Chupacabra Canoe Est. 2012

The Launch….

is always an amazing event for me as a member of high standing  in Chupacabra Canoe (not on probation like some members). Launch Day is day one for Chupacabra Canoe’s Father’s Day canoe trip; an annual tradition since 2012. The trip is a defining moment of my year; a way to disconnect from the stresses of my career; explore my ability to survive in nature and pass down wisdom and experience to the next generation. From humble beginnings, the annual trip started as the Father’s Day gift of five sons to their father (Rockhound) in celebration of the patriarchal knowledge passed down to each of us and our father’s love of canoeing. Spearheaded by Grumman Master, the trip has created a connection between nature and the family and solidified the patriarchal bonds across 3 generations. Several non-family members have proven their intoxicating masculinity and have entered the water with Chupacabra Canoe. If the third generation can find a way to boost their low testosterone levels and produce male offspring, there could be a fourth generation. Translation: Launch Day is a big deal! (Some of the knowledge and wisdom passed to me is the ability to make a simple phrase more complex. Thanks, Rockhound!)

I propose that Launch Day is only surpassed in anticipation by “Buckaloon’s Day;” I am sure many Chupacabra would argue that point, but that’s what they are good at. (Read about Buckaloon’s Day in another one of my posts, perhaps my greatest, What is Buckaloons Day? – Chupacabra Canoe Est. 2012). Too much fun on Buckaloon’s Day could make Launch Day a struggle for the uninitiated. But after shaking off the fog in the morning, there is one goal… get all that gear into your canoe and get on the water! Some set up a tent the night before and need to break it down. I use the car to sleep and avoid any snafus with the tent. Often, and as expected, some have realized they forgot a supply and need to make that last minute supply run. Forgot that rain poncho? What about a pair of river shoes? Cigars, seeds, beef jerky? There is usually enough supply somewhere in the group to get anyone through the week, but that need to be self-reliant makes the situation uneasy. Do I rely on someone else or “paddle my own canoe.”

An hour or so of intense activity begins as the canoes are taken from the transport trailer and walked to the launch point. The boats slowly fill with a week’s worth of supply. It may be cliché (and French), but it’s a bit like a Tetris exercise getting items to fit. Many times, I have my gear staged for stowing in the canoe and I stand in despair and wonder “Where the heck am I going to put all this crap?” Something I always enjoy is the unsolicited comments from Uncle Jorts as he opines on all the gear waiting to fill the canoes. Coming from someone who must care for just himself, his perspective is pretty ignorant, but that’s what makes Uncle Jorts so great. While some are concerned with themselves, others need to worry about those who do not know how to worry about themselves. An added goal is not just about stowing the gear for, but holding a spot for the younger generation, Pork Chop and Ham Bone. Those that aren’t keen on paddling, those who don’t know how to worry about themselves, those who eat twice their body weight in chips for the week, those we call “Dead Weight”.

As the flurry of activity begins to die down, an astounding sight is all that gear has found its way into the canoes. Many people claim that Old Town or We-No-Nah or Nova Craft are the best, but do not sleep on the Paluski Passage. What a packhorse! If Canada were to become the 51^St state, Paluski Canoes would be a welcome addition in my book; I’d save a lot on shipping. All the essential “on river gear” has its place…the ammo box cigar humidor is within my reach; river beverage is stowed in the 5-gallon Ace bucket (I still can’t decide if I should get the YETI Loadout, maybe I will get it as a gift). The US Flag (God Bless America!) and Chupacabra Canoe flag are stowed in the stern. The days snacks, seeds, and jerky are easily reachable.

One last item, we need to get the pull-out vehicles to their place. Whether it’s contracting with a local outfitter or getting the Chupacabra Canoe bus (Watch the Launch video!) to the pull-out point, it will be another hour or so before we can finally push off and put paddles in the water. This may be the time when the uninitiated get a nick name, just ask “Ass-Bag.”

Finally, the last step is complete, and the moment is here. Rockhound, the senior member of Chupacabra, leads the group in the launch day prayer; faith is a foundation that he passed to his sons. Yours truly may have launch day verse as the official Chupacabra “wordsmith.” The launch photo is taken and finally, the fleet of Paluski’s and assorted Old Towns are in the water. A cigar is lit, and a toast is made. The feeling is primal and hard to describe. It is River Time.

Paddles up!

 J Stroke. 

Use Promo Code: JSTROKE for 10% Off

Author: JStroke

Master Canoeist since 2012