Source to Sea http://sourcetosea.net Paddling the Mississippi River and Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:32:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 http://feeds.feedburner.com/sourcetosea?format=skin35.807458-78.70086http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/http://www.sourcetosea.nethttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/1652858038_3d6ce9b0a6_t.jpgSource to Sea: Paddling the Mississippi Riversourcetoseahttp://feedburner.google.com Paddling the Neuse River to Promote Water Quality Awareness http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/UU10NcXfQ6M/ http://sourcetosea.net/paddling-the-neuse-river-to-promote-water-quality-awareness/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:02:44 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/paddling-the-neuse-river-to-promote-water-quality-awareness/ <p class="posttitle"></p> <p class="posttitle">As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorous loads from runoff and development and [...]

Neuse River Expedition

As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorous loads from runoff and development and numerous Pfiesteria outbreaks helped put the Neuse on American River’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers List as recently as 2007.

I’ll be paddling the 193 miles from the Fall’s Lake Dam (Raleigh, NC) to New Bern to raise awareness of water quality issues within the Neuse River watershed. The trip will begin August 27, 2009, and I plan to take about 10 days to reach New Bern and the beginning of the Pamlico Sound. On September 6, I’ll also be working with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation with a public paddling session in New Bern. Details will be posted to the website as they are finalized.

Along the way, I’ll be posting podcasts, photos, and journals to our website. To receive these up-to-the-minute updates of the trip, make sure to subscribe to our website by email or RSS.

Education and Outreach

A number of agencies and organizations will be involved in this effort. If your agency, group, media outlet would like more information, participate in the expedition, or schedule a slideshow after the trip,  please feel free to Contact Us.We are also available to talk to your school and organization about water quality issues, our expedition down the Mississippi River, or John’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Groups involved in this Effort

Schedule

Leave Raleigh: Aug 27
Smithfield: Aug 29 (resupply)
Goldsboro: Aug 31
Kinston: Sept 2 (resupply)
New Bern: Sept 4

Neuse River Expedition Sponsors

  • Pasted Graphic 4
  • hurricane kayak
  • Astral Bouyancy
  • Platypus Hydration System
  • sea to summit
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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/paddling-the-neuse-river-to-promote-water-quality-awareness/feed/ 1 http://sourcetosea.net/paddling-the-neuse-river-to-promote-water-quality-awareness/ Neuse River Gear Video http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/osgXTy8mCi4/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-gear-video/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:18:32 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/?p=313 <p>Here&#8217;s a quick video I took after spending 10 days on the Neuse River. Be on the lookout for full video gear reviews for the Hurricane Kayaks Santee Expedition, Astral Buoyancy V8 PFD, Playtus Clean Stream water filtration system, Sea to Summit drybags and Kitchen Sink, and a few other pieces of my favorite gear. [...] Here’s a quick video I took after spending 10 days on the Neuse River. Be on the lookout for full video gear reviews for the Hurricane Kayaks Santee Expedition, Astral Buoyancy V8 PFD, Playtus Clean Stream water filtration system, Sea to Summit drybags and Kitchen Sink, and a few other pieces of my favorite gear. My thanks again to Great Outdoor Provision Company and all our sponsors for their continued support of our efforts.

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-gear-video/feed/ 1 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-gear-video/ Where’s John? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/BgKol-XQqTM/ http://sourcetosea.net/wheres-john-been/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:09:24 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/?p=310 <p>Just wanted to put up a quick post. Things have been absolutely nuts since I got off the Neuse River some month and a half ago. My job has been absolutely insane, and Jess had a cataract taken out, which lead to a detached retina. (Pro-Tip: never, ever get a detached retina if you can [...] Just wanted to put up a quick post. Things have been absolutely nuts since I got off the Neuse River some month and a half ago. My job has been absolutely insane, and Jess had a cataract taken out, which lead to a detached retina. (Pro-Tip: never, ever get a detached retina if you can help it!) She doing much better now, and I’m slowly getting back in the saddle again and will be posting gear reviews, journals, videos, and a few more podcasts in the upcoming few weeks. My apologies for the lack of posting, but I hope things will be worth the wait.

Take care,

-John

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/wheres-john-been/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/wheres-john-been/ Neuse River Expedition Finished http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/ERL0ayNtNv8/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-finished/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:02:47 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-finished/ <p>Just arrived in New Bern, NC about 15 minutes ago. 200 miles. 9 days. Man, what a cool river! <p />&#160;Full trip report in a few days. My thanks go out to all the sponsors, the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation, and lovely and benevolent wife Jessica for all the help with this trip. You guys rock. <p />&#160;Take [...] Just arrived in New Bern, NC about 15 minutes ago. 200 miles. 9 days. Man, what a cool river!

 Full trip report in a few days. My thanks go out to all the sponsors, the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation, and lovely and benevolent wife Jessica for all the help with this trip. You guys rock.

