BOXLEY TO PONCA ON THE BUFFALO MONDAY 4/29/13

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

I'd like to paddle the six miles from Boxley to Ponca on Monday, probably leave Little Rock at 7:00 a.m., be at Ponca low water bridge at 10:30. The water level should be good (maybe 18" of air at Ponca) for an easy going outing with easy surfing. Interested in coming?



Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[sarahh]

Count me in!

[Karla]

Wish it was Sunday then we would go. Have to be at work early am Tuesday

Karla

[74broncogirl]

I might be in. What time do you think we would be back?

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Probably be passing Russellville about 7:00 p.m. and in Little Rock about 8:15 p.m. after dropping Sarah off in Maumelle.

Mike

[Randy Dodson]

I'll think about it.

[Chicago Bob]

Mike got your P.M. I'm seriously thinking about it . I'll post tomorrow night after paddling with Mitch. I love the Boxley section fast and fun. BOB

[Randy Dodson]

Mike, you don't reckon Boxley might be gettin just a tad boney by Monday??????

[CaptDan]

Boc at Ponca says the air space is at 7" this morning. Should be good tomorrow. I would be interested in this trip. I have an Expedition with a trailer and could take 6 boats and 6 people, or just meet at the river. Danny 501-nine 12-4967

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

We will be at the Ponca low water bridge about 10:30 a.m. to meet another paddler, then we will consolidate boats and head to the put-in at Boxley.

The water level will be fine, probalby a little higher than my favorite play level. We will be taking our time and enjoying the scenery, playing the waves, stopping for lunch, stopping to rest our legs - a typical Captain Aleve outing.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[TonyC]

Sounds like a good possibility for me and a buddy. Where is the Boxley put-in? Also, is this a run my buddy that is relatively new to kayaking can handle? I feel confident that I can handle it, but I don't want to burn my friend out by scaring him too much. Haven't done the Boxley to Ponca run before, but it's been on my list for 2 years since rain hasn't cooperated...

-Tony

PS: Will be nice to float the Buffalo when the water is above the 30's. Did that a few weeks ago, and I was saying "Thank God for Neoprene!"

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

The Boxley put-in is at the Highway 21 bridge over the Buffalo, about five miles south of Ponca (Hwy. 43 south from Ponca, then continue south on Hwy. 21). The bridge over the Buffalo is pretty long and probalby has a sign that says Buffalo River next to it. You can drive down the embankment on Ponca side of the bridge to park. You can meet us at the bridge if you like, but we are going to the Ponca low water bridge first to collect another paddler and boat.

I think a relatively new paddler will be fine; it's not a difficult run at the expected water level. I predict the water level will be 12" of air at Ponca which means swift current in places including a few with turns, good surfing waves that will be a little more challenging than they would at 15" of air, but still not hard to play on. There will be some easy beginner type waves, also. The high temp for the afternoon is forecast to be 79 degrees with pure sunshine all day, which will help warm up any swimmers.

If anyone wants to ride with me from Little Rock (I prefer to drive since I get carsick) let me know and we will make arrangements to share space in my crew cab pickup. Might also be able to pick up paddlers in Russellville. Sarah, I'm planning to pick you up at home in Maumelle (surprise!) if that is okay with you, but I forget where you live exactly.

Should be a good day. We might even catch up to spring in the northern part of the state, at least catch up to the dogwood blooms.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Clif]

dogwoods were bustin out big in the Gilbert area Thursday.... wish I could get on this trip. Wonder if my kids could hitchhike to school?

[Chicago Bob]

Mike I'm in and will meet you at either Boxley or Ponca depending on where I'm at. I'm planning on staying the night and paddling again on Tuesday. I wont to be sure to make it to the central chapter B.B.Q. Looking forward to another great day. BOB

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Great! Plans are all set. See everyone at Ponca low water bridge or Boxley bridge. This is my final post and final look at this topic until after Monday.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve