Peter -

Actually, if you're talking about the source of the Missisippi (in
Wisconsin??? - I'm bad at geography), you could throw rocks in it enough to
dam it up, like every kid likes to do.  If you start drifting there and get
out about 5 miles down, that would be safe.  I don't think you'd run into
too many oil tankers there.

- Pam

PS - Now I see you mentioned Mr. Twain's friends - helps if you read these
things in chronological order, I guess.

-----Original Message-----
From: Met History [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 9:51 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: a question from Peter Gray, son of Christopher


Dear Pinheads, (Is that the proper title?)

This coming summer, between my senior year in high school and my freshman
year in college, I have a plan brewing. I want to drift down the Mississippi

River on a wooden raft.

There are many aspects to be ironed out. But what I perceive as the largest
problem is finding a raft. I figure that 1.) There would not be enough time
to both build a raft AND do any substantial drifting 2.) Even if I decided
to
make one, I wouldn't want to be relying on my carpentry skills for my
floatation.

Do any of you have some ideas as to how or where I could find a raft for the

trip? To clarify, I want it to be wooden, reminiscent of Huck and Jim's
vessel.

I would be grateful for any sort of advice. If you disagree with any of the
assumptions, assertions, etc. I have made, do not hesitate to differ in
opinion: I trust your opinions above my own.

Thanks,
Peter Gray