The Copper

The next adventure is nearing: July 14-18 I'll float The Copper River from Chitina to Cordova with 3 others in a 14' raft. This is something I've wanted to do since, well, since the first time I saw Alaska's 4th largest river. Having done a few AK river trips, I find myself in the distinctly puzzling position of essentially possessing most of the required gear... When a trip materializes on the horizon, what do I want to do more than anything? Go out and swipe those plastic cards on new gear purchases... So... having everything fundamentally necessary, I had to resort to buying a couple "toys"... though that's probably not the right word for items that will only become required should the shit really hit the fan out there... but which make me feel pretty dang on top of things to have... First, although I've been a firearms owner for 16 of my 28 years (thanks mom for that first Ruger 10/22 you bought me!), I purchased my first revolver this week. A .44 magnum Smith & Wesson short barrel bear gun. It's gorgeous, hefty little object. It gives me goosebumps to hold it, but I respect it intensely and what it might someday do for me. It also shoots a light shot load that I'm hoping may work for collecting small mammals for the Museum. The other toy I bought is a SPOT satellite messenger. (www.findmespot.com). I've wanted something like this for years. I want to do a solo paddle from the Brooks to the Arctic ocean late this summer... so this is something that will give my loyal fans (wink, wink Mom) a chance to track my progress on Google Maps... Pretty fancy... All for now...