MIKE’S UPWARD BOUND CREEKING PROGRAM

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

No rain fell, everything is too low. Maybe next time.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

May be paddling this creek this afternoon (Saturday 3/30/13), or the North Fork of the Ouachita that it empties into.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Heading over to Hot Springs Village about 11:30 a.m. Looks like the rain will be stopping in an hour or two, about the time we will be looking to launch, 1:30. The South Alum Creek gage has risen about a foot and a half this morning, 1.64 inches of precip with just a little less rain showing on the Brush watershed radar summary. Chester is coming. My cell 501 681 2314

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Chester]

Yes, finally trying paddling again. Nth Fk Ouachita outta be goin, plenty wide for canoes, looks class II ish. All of these are pretty scenic too.

[glow]

Mike, still getting over a total right knee replacement at the end of January. Glad to see you're doing this (again?). Maybe this fall I'll be ready to get on the water again. When I had the left knee replaced in 2003 it took about that long before I was comfortable in my kayak, as best I can remember.

gary low

[74broncogirl]

Had a great time with everyone yesterday! Here are a few pics!

[74broncogirl]

Brush Creek

Low Water Bridge at Brush Creek

[74broncogirl]

More from Brush Creek

[74broncogirl]

Here are the videos, folks! Enjoy!!!!

N Fork of Ouachita
http://vimeo.com/63032994" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Brush Creek
http://vimeo.com/63032750" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Leprechaun on Little Creek
http://vimeo.com/63033679" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JGoodwin]

Mike and Chester,

Great job on clearing Brush and Little Creeks for our exploration!

Casey, Garth and I explored a high water event on Brush and the North Fork of the Ouachita. While paddling through the trees in class 2-3 isn't for everybody it was basically non-eventful and a lot of fun. Garth did decide to demonstrate the correct method of self rescue in an overhanging tree branch situation while Casey and I scored his efforts. The North Fork did have 2 rapids of class 3 intensity at that level and one section of 4 foot tall standing waves that were a hoot. Use caution with all the wood and trees if you decide to paddle that however.

The fun began on Little Creek with everyone joining in. Mike, Chester, Casey, Tammy, Brandon, Kristi, Garth and I played follow the leader through this tight but enjoyable creek. Class 2 skills needed with the mindset to duck under the limbs and bounce off the rocks (sometimes at the same time.) Minor exploratory out of boat situations developed with all having a good time. The sunshine and warmer temperatures assisted in this.

I'm signing up for more of the "Upward Bound" program in the future!

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Thanks for the videos and pics, Christy. I enjoyed your company and everyone else's and hope to see you all again. I've started on the Little Creek video, but I'm slow at putting it all together.

You missed a fun day Monday on Brush and Bear at low but floatable levels. Videos will come out later.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve