What level is the Mulberry good for a reunion type float?

[littleredboat]

I don't know if I've ever been on the Mulberry when it's low. My extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles, ect) has seen alot of our canoeing videos and are wanting to go on a big float. Problem is, most of them have never been before, and are nervous, but really want to go. Hubby and I usually paddle solo, but I'm figuring if he and I split up and the oldest 3 take a boat, we'll only have a few inexperienced paddlers, that have been before but not for years. I want them to have fun though, and am wondering if 1. I should just try the Buffalo, since it's more forgiving than the Mulberry. or 2. What is a nice level on the Mulberry that would be super easy. Just a general idea of what different people think would be great. I know I always see drunk, crazy people and THEY make it, but I'd like it to be a pretty easy, fun float. Maybe I'll get them hooked, like we are! :)

[prophet]

2-3.5 feet. put some in SOT's if needed or maybe a raft if theres enough water

[cpresoz]

It's a trade off between gentle rapids and dragging on shoals. At 2.2, the rapids are still OK, but you might drag in a couple of spots below Turner Bend. 2.4 to 2.8 should do it. Above 2.8, there are some exciting rapids yet with gentle pools. Mid 3 is very fun, but the haystacks will get your family wet. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

[tomOzarkVideo]

Buffalo.

[littleredboat]

LOL! Thank you. My kids and hubby and I go all the time (we don't take the younger kids on the Mulberry too much, mostly, War Eagle, Kings, and Buffalo.) but, I honestly never paid attention to if it was "scary" or not. The kiddos are thrill seekers and don't mind at all. But, my extended family has said they REALLY want to go, some want to go all out (and have never been so I'm fore-seeing myself spending LOTS of time in the water, they're a little on the large side....) and some are terrified but STILL want to go. lol. If we get some decent rain this weekend We're going to make a quick run maybe on Monday. I'll take a note book and see what it looks like.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Have fun.

Post a trip report!

[littleredboat]

I will! Hubby bought me a playsport camera for my birthday, and I made myself a pvc canoe mount. lol. I have some video I need to get clipped and put together of our last trip from Boxley to Ponca on the Buffalo. We've been when it was bigger, but only because the water rose 3 ft while we were on it that time. I wish I had taken video then, but I needed both hands that day. lol. So I decided that a camera mount was a MUST. It was a really fun day. :) Hoping we get some rain, so we can play hooky mon or tues. :)

[BHK Okie]

I'm going monday also if it rains enough . I'm kayaking but going with friends that are renting a raft . Maybe we'll meet up