Updates:
May 21, 2010
Packing the canoe...Minn. to LA. 2311 miles! We leave 5-26-10 for Minn. David and Bo begin their trip 6-1-10...in memory of Buddy, Ray and Joey...GOD please keep them safe!
May 25, 2010
The Budmaster has begun its journey. The canoe and supplies left this morning by freight! David, Bo and Carla fly out on Wednesday. The canoe arrives on Thursday. The Mississippi River trip begins on June 1st!
May 27, 2010
We are in minn. We went see the headwaters of the miss.river...budmasters starting point...excited about trip that begins on 6-1-10
May 28, 2010
I'm sitting outside at Bert's Cabins Minn. (SHOUTout) waiting for David & Bo to get back from their fishing trip. I spent my morning at the Miss. River Headwaters...I met Joe and Seth who left this am in kayaks headed to Venice LA...wish them well.
June 1, 2010
I am following David and Bo with my hazard lights on as they pull their canoe down the road on their cart. They are finally ready to start. Woohoo!
June 1, 2010
Well David and Bo got started around 7am. I met them at a tunnel and a bridge. I plan to meet them one more time this afternoon. 45 days is their goal!
June 1, 2010
OK, I met David and Bo downriver and we discovered that the I-phone charger would not work...so I went to the next town and got one and left it under a bridge for them to pick up. Bo should be giving us updates tom. Don't forget to watch for his You Tube vids...
June 2, 2010
Hey it's Carla. I am back home. David and Bo did about 40 miles a day their first two days. Still having trouble charging the I-phone. But you know them cajuns...they made friends with someone along the river who is allowing them to charge it overnight.
June 4, 2010
It's Carla...Talked to David and Bo last night...they said that they crossed Lake Winnie yesterday and it kicked their a@@! The winds were strong and they had 3 foot waves! They were tired and setting up camp. Bo said he found a cool spot...David said can't you find one where we don't have to climb a 50' embankment?
June 5, 2010
David and Bo are making friends along the Mississippi...they just showed up in someone's back yard when they trying to portage the river. Thanks Kaija Rahier for the hospitality! Keep on Paddling!
June 7, 2010
The last call I got from David and Bo was Friday night. Must be having phone problems. I did get a message from their GPS at 7 tonight. They are OK and located just south of Palesade Minn. The weather must be slowing them down.
June 8, 2010
BUDMASTER update...David called from Aikin Minn. He was waiting for AT&T to open to get a new phone charger. He was also getting them boots. He had already been to the local newspaper and they were downloading his camera to send pictures back to me. Bo was 'sitting on the dock of the bay' fishing. They are having fun. Keep on paddling!
June 8, 2010
BUDMASTER update...David had Jeanne Schram (SHOUT out) from a newspaper in Aitkin, Minn. e-mail the photos from his camera to me. Thanks Jeanne! Check out the album of their start!
June 9, 2010
Hey , the website is finally working...not 100 %, but 75% is better than before...check it out... budmaster.org
June 10, 2010
They are now in Baxter, Minn. Check their route on www.budmaster.org Keep on Paddling!
June 11, 2010
David and Bo will get their first night in a bed (11 days) and get cleaned up, restocked and fed...thanks to Stephanie and Billy in St. Cloud Minn. We met them before the trip. They were also staying at Bert's Cabins in Itasca, Minn. for the Memorial Day weekend. They have stopped for the evening and a little R & R...but tomorrow...keep on paddling!
June 12, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo must of had a good rest! They have traveled this morning already! Check out their location www.budmaster.org Just to let everyone know...I will be changing my settings so that only Friends can read my posts. Everyone who asks can be my friend...I am just trying to get a count of how ...m...any people are following their progress. By the way, Bo added new videos!
June 13, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo have made it to St. Paul, Minn. They are having to cross locks daily (2-4 a day). They traveled 60 miles yesterday and 40ish today. Check out their location www.budmaster.org Just to let everyone know...I will be changing my settings so that only Friends can read my posts. By the way, Bo added new videos!
June 15, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo have reached the Wiscosin line...they are still bordered by Minn. By tomorrow night I think they will be leaving Minn. behind! Don't forget you can follow them on the website GPS map. And don't forget to donate to Buddy's Memorial fund. Thanks to all and Bo added pics.
June 17, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo are out of Minnesota! They slept on an island last night - (I'll stick with Caribean Islands). They have traveled over 700 miles. They downloaded pics and are sending them in to me. Bo put a new video this morning - YUK! Remember to become my fb friend before I change my settings. Keep on Paddling!
June 18, 2010
BUDMASTER update - As you probably know there were many tornadoes last night in David's area - but I got a message last night at 10 and a message this morning at 7am - they are fine! They are already moving this morning. They are between Iowa and Wisconsin. Keep on Paddling!
June 19, 2010
BUDMASTER update - They had some rough weather, wind is against them, but they keep on paddling! By tonight they should be out of Wisconsin. Then they will be bordered by Iowa and Illinois. I got a newspaper from Aitkins, Minn. They did a write up on David and Bo's trip...front page of second section! COOL! Bo added pics and vids. Going PRIVATE today.
