Famous Boats - Kon-Tiki. The Kon-Tiki expedition was one of my favourite adventure stories growing up. As an adult learning more about Thor Heyerdahl and his crew on their balsa wood raft I'm even more impressed. Experimental archaeology and adventure all mixed together. I've only seen clips of the movies but I have read their books and watched the documentary they made. So very cool.
Hope these caches act as an invitation to come paddle here. This is a beautiful stretch of water that I have never seen a power boat on as there is very little access (if at all) for them. 15 paddle strokes takes you into nature and beautiful wild life habitats. As I was placing these caches I saw at least six Great Blue Herons, turtles, water fowl of so many types, frogs, fish and so much more. Other years there has been an osprey on this island but I've not seen him or her this year. Love pictures in the logs if you can. If you are going upstream from Cram Road you could explore Lavallee Creek while circling the island that is home to the Kon-Tiki. Fall colours are lovely here but any day you can be on the water with wind and sun is a good day! The container itself is a Centifruge Tube with a rite in rain paper log book (also in plastic baggie), zip tied (hopefully) pretty securely. You will need to bring your own writing device and possibly tweezers.
This is part of a water series I'm putting out and I'm using famous boats as my theme as I paddle my canoe on these beautiful rivers and lakes. It won't be as impressive a series as the Dar-ing series of dadndaughter fame. Check those ones out if you love paddling around here. But maybe we can call it a tribute to that fun series that I'm still trying to finish. They are awesome! Hoping that these ones will add to some more fun paddles in the area. Starting with a couple here to go with the Cram Road Canoe Launch (GCAY3MJ) which is probably the best starting point for this one.
Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists information on "Lanark County canoe and kayak journeys" is a good starting point for resources and information if you are unfamiliar with this area. That information leads off with 'follow up to date paddling safety practices, conditions are subject to change, and many routes should be avoided during spring floods'. All of which is good advice. While keeping that advice in mind I've paddled this section of the river a half dozen times each year with family and friends and never been worried, but I always respect the water. Water levels and speed of currents can change a lot in different seasons so please be safe.
Hope you enjoy! Happy Paddling!