Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Anyone for some Florida sun and fun?
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BeaV |
The race launches from Tampa Bay March 3rd and boaters travel south along the developed vacation-heavy gulf coast, through the desolate water-world of the Everglades, and finishing at the sand beaches of Key Largo. Boat types include canoes, kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, peddle-drives, and sail boats. Some people will travel fast and others will try faster- the slow are disqualified. Rules say they must make Key Largo in 8 days or less, no preplanned support. Almost all boats will use a combination of wind and human power- to rely on just one lessens the chance of making it in time. Picture this as a combination of the TV shows “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” only it’s not preplanned drama. This is real- 300 miles +/- of constant challenges, planning, strategies, and physical & mental endurance. Participants must choose and navigate routes, deal with adverse weather, play the tides and tidal currents, avoid critters, plan their rest periods, and try not to give up when things go awry. Notable for this year are the large number of canoes entered. Looks like maybe 20 and 16 of these are Kruger decked canoes. Also, likely some hurdles left behind by the aftermath of hurricane Irma. The link below will take you to the shared Spot tracking map that will show an icon for each participant. On race day, the map will be reset and everyone’s current position will show up. If you choose the correct tabs, an individual’s unique track footprint can be followed. There is also a “discussion” button tab located at the top of that page that’ll take you to a message board that will have some updates and stories. Although, I think there may be a more active discussion ongoing in the facebook world somewhere. Tracking Map |
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Wally13 |
I will be following your paddle on-line for sure! |
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Handycamp |
Wish I was in Florida right now. Gettin' mighty sick of winter! |
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Grandma L |
Watching on both Water Tribe site and Race Owl Race Owl - Everglades Challenge 2018 |
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Frenchy |
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nctry |
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pswith5 |
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LindenTree3 |
Next year I may have to plan my trip around the Tampa starting point to cheer you all off. I don't think I'm tough to do this challange solo, in an open bow canoe. If I could hook up with another paddler, I might consider it in he future. PS, BeaV I got my permit for the half Border Challange in September, and am looking foreward to it. Good luck with your paddle in FL, hope you win the Gold for MN :-) |
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JimmyJustice |
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Frenchy19 |
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boonie |
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BeaV |
boonie: "You could take some "eskimo ice cream". It would [sort of] survive the conditions. And bring back fond memories. :)" Yummy akutuq (gutturally pronounced AUK-goo-duck)! Eskimo Ice Cream Article |
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BeaV |
Frenchy- I hope the heat passes followed by 40 degree temps for the event. nctry- ESPN- that would make for an interesting but long event. Grandma L outbid ESPN for the coverage rights and will try to figure out what's taking place and do some updates. pswith5- it is fun (when it's over) LT3- You should bring your folding canoe. Nice paddling available around Fort Desoto Park where we will launch from. Protected enough for an open canoe. You're right about an open canoe in the Everglades Challenge- it would be hard to stay afloat. The Gulf always seems to throw some big nasty stuff our way. That's part of the skill (luck) needed- when to be off the Gulf. I think only one open canoe has ever been allowed to try. I'm pretty excited about the Border Challenges, too, but trying not to think about it, yet. |
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BeaV |
I have participated twice before in this and have enjoyed paddling with many critters most notably sharks, alligators, and crocodiles. But I have never seen a python. They are an invasive specie in the glades and are squeezing out the native critters. The last time I was there, I received a special award at the finish and as part of that, I was given a little cute Easter Bunny that I was supposed to take care of and protect in an effort to try to make me a more "soft and gentler" person. I'm bringing him back, well cared for. But now he's on his own- in fact I'm going to use him as bait to get close to a python:-) |
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HowardSprague |
Good luck, looks like an awesome event! |
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Grandma L |
For those of you who are interested and "boat smart", BeaV's Sea Wind is a 1:6 width/length ratio. Some of those racing kayaks are 1:10 or longer. This makes his paddle even more of a challenge. Like HayRiverDrifter said, "Paddle Harder". |
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boonie |
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FOG51 |
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voyager |
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hiawatha |
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giddyup |
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Grandma L |
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HayRiverDrifter |
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