Canoe across America - an interview

[Steve in Idaho]

Interesting interview about a two - year journey through 22 rivers....

Canoe Across America: The Neal Moore Interview

Author and adventurer Neal Moore set off to cross his country in the most austere, intimate and traditional way imaginable—by canoe. Over the course of 675 days he paddled 22 rivers and waterways from Astoria, Oregon to the Statue of Liberty.

smallcraftadvisor.substack.com

 

[ppine]

I have really enjoyed reading the voyages of Verlen Kruger and the McGuffins.

 

[snapper]

Somewhere in the back of my hazy memory, I recall meeting Verlen Kruger at the Eureka Camping Store in Binghamton, NY many years ago. He did a presentation on his long distance trips. By that time he was on his second canoeing partner, eventually his wife, talking about their trip down the Mississippi. Interesting guy, very soft spoken but willing to answer any and all questions. Even had one of their boats on display for folks to look over.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper

 

[jdeerfoot]

Snapper, you are probably talking about Valerie Fons, who was much younger than Kruger and joined him after his SIL dropped out, as I recall. For many years my wife and I would spend a week or two each summer on an island in northern Lake Michigan. Fons had moved there with her family of adopted children and operated a restaurant/lodging establishment and also rented canoes and kayaks. I enjoyed going to the restaurant and talking to her about time and travels with Kruger. My recall was that he divorced his wife to marry Fons and after they divorced he returned to his first wife. She had many fascinating stories of their travels.

 

[snapper]

@jdeerfoot - You are correct! It was Valerie Fons. I remember her as being very quiet and soft spoken as well. I recall reading in an issue of "Canoe" magazine about how they two got together after Kruger's divorce. Didn't know she opened a restaurant after their travels and subsequent parting. I'm sure she had many interesting tales to share.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[Robin]

Another tripper wearing Muckboots