: Some of you may be interested in a trip I'm going to attempt next year. If
: you're interested, check out my new site. You can also follow the trip and
: my twittering at Twitter(http://twitter.com/bryanhansel). This also means
: that I won't be building a new kayak next spring and summer. I really
: wish I had the time to build a Siskiwit LV.

: Here's the jist of the trip: In 2009, photographer, writer, and kayaking
: guide Bryan Hansel will attempt a solo circumnavigation of all five Great
: Lakes. From Fort Gratiot Light on Lake Huron, Hansel will paddle
: northbound attempting the three largest lakes first. Upon completing
: circumnavigations of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, he will
: complete the remaining two, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

: During this 5-month, 3800 mile expedition, Hansel will attempt to become the
: first person to solo circumnavigate by kayak all the Great Lakes in one
: year. In doing so, he’ll fulfill a long held dream and provide testimony
: that great expeditions are possible near home. The expedition’s objectives
: are: * Complete a circumnavigation of all five Great Lakes in one
: continuous push, with a maximum of 20 mile crossings, and paddling 3800
: miles.

: * Produce a book showing the Great Lakes from the viewpoint of a kayak.

: * Write and spur magazine and newspaper articles.

: * Maintain a website devoted to paddling opportunities on the Great Lakes.
: During the trip, provide weekly web updates and daily Twitter tweets of
: trip status.

: * Produce a slide show promoting kayaking, resource and

: * wilderness protection on the Great Lakes.

: * Build an extensive photographic portfolio of the Great Lakes.

: The Great Lakes contain roughly one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water,
: they’re surrounded by eight U.S. States and one Canadian province, and
: have over 10,000 miles of shoreline. Formed just under 10,000 years ago as
: the last glaciers retreated, this young drainage basin is home to over 33
: million people. This unique resource is under constant pressure from
: pollution, invasive species, and urban sprawl.

: With your help, we can promote paddling adventure on the Great Lakes,
: increase paddlesports participation in the Midwest, and highlight the
: pressures faced by one of America’s great wonders; the increased
: paddlesport participation will advance resource and wilderness protection.

Bryan,

Btw, what boat are you taking?

Also, if you get the chance send me the offsets for that boat, I've been hoping to build another stripper, perhaps next year? I've only got three to finish first .

Bill H.