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Richard Ferguson
 
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Default How to find a partner to canoe to Arctic Ocean

For some reason, I have got it in my craw to canoe to the Arctic Ocean,
perhaps on the McKenzie or the Horton, the Yellowknife looks too
technical for my taste/experience. I have done a lot of research, I
have the McCreadie book, I even made up web pages for a half dozen
rivers with a summary of my research, including links to good trip
journals, etc.

What I am short is a willing partner for a month long trip. I used the
web pages as a sales tool for some of my friends who I thought might be
game. However, it is hard to find someone who can take off that much
time.

I should say that I have some canoeing experience in Utah, etc., but
none in Canada or anywhere else north. However, I have considerable
experience with planning successful international mountaineering
expeditions, so I know how to do my research, develop a good plan, and
succeed far from home.

But anyway, my question is how I could find a suitable partner for such
a crazy trip? Do I need to join a local (Colorado) canoeing club?
Should I put up a notice at local river shops? The one thing I would
never do is sign up for a month trip with someone I had not done shorter
trips with, so finding a partner on the Internet doesn't seem like an
attractive plan, unless he lives in or near Colorado. (Also, the
partner would have to be a he, or I would be in deep trouble with my
wife). One suggestion has been to join a guided group trip, but I am
accustomed to small groups with cooperative joint leadership, also the
cost of a guided trip seems steep. (Floatplane costs are, however,
potentially a big issue on an independent trip). I have more time than
money. I would consider doing the McKenzie solo, but can't say that a
solo trip seems particularly smart or attractive.

Any suggestions on how to find a partner would be appreciated.

Richard