Cane River Poling

Just over two years ago, I was reading a book entitled RiverHorse by William Least Heat-Moon. While absorbing his experience crossing the U.S. by rivers, I began to notice the small river-lake that crosses through Natchitoches, Louisiana, the town we live in. It's called the Cane River Lake. Within this time of contemplation, I decided that I would experience our little, historical river-lake from the vantage point of the water.

I began to design a simple raft to propel me down the current-less Cane, and plan my trip with absolutely no prior experience in this area.

On February 4th, 2008, my raft Oscar Bitley (Choctaw for "in the cut-off cane") and I will start the 36 mile trip down the Cane River Lake. I expect it will take six days and five nights.