Hard to believe the boat is finally finished. We’ve been working on it for so long I almost forgot there was something else we needed to do. That is, take it down the Mekong River and encourage as many people as possible to not throw trash in their rivers. You know, the important part! I’m sure there are going to be some problems along the way but we will take the boat as far as she will go and then make sure she gets reused or recycled. 
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this campaign possible. A LOT of volunteers gave their blood, sweat, and tears (literally) to build this boat and it couldn’t have been done without them. I’d like to give a special thanks to Ming, Alec, Tom, and Jan for putting in a lot of over-time to make sure the boat was built strong and safe. I’d also like to thank all of our sponsors. Each one of you trust us with your financial support and we hope we make you proud.
Whenever possible I will post an update but, until then, please pass along this link to everyone you know on Facebook or elsewhere. The more people we can reach the bigger difference we can make. http://www.talktrash.org
Before I go, here are a few pics taken last night. In case you wanted to know what the boat’s cabin looks like, here it is.
The computer, power, and navigation area.
The bed is pretty comfortable, especially with the over-sized pillow Ming made for me. Thanks, Ming!
The kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and living room.
And here’s another photo of the boat at night.
If all goes well I should be in Phon Pi Sai, Thailand by 4-5pm this evening. Be sure to check the Tracking map for the boat’s current position. See ya!
k
13 comments
Ming says:
July 12, 2011 at 7:11 am (UTC 0)
Good luck with the campaign trip. The boat look awesome.
can’t wait to see more update. Will keep track on you!!
Cyncyrie says:
July 12, 2011 at 7:42 am (UTC 0)
Kirk you are one of the most amazing people I know!! So many people talk about their ideas all the time- but you actually follow through with your dreams. It is inspiring how you are able to bring together good people and good ideas to promote awareness about so many issues. Good luck on your trip!!
ginafish says:
July 12, 2011 at 10:54 am (UTC 0)
WooooHOOO!
Ming says:
July 12, 2011 at 4:02 pm (UTC 0)
When Kirk took off today at 2pm. There was news Chanel there doing the news, our volunteers and 4 water polices man helping out.
He took off strong and nice. People along the river waving at him while listening to the messages from the boat.
Fred, Tab and our volunteers got some photos and videos that should be soon uploaded.
And he is now parking at WatLuang near Phonpisai district.
So excited!!
Tom says:
July 12, 2011 at 6:26 pm (UTC 0)
Kirk… you’re the man.
Best of luck captain fantastic, I’ll be thinking about you and the quest.
Peace
Kathy Gillock says:
July 12, 2011 at 8:19 pm (UTC 0)
We are all so excited about your trip!! We are also very thankful to all the dedicated volunteers and supporters! Have a productive and successful trip!
Jody Ross says:
July 13, 2011 at 4:11 am (UTC 0)
What an awesome goal you have accomplished!!! I know you through your Mom and her “Isara” bracelets. As a mom of same age boys, I am so impressed with you and wish you God speed. Travel safe.
Murielle says:
July 13, 2011 at 7:25 am (UTC 0)
Great job Captain Kirk !
I can not believe you were starting assembling the first bottles last year when I was volunteer and now you’re on the boat !
Take care,
Murielle
Simon Cervantes says:
July 15, 2011 at 4:59 pm (UTC 0)
Best of Luck Kirk!!! Finally the boat sails! =D
Yvonne says:
July 16, 2011 at 12:11 am (UTC 0)
Kirk, you are amazing and my inspiration!!!!!!
Have a safe journey.
Wes Jensen says:
July 16, 2011 at 1:14 pm (UTC 0)
Just a question about the lights in the pontoons, I noticed they are Compact Fluorescent Lights… I have noticed that the ones I use in my light fixtures get pretty hot especially near the base where they screw into the light socket…I suspect that is because that is where the electrical ballast is that powers the lights…were they tested to make sure they wouldnt melt the bottles if used for extended periods?
Kirk says:
July 16, 2011 at 2:46 pm (UTC 0)
hi wes. the lights will never be on for long. only 15-30 minutes. they use too much battery power. we tested them many times before leaving.
Kirk says:
July 16, 2011 at 2:49 pm (UTC 0)
thank you all for your kind and supportive comments. i really appreciate it.