Back during the run up to the US Bicentenial my singing partner Mike Waters and I put together a proposal to do just this. We planned to travel the canal (NYS Erie and Barge Canals) set up and do traditional music and story telling concerts at the locks and parks along the canal. Our scope was the American revolution as seen along the waterway and the growth of NYState in music. We would take our paya as a pass the hat venue.

Gruman Canoes were made in Marathon NY just south of Syracuse a few dozen miles. We sent our proposal to them asking for a sponsorship of two 17' to 21' canoes. They basically said to us "Don't be ridiculous."

So the grand tour never got off the ground, or ofshore as it may be stated.

Hope this Mr. Bell has fun and does well.

Don