June 19, 2010
BUDMASTER update - I just found the link to the
newspaper (Aitkins Independent Age) that did a write up on David and Bo's trip - http://www.aitkinage.com/main.asp?Sectio
June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day David - You know he has to be a good father - he's taking a 2300 mile canoe trip with one son in honor of his lost son! Love ya'll guys...Keep on Paddling!
June 22, 2010
BUDMASTER update...David and Bo are at the southern edge of Iowa...talked to them this morning, the weather was real bad so they were staying put. Bo posted more pics...the weather gave them time for a beer break...check out his video of pelicans nesting on an island. I went visit Barb in Houston, she took her last radiation treatment today!
June 23, 2010
BUDMASTER update - Just talked to David. They are in Keokuk, Iowa, 3 miles from Missouri, the winds are horrible and everything is flooded, campgrounds are closed and whole trees are floating in the river. They are trying to make it to the Missouri line today. They have a new passenger - see Bo's video... Let's start donating to Buddy's education fund and Keep on Paddling! http://www.youtube.com/user/budmasterrip#p/a/u/0/oH1DTr1RzxM
June 23, 2010
Bo's update - 80 mph winds bout to hit us, but don't worry we have a tarp lol
June 24, 2010
BUDMASTER update - WOW check out the pictures of the flooding that Bo added! This is weather that they are having to put up with. The good thing is they are headed south...into calmer area...Keep on Paddling!
June 25, 2010
BUDMASTER update-Talked to David, flooding is bad, water going over dams, they had to travel through a spillway. He said 'It was a rush', I say ya'll are crazy, Bo learned what an eddy was, they had to fight to get out of one after coming through the spillway. Dams and locks are slowing em down. They slept in the can...oe last night cause there was no land to sleep on. They hope to be in Alton Missouri tonight.
June 26, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo are just north of St. Louis, MO. The flooding is so bad that the river is closed to recreational traffic! They will have to take the boat out and travel about 70 miles before they can get back in the water. Luckily they have Mr. Jeff in Kentucky who is going to their aid!
June 26, 2010
BUDMASTER update - Just talked to Bo - They are back in the river, they are in Genevieve MO. They are over half way, 1200+ miles. They plan to take an overnight break in Kentucky. Keep on Paddling!
June 27, 2010
A year ago today...I lost my precious son...we will never forget Buddy! We will keep his memory alive with the Budmaster and the memorial fund (donate at Budmaster.org) and his Tree. Tonight at 7ish, we will gather at Buddy's Tree and remember his Life. Come join me and bring a candle...he was the light of my life!
June 27, 2010
LOVE YA BUDMAN!!!
June 28, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David & Bo are in Kentucky. They are spending the afternoon and evening with Mr. Jeff Jewell for some R & R. They have less than a thousand miles left. Hopefully they have left the bad weather behind them. Keep on paddling!
June 29, 2010
BUDMASTER update - spoke to David & Bo tonight. They had a great visit with Jeff yesterday afternoon and evening. Jeff fixed them a grand breakfast to continue their journey. They were in St. Madrid, MO. They should probably cross the Tennessee state line tonight. Less than 900 miles to go! Keep on paddling!
June 30, 2010
BUDMASTER update - Just spoke to David - they are in Caruthersville, Missouri. They will be leaving Missouri today. They will be meeting Gary & Jody Price in Memphis Tenn. tomorrow afternoon. 850 miles left! Keep on Paddling!
June 30, 2010
BUDMASTER update - I just got a message from David and Bo...they are about 10 miles north of Osceola, AR near Chicksaw National Wildlife Refuge. They have about 800 miles to go...Keep on Paddling!
July 1, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David & Bo arrived in Memphis Tenn. (They made 85 miles yesterday) at around 3:00. They visited with the Prices for about 3 hours and had an interview with WREG in Tenn. I will try to catch them at 10:00 pm. They set out at 6:30 to get out of town before nightfall. Keep on Paddling!
July 1, 2010
YEEEAAHHH! I just saw David and Bo on WREG Memphis, Tenn! Good job guys! Keep on Paddling!
July 2, 2010
BUDMASTER update - spoke to David around 4pm...they were in Helena, Ark. They sound tired and eager to get to the end. They are shooting for Venice on Saturday! Whenever they get there, I'll be waiting! Keep on Paddling! p.s. I should have a lot of new pics added to website by tomorrow...budmaster.org
July 3, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo made great time yesterday...they traveled 96 miles! That was their best day! But their luck ran out on them...today the south winds kicked their butts! They only made 40 something miles:( They are around Rosedale, Ar??? I am still hoping they can make it to Venice on Sat or Sun (10th or 11th)...Keep on Paddling!
July 4, 2010
I spent the afternoon with Barbara (John's wife). Keep her in your prayers. She enjoyed watching all the new pics of David and Bo.
