Looking at September 13th and October 11th as possible start dates for the MR340.  Big, fat moon both times.

September is a longshot, but possible.

Please make it in October.  That would be cool....literally.

Just a warning to all that it's very possible there will be no 340 this year due to the record flooding.  These dates are just guidelines for the most optimistic cases.  Things are moderating out in Montana but there's still a mess in the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. 

We get Corps of Engineers predictions that reach out about 3 weeks.  So, they are only predicting to mid August right now.  It's a dry time of year but October starts getting wet again so I'd guess they're going to really try and empty those lakes.  They aren't going in to this winter with a drop more of water than they have to.

I guess I'm saying don't set your plans in too thick of concrete.  If it's any indication, I haven't requested any days off yet.

2012 is looking like July 31-August 3.

Most likely July 31st - August 3rd.

A notification would go out to all holding vouchers and an announcement would be made here.  I believe there's a way for you to set up to be notified if this thread is updated via email.  But I'd check back from time to time.  There will also be a press release.

As things get better up north we'll probably set up a way to sign up for email updates.  We're just not there yet.  But I'll work on that.  It's a good idea.

2012 sign up is midnight new year's eve on this website.

October adds an element or two.  More dark hours and cooler temperatures with rain.  One thing we might require of new signups for an October race is that you must have a ground crew.  I'd like to require it of everyone if we go in October but those that signed up earlier would have the choice. 

A ground crew adds a layer of safety for you because if you're late, they are the first to know it.  For those who go unsupported, we often don't know you're missing until a checkpoint deadline expires.  By then, you may have been in trouble for a long time. 

Another option is a spot tracker or similar device. 

Sounds weird but we would also require a dry change of clothes and a fire kit in October.  The fire kit can be as simple as a small can of lighter fluid and a bic lighter.  Not a lot of weight but a lifesaver if it's 40 degrees and raining.  We've had snowstorms roll through in October. 

Shoreline and sandbars are even more crucial in cold weather so a high river nixes the race for sure in fall.  We'll keep an eye on the gauges.  But you can follow along too.  www.riverrelief.org keeps a pretty good blog about the flooding.

Put one of those fake fire logs in a garbage bag. Throw in a lighter. Or, just hike into town and get a hotel. --West

I'm worried that this is getting pretty far off topic, but I can't help myself...

ALL racers should carry the 10 Essentials in their boats.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html
http://www.americanhiking.org/uploadedFiles/Hiking_Resources/10EssentialsofHikin...
http://www.mountaineers.org/seakayak/bsk/stable/Sea_Kayaking_Essentials_24-Jan-0...

We've got it all tracked here.  You guys applied for the 340 reschedule voucher.  You can tell this because on the 340 roster, your names are green.  You could have used a portion of those vouchers to pay for the Kawnivore, but you opted to pay online for that race.  I can tell this because your names on the Kawnivore roster are blue.  Those in green used part of their voucher value.

Long story short, you have your full MR340 voucher value at your disposal for use on a fall 340 or next summer's.  When registration opens, you'll have the ability to choose "Pay using voucher" and then we'll debit your voucher account. 

You and your partner each have $140.00 currently listed on the spreadsheet.