Crimson Fleet To Paddle Up Charles River to Wellesley, H.C.A.A. Reveals

As soon as Divisional examinations are over, a Harvard flotilla will surge up the Charles River in an effort to find a "Southwest Passage" to Wellesley, it was announced today by the Harvard CRIMSON Athletic Association, sponsor of the expedition.

Led by a speedy faltboot of the type used by German rapids-shooting sportsmen, the fleet will consist of canoes, kayaks, single sculls, wherries, and assorted skiffs. The H.C.A.A. has under consideration an amendment to its constitution which would permit small power boats to join in the venture. If so, they will be required to remain a respectful distance behind the manually propelled craft.

It has been estimated with the co-operation of the State Department of Waterways that the distance from Larz Anderson bridge to Lake Waban on Wellesley's campus is approximately 32 miles. Although the river offers a generous sprinkling of obstacles such as dams and hydro-electric works, its actual fall is confined largely to the regions immediately adjacent to these developments.

Thus, the small number of portages required will be for short distances only and never will necessitate a climb of more than 15 feet. Between dams the river is surprisingly level; hence, little swift water is expected to retard the upstream voyage.

The route of the trip is as follows: from Cambridge to the Watertown dam, thence to Waltham, Auburndale, and the Newtons; thence to Newton Upper Falls to a point between Cow Island and Dedham Island where a short portage may be made; thence between Needham and Dedham northwest to Wellesley. It has not yet been discovered whether the waterway from Lake Waban to the river is large enough to permit navigation, but an investigation is under way to clear up this matter.

Arrangements will be made to have an enthusiastic delegation of Wellesley girls welcome the tired Vikings when at dusk they come within hailing distance of Tupelo Point on the lake. Members of the University, especially those owning faltboots, are urged to communicate with the Commodore, H.C.A.A. Flotilla, 14 Plympton Street, if they are interested in joining the odyssey.