8th ANNUAL
CANOE INVITATIONAL 2002

Sponsored in part by G-WeBconnect
and AXE Enterprises

INTRODUCTION:

You are cordially invited to this year's Canoe Invitational 2002. "What is the Canoe Invitational?" you ask?

It's a three-day adventure in the calm (?) waters of the Adirondacks (Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28th). This year, we'll be paddling an intensive, 35 mile trip. We'll begin at the canoe launch just north of the bridge on Long Lake, paddle north (10 mi.) and pick up the Raquette River (25 mi.) to the village of Tupper. As always... it's rain or shine!

THE THEORY BEHIND PLANNING THIS TRIP:

When the Canoe Invitational Organizing Committee met some years ago, they decided that participants would generally fend for themselves when it came to organizing their trip needs. It's not that the Organizing Committee was lazy... they just wanted to keep things simple for themselves. If you want to paddle, here are some simple preplanning criteria to follow:

Those who decide to grab their oars and life jackets are expected to do their own networking to organize the following: (1) Who will I canoe with? (2) How will I get a canoe? (3) Who will I share gear with? (4) What will I bring to eat? (5) Will I cook with others?

From the Organizing Committee's informal survey, there's enough gear to go around. Having a canoe (duh), paddle, tent and life jacket are probably the most essential pieces of gear for this trip.  In extreme circumstances, borrowing a canoe from a neighbor is more likely to occur than the need to rent one.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

AXE and "g" (AKA Jim and Gary) do not have extensive canoeing experience or skill. They should not be relied upon as seaworthy or nautically minded... and they are not impressed by those who are! A reasonable amount of research into planning this year's canoe route has occurred. However, as always, there's been plenty of room left for miscalculation, error and poor judgment in the planning stage. While we love to joke around, the Organizing Committee is quite firm about having a safe trip. Life jackets (Seriously!), maps, and canoe safety are paramount to this trip. (Fortunately, this leaves plenty of room for drinking beer and eating shrimp.)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BEGIN:

What's the plan for leaving? This year's trip requires a little coordination. We will meet at 8:30 AM at the boat launch just north of the bridge on Long Lake. Cars will be shuttled to the end point at the village of Tupper. Paddlin' Time is 9:30 AM sharp.

What's the plan for returning home? With a good ten miles to go, I'd say we would break camp around 9-10 AM and arrive at Tupper around 3:00 PM.

What's the plan for camping? Bring a tent. Night-one may offer us 1 or 2 lean-tos. Night-two will be a mystery. In case of rain, each canoe should have a blue tarp (10 x 12) for camp and plenty of nylon rope for hanging it. Tarp poles? Good idea. If you have them, bring 'em. There should be no fee for camp sites.

What's the plan for food and drinks? Jim and Gary traditionally cook dinner for both nights. So, participants usually provide their own breakfasts and lunches. Aside from food, at this point, plan to bring sport drinks and power snacks for canoeing, and snacks and drinks for after hours. Coolers with wheels come in handy.

Are there any costs? The Organizing Committee has waived the traditional $150 participation fee for this year. However, any costs for parking and community food will be shared.

Do I need a life jacket? Absolutely. It's the law. You can't substitute a life jacket for a seat flotation device.

Commitment to the trip: Once you and your paddlin' partner officially commit to the trip, you can always back out. However, if you do, your partner may be left up a stream without a paddle.

I can't find information about this year's 8th Annual Canoe Invitational on G-WeBconnect:
That's right! The 8th Annual Canoe Invitational information can only be reached by clicking onto the secret hyper-link. Go to the Rain Bucket link at www.G-WeBconnect.com, scroll down to the Rain Bucket Table of Contents, then click on the exclamation mark (hyper link) at the end of G-WeBconnect Customized Logo T-Shirts! (2001)

(OR... you could save this accompanying e-mail with the hyper link)

How do I officially sign-on to participate in this year's Canoe Invitational?

1) You and your paddlin' partner must e-mail Gary and register your interest.

2) This is an e-mail essential project. Check your e-mail often. Updates will
be erratic!

3) Tips about gear, canoeing, etc., can be found at WeBconnect/TIPBusters.

 

 

THERE'S MUCH MORE TO COME...
so keep your compass pointed to G-WeBconnect for the next update!