Great River Rumble

[OzarkTom]

Hi Folks,
I am posting this up at the request of Flip Putthoff. looks pretty interesting!

Great River Rumble Explores Missouri River
The annual Great River Rumble canoe and kayak trip will head down the Missouri River in 2012. The trip is set for July 28-Aug. 4.
This year's expedition will travel from Jefferson City, Mo., to the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center near Hartford, Ill., where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet. Paddlers in canoes or kayaks are welcome to join the flotilla that will explore 146 miles of one of the nation's great rivers.
The Great River Rumble is a paddling and camping trip. Paddlers overnight in their own tents at historic riverfront towns along the way, usually in city parks. All gear is transported downstream by truck so paddlers carry only what they need for the day, such as lunch, water and sunscreen.
Dinners and breakfasts are normally eaten at restaurants or cafes in the overnight towns. Occasionally a meal is catered in for purchase.
Average distance traveled each day is around 20 miles. Paddlers shove off each morning as a group near 8 a.m. The next overnight town is usually reached by 4 p.m. This year's trip will overnight in the Missouri towns of Jefferson City, Bonnots Mill, Chamois, Hermann, Washington, Klondike and St. Charles. Some 100 to 150 paddlers are expected for this year's trip. Paddlers must be at least 14 years old.
Safety is top priority. The trip heads downriver as a group with a lead boat and a sweep boat. Paddlers stay between the two. The pace is brisk, Life jackets are worn and fastened. Power boats travel on the river with the group. These carry extra water and offer aid as needed.
Last year's trip was scheduled for the Missouri River, but summer floods from dam releases in the northern United States caused the trip to be canceled. It was the first cancelation ever for the Great River Rumble. The most severe flooding was far upstream from the lower miles of the Missouri. This year's trip will cover the route that was planned for 2011.
Midwest River Expeditions, a nonprofit group, runs the Great River Rumble. The trip takes place on the upper Mississippi River or its tributaries each summer.
Cost is $125 per person. The fee includes all camping, a souvenir shirt and a farewell banquet at the end of the trip. Charter bus shuttle service from Harford, Ill, to Jefferson City, Mo., is $25. Boat transportation is $25. Canoes or kayaks can be rented for $35 per day.
To register or for more information, visit the Great River Rumble website at http://www.riverrumble.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Request a printed brochure and registration form by sending your name and address to Great River Rumble, P.O. Box 3408, Dubuque, Ia., 52004.
Questions? Contact Flip Putthoff, 479-619-2544 or send e-mail to fputthoff@nwaonline.com.