Travels of Dursmirg Volume 1 by John M. (Bing) Grimsrud
This true adventure story is told in the first person. It began as an idea and unfolded into a rich and fulfilling
dream come true. A lifelong obsession of escape materialized in 1972 with the building and launching of
the dreamboat Dursmirg when the five year bailout plan was consummated.
John and Jane went over the horizon and out to sea on a voyage of escape. Departing Duluth-Superior on
the western terminus of the St. Lawrence, they crossed the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal and Hudson River
to New York City. Then they headed south to Florida, stopping at Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay and
Savannah along the way to the Oldest City of St. Augustine. In an active winter of exploration; Jacksonville,
Marineland, Daytona, Disney, Miami, Key West, Tampa and Tarpon Springs were a few of their
diversionary side trips.
This love story began with desires and aspirations and was molded into reality. Highly recommended for
all those free spirited dreamers out there that have the drive and desire to live life to the fullest. This is one
of four volumes in a series. The first three volumes are for sale at Amazon.com
Excerpt from Chapter One, Travels of Dursmirg, Volume 1, published May 10, 2010
The Beginning
I came by the boating experience at an early age. I can still remember my very first boat. At the age of three, back in
1943, on a Sunday afternoon at my folk’s cabin at Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, the idea struck me that I should
launch a boat and sail away.
Well, I did just that. My first boat was a large cardboard box. It was launched and I stepped in and sailed away. It was
wonderful until the glue let go. That was just a beginning.
When I was twelve years old I got the plans from a Popular Mechanics magazine for an eight-foot racing hydroplane.
I had saved my money and bought the two sheets of quarter inch plywood and the few boards that the plans
required. That winter, in my folk’s basement, with nothing but hand tools and determination, the little boat took
shape.
Early the next spring just after the ice went out of Lake Nebagamon I carried the new creation to the water and in it
went! Not only did it float, it didn’t even leak! It was wonderful to say the least…it was just like a living thing that I had
created with my own hands.
Over the next couple of years I had some very exciting times with it. I experimented with various engines on different
bodies of water including Lake Superior.
I was very lucky to have lived through some of my learning experiences.
The boat cost me $15.00 in materials and I sold it to a friend for $40.00 complete. I got paid $25.00 for my winters
work but my rewards in pleasure were priceless.
Glen Card bought the boat and paid me $25.00 down. On his maiden voyage, with a 25 HP motor on the back, he
sunk it…never to be retrieved. Glen proved to be a very honorable person because he paid off the balance no
questions asked and for that I have never forgotten him or my little boat.
| Travels of Dursmirg Vol. 1 Chapter 1 |
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