exciting.

Also, my first T-shirt was sold today. A loyal fan and admirer, Dan, made the first purchase. Not only that, but he has offered to captain a motorized party boat to follow behind me on the trip. Anyone interested should contact him (not really).

Saturday, March 20, 2010

T-shirts




To help get the word out I'll be selling T-shirts with my logo on it. Definitely one of the most awesome pieces of clothing you will ever own. The logo is front center and this webpage's address is on the right sleeve. Email me if interested (golds143@d.umn.edu).

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A little about the conservation corps...




I worked for Conservation Corps Minnesota as a crew leader in the summer youth program. This consisted of leading a crew of 8 youth on various work projects throughout the state. We worked in the Chippewa National Forest, Judge Magney State Park, St. Croix State Park, and on Will Steger's homestead to name a few. It's pretty amazing how much work we accomplished. My crew built bridges, cleared trails, and removed invasive species.

Aside from the physical aspect of the program, education is also an important part of the youth's summer. For some of the youth on my crew this was their first camping experience. Needless to say they learned a lot rather quickly, out of necessity. Additionally there was at least an hour of educational activities planned everyday for the crew. All this hard work and education added up to some life changing experiences for the youth.

I took a lot away from that summer with the Conservation Corps and I feel this organization does a lot of good in Minnesota. They are a very worthy cause.

Some info from their website:

2008 Natural Resource Accomplishments (partial list)
Adopt-A-River -- 148 clean-ups, 439 miles
Erosion Control/slope stabilization -- 75,943 sq. feet
Lakeshore restoration -- 67,760 sq. feet
River/Streambank restoration -- 178,342 feet

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Logo




Thanks to my good friend Jordan this new design will be on the bags of granola for sale at Zella's. Not only is it an awesome work of art, but it pretty much sums me up in a single picture.


Due to warm weather and the recent downpour, the ice on the Crow River has freed up considerably. I was able to go for a short paddle with my dad earlier today. The water level was very high and the current was very fast, but we managed to find some calmer spots for safer paddling. It was great to finally get out on the water, if even just for a little bit.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Sailin' round the world...





I have just overcome a very important obstacle in planning this trip. I have decided on a name for my kayak: "The Dirty Gondola". The kayak is nothing fancy, 12 feet long with room for about 150 pounds of gear. I'm certain we will get to know each other very well.

Also, Zella's will be selling granola during lunch in the near future. Sales of the granola will go toward financing this trip. I can personally attest to the deliciousness of it.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Trip Details

Thanks for visiting the Hutchinson to Hudson Bay blog.

On April 25th I will be starting a journey from the Crow River to Hudson Bay. I will be following the route Eric Sevareid and Walter Port took in their 1930 expedition, except I will be adding 200 miles to the start and 200 miles on the end. The total mileage is approximately 2600 miles. A few adventurers have made the trek since Sevareid's, but as far as I know this is the first time this route has been done solo.

It is my intention to turn this kayak trip into a fundraiser for Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa. I believe this organization does great things for Minnesota's natural resources and I wish for them to continue their great work. If you would like to make a pledge (e.g. a penny a mile, a nickel a mile) please contact me through email (golds143@d.umn.edu). If you would like to donate directly to the conservation corps please go to their website: http://www.conservationcorps.org/

Check back for more updates soon.