July 5, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo are in LOUISIANA! They have about 500 miles to go. They are paddling against the wind...slow moving...but still making decent time. They should finish next Sunday...give or take a day. Keep on Paddling!
July 6, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo are in Vicksburg MS at a park. They are waiting for David's Dad and Brother, (Willie and Fish) to get there for a quick visit. They still have about 450 miles to go...Keep on Paddling!
July 7, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo are in St. Joseph, LA...less than 400 miles left! Willie and Fish were waiting for them. They cooked them a jambalaya by the river. Don't forget to go to the website and choose your favorite pics...Budmaster.org Keep on Paddling!
July 7, 2010
BUDMASTER update ...They are in Natchez for the night. They have about 350 miles to go. Almost 2000 miles paddling a canoe! Remember the assignment...go to the website (budmaster.org) and pick your favorite pic! Keep on Paddling!
July 8, 2010
OK Facebook fans of the BUDMASTER...They will arrive in Baton Rouge around 3 or 4 tomorrow afternoon. I plan on meeting them at the USS Kidd at that time. They will want to continue on past Baton Rouge at least another 10 miles or so. Does anyone know of a campground, house, or business where they can camp for the night?
July 8, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo have arrived in Morganza, La...they are running down the levee to make it before the grocery store closes...we need prayers...fast!!! THEY MADE IT!
July 9, 2010
BUDMASTER update - Well they made it to the store last night in Morganza. Remember the 3 Belgiam guys that David and Bo met in Greensville? Well they showed up over here last night...so we fed them, let them shower, wash clothes, and now they are sleeping in my living room. They had so much fun, they are staying ano...ther day. The in-laws will keep busy while I go to work.
July 9, 2010
BUDMASTER update - They are on the move...they are about 25 miles from Baton Rouge, LA. If you want to see where they are go to the webite...(budmaster.org) and zoom in on the map. They are pinging evry 1/2 hour. I plan to meet them at the USS Kidd (with McDaonalds) at about 3 today. I might have a couple of surprises for them! Keep on Paddling!
July 9, 2010
OK facebook friends ...I am hitting the road...going to Baton Rouge to meet the BUDMASTER!!!
July 9, 2010
Hold on everybody...don't stop praying yet...I just went visit them in Baton Rouge...they are not finished yet! They have about 4 more days, and these will be the most dangerous! The River traffic is plentiful, they have to stay away from the tugs, etc. So keep on praying and they will Keep on Paddling!!!
July 10, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo slept in Plaqueman(sp?) last night. They have 209 miles left of a 2311 mile trip, woohoo! I visited with them in Baton Rouge yesterday. They were interviewed for Tumey' Travels (WAFB). I guess I will be picking them up on Tuesday. Welcome Back party at Bayou Boudin on Sat 17th BYOB, band and jambalaya! Keep on Paddling!
July 11, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo slept a little north of Lutcher last night. They caught a lot of bad weather yesterday. They have 160 miles to go! I think I will leave early Tuesday morning, along with Willie, Leota, Fish, Robert, Taylor, and Tommy! We plan to gather at Black Velvet in Venice. Keep on Paddling!
July 11, 2010
BUDMASTER update - Well my guys are sleeping in Belle Chase tonight. They have about 70 miles left. I am trying to convince them to stop in Venice tomorrow evening and finish the gulf on Tuesday...that would give me time to get the grandparents out there on Tuesday morning (4 hour drive). My guys will be sleeping at... home on Tuesday night! Joe and Seth (the kayakers) may join us! Keep on Paddling!
July 12, 2010
BUDMASTER update - David and Bo did an interview on Friday. It should be airing today on WAFB Channel 9 Baton Rouge, on Tumey's Travels at the end of the 6 o'clock news. David and Bo should be in Venice tonight. They will save the last 11 miles for tomorrow. I will be leaving at 3 in the morning to wait for them at mile marker 0. Keep on Paddling!
July 12, 2010
BUDMASTER update - I went to my sister's house and was able to see the interview...Good Job Budmaster Crew. The story is posted on their website...but not the video...waiting...posted a request...waiting...you should post a request too...wafb.com...click on NEWS...click on Tumey's travels...post a request...
July 12, 2010 Here is the link...
BUDMASTER is nearing the end of its journey...
July 12, 2010 - "Mississippi River Pirogue Voyage" - WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |
July 13, 2010
Budmaster update. David & bo have reached mile marker 0!!! We have loaded the canoe and kayaks on the boat and we are on our way back to Venice!
July 13, 2010
BUDMASTER update - After a long drive and traffic...the BUDMASTER and its crew are home! After a reunion at home, a long bath and Granma's good cooking, David slept a full night in his own bed...aahhh! But Bo, after the shower, supper and reunion, went to Charlie's with all the guys. Hope he slept well too. I hope ...to add more pictures today. Thanks for keeping up with the BUDMASTER. Ya'll can stop paddling now.
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO BUDDY'S MEMORIAL FUND - GO TO THE DONATE PAGE...