Felsenthal Camping Trip 11/27 & 28

[Butch Crain]

Thanks Cowper - I may not make it, but one of my Ozark Society buds, Tom Thompson, may try. Maybe others - it's a pretty short jump from N. La. compared to the Ouachita/Ozark venues.

Are you making a big loop up near 82 or heading pretty much northwest to the camp site?

[Cowper]

SPOILER ALERT: Don't read this response if you prefer to just enjoy as the trip unfolds.

We'll turn North at the end of the boat lane, follow Wildcat lake for awhile, then cut over almost directly West to Henderson Bend on the Ouachita (the camp waypoint). This is still considerably south of 82, but almost as far North as we get. From there, we found a small cut that takes us over to Shallow Lake, shown as Lapile Creek on some maps. We'll follow that south for awhile, then cut back east to the Ouachita through another cut that would be tricky to find without the waypoints. We'll travel south on the Ouachita until within sight of the Lock and Dam, then cut east again into the bottom end of Wildcat lake, until we reconnect with the boat lane and make our exit.

Distances will be short enough to allow a leisurely pace and sleeping until the sun begins to warm things up a bit. We'll probably make about 5 miles on Saturday, 8 on Sunday, plus whatever extra we choose to do checking out side channels.

There is still some potential for adventure, because Debo and I have only travelled about 85% of the route to verify, the rest was developed via Google Earth study.

[Butch Crain]

SPOILER ALERT

sorry - can't resist a chance to study a map or photo - plus there's the thrill of vicarious living

[Richard]

[Cowper]

Richard,

That's a very impressive approximation of our planned route!

[AR-Nimrod]

Just and FYI you might want to pack your food up tight the night y'all camp. Bears have been reintroduced to Felsenthal in the last few years. Gator activity should be curtailed by the low temps. Y'all be careful and have fun.

[Richard]

White is Cowpers's stated route
Red is Cowper's probable route
Yellow is Richard's . . . any takers

[Cowper]

I think I've just been BUSTED!!!

This is why those who know me always bring a flashlight even on "day" trips.

I've already checked out about 1/5 of the red route, so yes, there is still much work to be done.

A few additional notes: The map Richard posted dates to before the lock and dam completion, so the "yellow route" boat ramp is underwater, you'll just be sitting in the middle of what looks like a large lake if you paddle to there. But there is a new ramp further back on that same road, that does in fact give a 1.6 mile "super short" option for this trip. (Total 2 days 3.2 miles)

The yellow route could be used by anyone who is not up to a longer trip, or just limited on time and needs to start late on Saturday or get home early on Sunday. But you should be competent with a gps and get some waypoints from me if this is your plan; our "red route" explorations have taught us that if you want to paddle 1.6 miles instead of 5 in this area, you need to know which routes have water and which just peter out and end in shallow "stump fields".

Richard, shoot me an e-mail and I'll send you the waypoint file that is under construction. It includes the "real" trip route, plus several others that we intend to explore this winter.

AR-Nim, good input, thanks!

[DeBo]

Ok! Out there!

I need a head count. If you are definantly planning on coming let me know so I can make enough gumbo. It would also be good for somebody to volunteer to bring either cornbread, salad or dessert. Let me know by tommorrow!


UPDATE AND FINAL DETAILS:
Headquarters located at N33.14830 W92.05720
This is on Hwy 82, just a few miles West of Crossett, AR

HQ will be closed on Saturday, we're just using the entrance as a convenient meeting place that is easy to find.

Logisitics: Bring a boat, camping gear, warm clothes, food, and water. The lower Ouachita contains enough metals that you probably do NOT want to drink it, even if boiled/filtered/chemically treated.
We will have a small stove, "Mr Heater" for boiling water or warming hands, enough gumbo Saturday night for Richard, Heather, Tim, Susan and Minna. (basically those who said for sure they were coming). But you'll still need two lunches and a breakfast. In truth, we have enough for one or two more, and that's if nobody has to drop out at the last minute, but play safe and bring SOMETHING in case I can't cover you.

[Karla]

Sorry I can't make this trip. Will next weekend. Ya'll have fun and stay warm.

Karla

[Cerealcity]

Susan and I are loaded and ready. We can take care of the salad. See you at 11. Tim

[Karla]

Looking forward to trip report and pics since I didn't get to make it. I definetly will come next week. It is looking on the forcast to be nice.

Hope it was a great trip for all.

Karla

[Lupe]

Some pics here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9 ... 1a2997c338" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Incredible weather both days. Felsenthal is spectacular...gorgeous area of the state I had never visited before. Debo's chicken gumbo was great, along with a fantastic salad that Tim made. Richard then made us peach cobbler in the Dutch oven which was delicious. Beaver swam around the edge of our camp, slapping their tails. We listened to owl hoots and the sounds of migrating geese overhead. We enjoyed a wonderful fire all evening to fight off the chill (although it didn't get that cold overnight), but even the fire light wasn't enough to dim an incredible display of stars above.

Great camping trip! Thanks to everyone who came and made it so special!

[Karla]

Great trip report Heather . Sorry I missed this trip. Next camping trip, I'm in if not sick with a cold again. Enjoyed the pics.

Karla

[Cowper]

Some more shots.

We also had a couple of surreal experiences - before bedtime, a barge making its way upriver was like a scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Then, in the morning we awakened to the sounds of war - a war on ducks being waged with great ferocity by the local population of hunters. It was a good day to not be a duck!

And we took out at about... well by now, you know that part of the story.



The rest of the photos are here:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/579182806RpOErg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;