Consider getting a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Using fixed
satellites, these devices can identify your exact location within a few feet. For about
$250 you can buy one with a map display and memory that allows you to download map detail
and coordinate landmarks from a companion computer program. While a simple GPS can
be had for about $100, you will find it difficult to use without the mapping
feature. Check out the GPS Store.
Shuttles and Such -- Many of our
featured rivers are serviced by outfitters who can provide canoes, camping gear, shuttle
services to move cars, or other transportation or services. Where possible, we mention
these (or provide links to find out about them). Some of the rivers, however, are
"self service", and you need to be able to provide your own shuttle
transportation (which includes finding a legal and reasonably secure place to park cars at
either end of the run).
The most logical shuttle procedure is for everyone to meet at the put-in
(starting point) of the trip, and unload all the boats and gear you will take on the
river. You then move all the vehicles (with driver only) to the take-out (end of
trip), and return to the put-in with only one vehicle (or more if all drivers can't get
into one). At the end of the trip, those whose vehicles are waiting at the take-out
must then transport the shuttle car driver (and hopefully all the gear) back to the
put-in.
The ideal parking arrangement is to leave the vehicles where someone can
look after them. This could be a canoe rental outfitter, park, campground, business
establishment, or even someone's house near the river. You should offer to pay for
leaving your cars (some camps or outfitters will have established fees for this service).
In some cases, it will be unavoidable to leave your vehicles unattended
at the river. When leaving cars for several days at riverside parking areas, it's a
good idea to let local law enforcement officials (usually county sheriff) know about your
plans. They appreciate this consideration -- often they are a good source of information
about the river, and may even provide an added measure of security by looking in on your
cars occasionally (we suspect they enjoy checking out the river and are happy to have an
excuse to do it more often). They won't guarantee the safety of the vehicles, but at
least you will avoid the possibility that they will impound them as abandoned or send out
a search party for the missing occupants!
Pace - How far should you try to canoe in a
day? -- The
average number of miles covered in a day will vary from 12 to 20 (or more, on a few
rivers). Just where within that range will depend on the nature of the river, time of
year, and what else you plan to do with your day other than paddle the canoe. We usually
plan to paddle about five hours per day. This leaves plenty of time for hiking, seeing
interesting features, cooking, fishing, puttering around in camp, or just relaxing.
As a rule of thumb, a standard canoe will move at a rate of about two
miles per hour in relation to the water's surface when paddled by two competent adults at
a moderate pace. Add to this the speed of the current (perhaps 1-2 miles per hour)
and you can see that you theoretically should be making about 3-4 miles per hour.
Factor in the variables of wind, rapids, distractions, laziness . . . you'll generally
make between 2-5 miles per hour.
If you're on one of the larger rivers with a good current, consider
"thwarting" or rafting up the canoes for a leisurely float. One or two people in
the back of a raft of 6-8 canoes can keep you on course (while someone up front keeps a
lookout for obstacles).
Using the map, lay out a plan of about where you want to end up each
day, and try to stick to it. Don't pass up something you really want to stop and look at
-- you may not pass this way again. Try to make camp at least a couple of hours before
dark (more in the summer) to leave plenty of time to get set up and cook before dark.
Relax . . . But, on the other hand if you really enjoy paddling hard all
day and getting down the river in a hurry, choose the longer trips or adjust the estimates
of the time accordingly.
