June 2022

Emmett and I started planning cardboard box boat #2 almost the moment we got into cardboard box boat #1. That is because Cardboard Box Boat #1 was a terrible boat! Yes, it floated for over ten minutes. Yes, it kept Emmett dry and we had fun! But it was still horrible because it wanted to tip over ever second that we were in it. The middle folded like an accordion the moment that Emmett - or was it me? - got into it. But flawed first attempt at a boat floated - until Emmett got out and I moved and then the back corner separated and allowed the freezing cold water of Deer Lake to flood the boat. So yes, we have been planning a better boat! And, a year later, Cardboard Box Boat number two is the result.  Emmett named this boat "Vroom! Vroom!". This boat had to be an improvement because we were really upping our game - this boat wouldn't be floated on some inland lake full of lovely warm water. This boat would be heading to the Pacific Ocean where we would brave the salt water spray and unforgiving conditions that only an ocean could bring. (Actually, we were in the Strait of Georgia and the water was not even waist deep, but it sounds so much more ominous to say the Pacific Ocean! And it sort of is the Pacific!).

First off, we needed a great box and for that we enlisted the help of Paul and Ellaine at AES Auto. Not only do they build fantastic cars, but they have access to the best boxes for boats in the lower mainland and they supply us with all of our boat boxes. This box was amazing - but the next problem was how to get it to Emmett's place from Burnaby. It literally wouldn't fit into my car nor would it fit into Emmett's van if he was in it. Fortunately for us, a client of AES Auto, who lives around the corner from Emmett, was enlisted! Randy put the box into his truck, brought it back to Abbotsford and then stored it in his garage until Emmett's Moving Company was able to arrange to pick it up.

The trip home was fairly simple and then we began the customization project. While we loved the box, it was simply too large. The width was perfect and we decided that it eliminated the need for outriggers, but we had to shorten this Titanic sized behemoth! Those who are faint of heart may have seen this as a point of entry for water, but Emmett is now a certified Cardboard Box Engineer (he got his certificate from a cardboard box of cereal) and he gave the okay! To ensure that the corners met the stress test required, we raided his dad's garage and got heavy duty zip ties. This workmanship was also thoroughly tested by Emmett's quality control expert, his little brother Theodore! After testing the sides, including using the bite test, our boat was approved.

Next was duct tape ... a lot of duct tape. If you're thinking that this could be a tutorial to make your own cardboard box boat, you would be correct. Now, please note that we don't build for competition rules but only for fun. As such we allow the use of plastic garbage bags and in a competition this would not be allowed. When you're building for fun, anything goes but we still try to be reasonable. Thus we don't use foam or styrofoam or other materials like that. Zip ties are possibly outside of the rules too; but we allow them. Back to construction, after taping the corners we then apply the plastic garbage bags and then duct tape them into place. Just so you know, we did find that the very rocky Rathtrevor Beach did damage to our plastic covering. Sinking was inevitable. 

And that is it. Everything that you need to know about our cardboard box boat. Except for the bottom. All of the extra cardboard we used on the bottom. We had almost two inches of cardboard in the bottom of our boat - so the spectators who were watching and expecting me to fall through the bottom (as almost happened with boat #1) were greatly surprised when the boat didn't even flinch when my full weight was put in the boat. The width of our boat also immediately shone as there was not even a twitch that would indicate capsizing was imminent. Our Cardboard Box Boat #2 was flawless! If not a bit heavy to carry to the beach! The best part of boat number 2 is that we even got a seal of approval - watch the video and you'll see that this is true!

Thus our June expedition was a great success. But it was not Emmett's only opportunity to be on the bridge of a large ocean going vessel. We had also gained permission from BC Ferries to visit the bridge of the ferry, the Coastal Renaissance, that carried us to Vancouver Island and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. We were given a tour by a third officer in training (who did a fine job and we highly recommend him for a captain's position in the future) and we met the Third Officer, the Second Officer, the First Officer, and the Captain. It was fantastic.

There is still more to happen in June, as Emmett will be visiting Canuck Place and also BC Children's Hospital. It is time for him to have another lumbar puncture to receive a dose of Spinraza. This will be his 27th L.P. - there were some challenges after the last one in May so we are praying extra hard that this procedure goes perfectly. Your prayers and best wishes are welcomed. You can post them here or email help@emmetts-journey.com

Don't remember Cardboard Box Boat #1, here you go:

Now for some camping pictures: