Hi maddmike,maddmike wrote:Chinook,
Your questions in order:
(1) If you scan through the Zeno's Arrow thread or look up Bill at boats-4-sale's info. under Modifications, most of your questions on oars are covered.
(2) Fuel is usually available (but expensive) on the Mackenzie at the following settlements; Ft. Hope, Ft. Simpson, Wrigley, Norman Wells (say Hi for me), Ft. Hope, Arctic Red River and Inuvik (sometimes Tuktuyaktuk). Going down river you will be OK & the oars will help. Remember, I was coming up river against contineous 5-10 knots of current (had to call in one air drop of fuel & I carry 100 gals. in internal tanks!).
(3) I do not know what the cost of barge shipping will be. (do know no passengers are allowed).
(4) When I was on the river even the locals could not make it up to Great Bear Lake in their boats (Lost a friend in a crash up there several years back who was the pilot for our 1980 North Pole Skydive Expedition), but some years it is said to be 'do-able'.
When I entered the Missouri River from the Poplar River coming out of Canada, I was directly across from the Yellowstone River and decided to jib sail up the river a little just for fun before continuing down the Missouri & Mississippi, got some strange looks from several fly fishermen along the banks (lol). Also, I believe Tom Root posted some archive links to my old 'Waterways of the Americas' website a few week back, you should be able to find them. FYI, I spent 3 months in the sound & San Juan's before heading up to Alaska and the Arctic back in 1997. Next time I go to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean I'll trailer, not sail the whole way.
Tahoe Jack,
I'm headed out of Sri Lanka to Thailand tomorrow night, then back here until 10 April, then I'll head back to good old Carson City for two weeks, I'll try to touch bases when I get there.MM
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I'll enjoy poking around in the suggested locations to learn more.
Best, Mike Cecka