After floating the Buffalo and King’s Rivers this year to raise money for Reel Recovery, I needed to thing of something better for 2010. After thinking of how we could raise the awareness for Reel Recovery, I first thought of floating the White River. But there are not any really big news outlets along the river. I really want to get the word out. I then decided on floating the Arkansas River as it flows through the state of Arkansas. There are many larger towns with television stations such as Fort Smith, Conway, Little Rock and Pine Bluff. I’m sure a float of around 400 miles in a drift “row” boat will get some attention. I plan to start the float on March 27, 2010 in Fort Smith on the border between Oklahoma and Arkansas and finishing at the Mississippi River about 3 weeks later.
I will be rowing alone in the Hyde, but will welcome anyone with their boat to float along. Might even have some celebrities to float portions with me. Maybe I can get the Governor to float a little bit with me as I pass through Little Rock.
Sponsors will be greatly appreciated and welcomed. I hope to carry everything I need in the boat for the whole trip. The only thing I might have to provision along the way will be water. As many know, from my cancer treatments I have no saliva glands and must drink alot of water to get my food down. I usually drink between 200-300 ounces of water per day. Won’t have to worry about dehydration!
Going in late March/early April, I hope to bypass some of the bugs and critters along the way. I plan to row at least 20-25 miles per day which should be easy. At least I hope so. I will be leaving the weekend after SowBug Roundup in Mountain Home and finish just before my 56th birthday.
I will keep everyone informed as the date gets closer and will be giving daily updates along the route, that is if I can get internet access.
Wish me luck. Be Well!! Fish On!!