 Take care,

 -John Pugh

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-finished/feed/ 4 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-finished/ Neuse River Expedition Day 8 Journal http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/1RxFJkutmnU/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-8-journal/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:50:28 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-8-journal/ <p>Long day. 27 miles. Listening to the barred owls now. I&#8217;m about to fall asleep writing this little note, so this&#8217;ll do it for now. <p />&#160;Take care, <p />&#160;-John &#160;&#160;Download now or listen on posterous <p> Day 8 Journal.m4a (5642 KB) </p> <p>Sent from my iPhone</p> Share and [...] Long day. 27 miles. Listening to the barred owls now. I’m about to fall asleep writing this little note, so this’ll do it for now.

 Take care,

 -John

  
Download now or listen on posterous

Day 8 Journal.m4a (5642 KB)

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-8-journal/feed/ 1 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-8-journal/ Neuse River Expedition Day 7 Journal http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/O0AUFlyM3kw/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-7-journal/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:28:02 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-7-journal/ <p>Windy today, and a little frustating making time to be honest. Just 14 miles into Kinston, then ran errands and piddled for a few hours. 150 down, 50 to go. I&#8217;d love to have another month or two out here though. <p />&#160;Take care, -John &#160;&#160;Download now or listen on posterous <p> [...] Windy today, and a little frustating making time to be honest. Just 14 miles into Kinston, then ran errands and piddled for a few hours. 150 down, 50 to go. I’d love to have another month or two out here though.

 Take care,
-John

  
Download now or listen on posterous

Memo.m4a (5337 KB)

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-7-journal/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-expedition-day-7-journal/ More Pictures from the Neuse River Expedition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/P16BSaz2Zfc/ http://sourcetosea.net/more-pictures-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:58:19 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/more-pictures-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/ <p>Made it to Kinston about 1pm today (Wednesday, Sept 2.) My 7:1 days to shower ratio was getting the best of me, but I&#39;m squeaky-clean now that I&#39;ve had a shower at the Neuseway Campground right on the river. Staying there tonight, then pushing off first thing in the morning for the final 50 miles [...] Made it to Kinston about 1pm today (Wednesday, Sept 2.) My 7:1 days to shower ratio was getting the best of me, but I'm squeaky-clean now that I've had a shower at the Neuseway Campground right on the river. Staying there tonight, then pushing off first thing in the morning for the final 50 miles of the trip. I should be in New Bern in two days, with Cal Hansen from the Twin Rivers Paddling Club showing me the way. Can't wait. We'll be finishing up at Union Point Park (New Bern) on Friday afternoon, so come on out in you're in the area. I

Here's a few pictures to tide things over. There's a ton of these things to sort though, but I'll organize them into a proper gallery when I get back. If you group is interested in a Slideshow talk, just use the Contact Page at http://www.sourcetosea.net. I'll be ready to roll by Oct 1 or so.

Take care,

-John
 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/more-pictures-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/more-pictures-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/ Sunrise on the Neuse River http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/6as4_Y-kn9g/ http://sourcetosea.net/sunrise-on-the-neuse-river/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:49:03 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/sunrise-on-the-neuse-river/ <p>Mornin&#8217; folks. It&#8217;s a beautiful day today. <p />&#160;-John <p> </p> <p>Sent from my iPhone</p> Share and Enjoy: Mornin’ folks. It’s a beautiful day today.

 -John

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/sunrise-on-the-neuse-river/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/sunrise-on-the-neuse-river/ Neuse River Day 6 Podcast http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/v-8XkqpQ1Is/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-6-podcast/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:40:23 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-6-podcast/ <p>Great day on the river today. My thanks go out to Cal and Dave from the Twin Rivers Paddling Club for coming out and paddling today. <p />&#160;Paddled about 22 miles so far today , and will be putting in another 8 or so before camping tonight. Weather was beautiful, and I&#8217;m on track to teach [...] Great day on the river today. My thanks go out to Cal and Dave from the Twin Rivers Paddling Club for coming out and paddling today.

 Paddled about 22 miles so far today , and will be putting in another 8 or so before camping tonight. Weather was beautiful, and I’m on track to teach New Bern on Friday or Saturday. 122 down, and about 78 to go!

 Take care
-John

  
Download now or listen on posterous

Day 6 Podcast.m4a (4357 KB)

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-6-podcast/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-6-podcast/ Neuse River Day 5 Update http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/LTBJjZupv-Q/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-5-update/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:45:51 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-5-update/ <p>Short day today. Been running errands in Goldsboro today, but had a huge day yesterday. Lots of rain so far, but cooler temps too. <p />&#160;Doing an interview later with the Goldsboro Times-Argus, and will post that link when I get it. Great name for a newspaper. <p />&#160;Paddling to Seven Springs tomorrow with members of the [...] Short day today. Been running errands in Goldsboro today, but had a huge day yesterday. Lots of rain so far, but cooler temps too.

 Doing an interview later with the Goldsboro Times-Argus, and will post that link when I get it. Great name for a newspaper.

 Paddling to Seven Springs tomorrow with members of the Twin Rivers Paddling Club. Should be a great day on the river.

