Boat and gear stolen from Ed Banks, Cossatot - Wed, April 27

[Freestone]

*Reward offered for information leading to recovery*

-yellow Blue Hole tandem canoe

-2 blue shaft/white grip, blade Carlisle paddles

-green SealLine dry bag containing women's clothing, rain shell, Chacos, and point and shoot Canon camera, etc

-spare paddle (grey)

-purple, women's Astral pfd

-red/black NRS dog pfd

-two crazy creek camp chairs

Stolen around dark (approx. 8:30 p.m.) on Wednesday, April 27, from the Ed Banks bridge access point on the Cossatot River while we were running shuttle.

Apparently, 15 years of river adventure without a similar incident at the Cossatot left me complacent about the meth-head-rednecks that frequent the area. Keep this in mind next time you are considering the safety of you and yours. Judge accordingly and avoid being next.

Please be on the lookout for the canoe. They are rare these days and those who know the Blue Hole can pick them out a mile away. If you see one that is out of place, please ask some questions.

Thanks to Ranger Giles of the CRSPNA and the Howard County Sheriff's office for their prompt response and attention to the matter. Though most likely in vain, their efforts are appreciated.

[ScottH]

Sorry to hear that. That sucks!

When I went into Wickes for dinner on Saturday April 16 I noticed at least a half a dozen folks "around town" I thought were probably "tweekers" hanging around looking like they were up to no good. I hope this is not the begining of problems at this great river area.

Will keep an eye out. Should be in the area at the Tot and Dierks over the next few weeks.

[hellbender]

sorry to hear freestone.three of us ran ed to 4 yesterday,shuttled back to ed a little after 5 and didn't see anyone all day.Will keep an eye out!

[johnnybiggun]

If you have a pic send it to me and I will post it & the info on the Mena Radio facebook page and web site.... Plus I'll send it on to the radio stations in DeQueen & Nashville so they can do the same....

I'm on the other rivers in that area all the time so I will keep a look out....

[johnnybiggun]

Be sure to include a contact #

[SteveGabbard]

Any significant detail that might help identify the canoe other than it being yellow? Maybe a patch or some outfitting?

[Freestone]

Ranger Giles of the CRSPNA just called me. Boat, paddles, pfd recovered on dirt road on Wickes side beyond Ed Banks bridge.

The river was too high for us to cross last night in dark and search or pursue vehicles we witnessed speeding away upon our arrival and by the time we finished filing the report with the ranger, we didn't have it in us to drive around the other way, so we came home.

I believe the thieves waded/swam the river and then took the gear from the river left side and floated it or paddled back across. Seems like a lot of work for such a dishonest venture.

Thanks for everyone's attention.

Flow river flow.

[BMuu]

Glad you got it back!

I always wonder when I see people leave their gear while shuttling.

I know no other boaters would take it but being from Dallas I'm always paranoid someone will steal my junk.