Un-charted waters for the Capt'n

One needs to be very cautious when picking up the phone. The last couple of times I received a phone call from Mark (Kruger Canoes); I've found myself saying "yes" to this question: "Hey do you want to race a Kruger Cruiser in the up-coming.... with me?"

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So the first thing we did was sign up for the longest non-stop paddling race in the world. The Missouri 340. Which makes a lot of sense.... right?

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Misery loves company, so now a handful of the WaterTribe are entering as well. Wayferer, SandyBottom, Etchemin, S.O.S. and the list continues to grow.

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Then last week the phone rang early Monday morning it was Mark. I waited in anticipation... (You never know what outrageous idea he has come up with while inspired by building the world's best undisputed expedition canoes. He keeps mentioning the Yukon River Quest) anyway...

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We got to discussing the logistics for the Hardcore Adventure Camp in which Kruger Canoes is sponsoring all the boats for the kids to paddle. When the conversation turned to training for the Misery 340. We needed a plan.

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We decided it would be good to race the Hugh Heward Canoe Race on the Grand River in Michigan. It's a 55 mile down river paddle, with a couple of portages. We have never paddled together and it would be good to sit in a boat together for a few hours, to see how we do. We will try to paddle together a few times over the next couple of months before the M340.

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Mark is building us a new Kruger Cruiser for the Misery 340, doubtful that it will be completed for H.H.C.R. in 3 weeks. So we are paddling in Verlen's personal Cruiser (on loan from Jenny) which Mark explained is all tricked out. Am I worthy, to paddle Verlen's personal boat?... Dude come on!!

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Then I am told the race goes right by Verlen's home on the Grand River and the cemetery in which he rests and ends where the memorial will be located.

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Mark and I am quoting, "Verlen will be calling out the "huts" for us on this one".

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There is some serious positive energy around. This is way cool.

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So how does one train for an event in 3 weeks...

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Paddle paddle paddle... Mark Przedwojewski