It is the question we are constantly asked no matter if we are on water or on wheels. People intrigued by our large yellow canoe, pair of portage wheels, or odd location come up to us full of questions.
Where are you From?
We live at the Cape, but before that we were from Boston. No, no we don’t have the accent. Yeah it is super funny… We both went to school in Boston and then stayed for jobs. We love your bookstore! Where is your section on architecture?
Where Did You Put In?
We started in Lake Francis, which is just after the Connecticut Lakes. It was basically Canada. When we portaged through Pittsburg NH we crossed the road that led to the border. In the beginning, the river ox bowed constantly making the miles slow. These days the water is much straighter leading to longer distances.
So this is Where You Parked?
Well no… We are paddling from the source to the sea, so we will be finishing at a lighthouse on Long Island Sound! We will have to be careful because the last 50 miles will have a tide to work with. We learned quickly in the headwaters which were shallow rocky places that our canoe has the tendency to go sideways.
How long have you been Paddling?
It has been about a month and it will probably be another couple of weeks or so. Yes, that is a long time to spend outside, but the wildlife has been impressive. Bald eagles make daily appearances, and a while back some Peregrin falcons gave us a wild show. We listen to music and podcasts, but unfortunately still get the news 🙁
Have you been Camping?
Yes! There are all kinds of primitive campsites along the river and maintained by different groups: Watersheds, youth groups, ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) private landowners, etc. There are also family campgrounds where we can do the necessary laundry and take showers. Sometimes there are even sites near cities and the day can be spent in town. We love your bookstore! Where is your architecture section?
Where do you Buy Food?
Many communities are based around the river. Early timber harvests, canals, water power or railroads are focused in the long river valley: the original interstate. Every riverbank town has a dam we must portage around, and we usually buy food on the walk. Industrial developments and later highway constructions cut these towns off from their river-fronts. It is funny that many people forget the river is something one can still traverse! You can get out there too!
Why are you Doing This?
Earlier this year we began hiking the Appalachian Trail, but due to rising coronovirus rates and a surge in popularity of national parks we decided to leave the (former) solitude of the woods. We spent the next month hiding in a friend’s basement in Virginia, they were very kind to us. When things began to reopen, we wondered how we could continue our outdoor intense team-building exercise, but in a more distanced and safe way. We decided paddling from source to sea on the Connecticut River would be a great way to cross four states off our earlier trek, and stay local.
But where is Your Car?
We don't have one here? We love your bookstore! Do you ship?
But Where is Your Car?!