 Take care,
-John

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-5-update/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-5-update/ Raw Video from the Neuse River http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/pGJDVUqVwPc/ http://sourcetosea.net/raw-video-from-the-neuse-river/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:35:37 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/?p=298 <p>OK, here&#8217;s the deal. I&#8217;m at a public library in Goldsboro, and had about 30 minutes to do check email, post, etc. Both these videos are straight out of the camera, so no comments as the professionalinism (is that a word? It is now&#8230;) of the content.</p> <p>Both we&#8217;re taken on a rainy afternoon (Friday, Aug [...] OK, here’s the deal. I’m at a public library in Goldsboro, and had about 30 minutes to do check email, post, etc. Both these videos are straight out of the camera, so no comments as the professionalinism (is that a word? It is now…) of the content.

Both we’re taken on a rainy afternoon (Friday, Aug 28th?) . I’ll pull the dates when I get back.

The computer I’m on doesn’t have the latest flash player, so I’m not sure if these actually loaded OK or not. I’ll correct next week if need be.

Steve Jobs, if you’re reading this, I’d love to have the latest iPhone to be able to do this directly from the river. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2bdh4wRfE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY2VhuHGV5w

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/raw-video-from-the-neuse-river/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/raw-video-from-the-neuse-river/ Neuse River Day 4 Podcast http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/u6aX5-8tQeg/ http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-4-podcast/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:45:39 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-4-podcast/ <p>This one&#8217;s short and sweet till I get to Goldsboro with a real cell signal. I hope you can hear that animal screaching in the background. Right now I&#8217;m in the middle of The Wild Kingdom, with beavers slapping the water, mosquitoes swarming my hammock, and random other critters running around.</p> <p>31 miles paddled today, so [...] This one’s short and sweet till I get to Goldsboro with a real cell signal. I hope you can hear that animal screaching in the background. Right now I’m in the middle of The Wild Kingdom, with beavers slapping the water, mosquitoes swarming my hammock, and random other critters running around.

31 miles paddled today, so I’m sleeping like a baby tonight.

Take care ya’ll,

-John

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-4-podcast/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-day-4-podcast/ Quick Photos From the Neuse River Expedition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/rPqWZovXKjI/ http://sourcetosea.net/quick-photos-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:36:18 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/quick-photos-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/ <p>Just a few real quick photos while I have a little cell phone signal. I&#8217;ll be doing the real updates on Monday from Goldsboro. This river is incredible!</p> <p>&#8211;John</p> <p> See and download the full gallery on posterous</p> <p>Sent from my iPhone</p> Share and Enjoy: Just a few real quick photos while I have a little cell phone signal. I’ll be doing the real updates on Monday from Goldsboro. This river is incredible!

–John

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/quick-photos-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/quick-photos-from-the-neuse-river-expedition/ A few quick Neuse River Pictures http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/4vEszo3ijJA/ http://sourcetosea.net/a-few-quick-neuse-river-pictures/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:08:29 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/a-few-quick-neuse-river-pictures/ <p>I&#8217;ve barely got a cell signal, but hopefully these will make it out. I&#8217;ll post a proper podcast when I get Goldsboro on Monday. <p />&#160;Man, this river is just incredible. <p />&#160;Take care, <p />&#160;-John http://www.sourcetosea.net <p> See and download the full gallery on posterous</p> <p>Sent from my iPhone</p> Share and Enjoy: I’ve barely got a cell signal, but hopefully these will make it out. I’ll post a proper podcast when I get Goldsboro on Monday.

 Man, this river is just incredible.

 Take care,

 -John
http://www.sourcetosea.net

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/a-few-quick-neuse-river-pictures/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/a-few-quick-neuse-river-pictures/ Intermittent Updates until Goldsboro http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sourcetosea/~3/Pf_jsWogOfY/ http://sourcetosea.net/intermittent-updates-until-goldsboro/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:15:45 +0000 John http://sourcetosea.net/intermittent-updates-until-goldsboro/ <p>I hope everyone is doing well. The Neuse had been great so far and I&#8217;m finally getting into the groove of the trip. Had a big ole&#8217; thunderstorm yesterday, so things are pretty juicy for now. <p />&#160;I&#8217;m currently playing this silly game called &#8220;Trying to Dry Stuff on the Deck of the Kayak while Paddling.&#8221; [...] I hope everyone is doing well. The Neuse had been great so far and I’m finally getting into the groove of the trip. Had a big ole’ thunderstorm yesterday, so things are pretty juicy for now.

 I’m currently playing this silly game called “Trying to Dry Stuff on the Deck of the Kayak while Paddling.” Yeah, it’s a totally futile endevour with all the splashing, showers, and 90% humidity, but what the heck, I’m an optimist.

 I’m guessing that cell coverage is going to be spotty at best for the next 2 days. It may be Monday before I can get a signal, but itll be fine. I’m in Smithfield now and getting ready to head into the “Let’Lones”. No toad crossings for about 23 miles. Sounds good to me.

 Take care,
-John

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://sourcetosea.net/intermittent-updates-until-goldsboro/feed/ 0 http://sourcetosea.net/intermittent-updates-until-goldsboro/