Another Blue Hole Canoe in Arkansas!

[Canoe_Codger]

Nope, not stolen this time, just purchased from me here in Tennessee over the weekend and transported to NW Arkansas by it's proud new owner. If you happen to see a burgundy Sunburst II with a contoured ash and web seat on the river, give a wave to it's new owner Mr. Crawford and invite him to join ACC.

The canoe was a pipedream of mine, purchased earlier this year and reoutfitted to run whitewater once more. What I did not count on was that I could not reoutfit my lungs, knees and back.

So my loss is Mr. Crawford's gain. And Arkansas'. More Blue Hole canoes on Arkansas waters is a good thing, amirite?

Michael

Still have dreams. And red canoes.

[okieboater]

Nice to see these classic boats brought up to date and back in service.

I went from Grumman all aluminum canoes to blue holes. first the OCA then the sunburst. Fond memories of both. Ended up with a Mad River ME and that was the ballet dancer type of the three designs.

Maybe not the hot rods we get with todays designs, but got the job done then and with a little TLC still do.

These Blue Holes are as close to bomb proof as it gets just a little care and they will last many decades.

[Canoe_Codger]

Agreed Dave. This one is 26 years old and I have seen much younger Royalex canoes in much worse shape. And of course with Royalex being discontinued soon and nothing comparable in the wings other than tupperware, I suspect that the older Blue Holes will become increasingly sought after. At least by those who know what they were and are. I am still watching for a deal on a (not stolen) OCA. Maybe I can still muster the energy and stamina to paddle one since they are more moderately shaped. In the meantime, I'll make do with my Bell and Old Towns.

Michael

Oh, and I asked Mr. Crawford if he was an ACC member and a part of the infamous Clan Crawford and he said no on both counts. Real nice guy and hyped to get the Sunburst II wet.

[okieboater]

I am a big fan of the Arkansas Canoe Club and encourage anyone who loves boating to join up.

Over the years the ACC has done as much or more than any organization I am aware of in the Great State of Arkansas or most other states to improve paddling for all of us.

Look at gages installed, river clean up, boater training, ACA instructor training and conservation in general and the ACC is usually right up there working for us.

The ACC also pays for the Message Board which is open to all and a great service to the boating community in general.

The ACC has a dedicated lady in charge of Conservation and boating issues on the State level. Deb Doss just does a outstanding job for all boaters on the state and national level. My opinion here but there is no way she could be replaced. At BOD meetings she always amazes me with her in depth knowledge of what is going on at the state level. Has to take a ton of personal time and travel to do what she does. The ACC budget takes care of so many conservation projects, I don't have the space to list them.

For the return on the dollars spent by the individuals, if you love boating in Arkansas or anywhere in the surrounding states - there is no better way to spend your money than on ACC dues.

I am also a proud member of the Ozark Society. They deserve our support as well for what they have done for our beloved Buffalo River.

The national groups like American Rivers and ACA get my support as well. The discounts on gear more than make up for the membership costs.

Bottom line - if we don't support these groups as they do what they do for all of us, who will? The answer is no one.

Times are difficult these days financially. I know as I am retired and the money I saved and put in bond funds is barely giving a return. But, it is just as hard for organizations to get things done for us. So, if possible, help the ACC and OZS out if you can.

[RiverRatRon]

Sorry that the Sunburst didn't work out for you Michael . That canoe is getting around in the past year . It's gone from Tn to Al back to Tn and it now lives in Ar .

[Canoe_Codger]

Sorry that the Sunburst didn't work out for you Michael . That canoe is getting around in the past year . It's gone from Tn to Al back to Tn and it now lives in Ar .

It's all good Ron. The canoe was all you advertised and indeed better than I had hoped. I spent some enjoyable quality time refurbishing it. But in the end, it was like getting that 18 year old wife or girlfriend at my age. Not a match made in heaven through no fault of the lass.

I do agree 100% on all points about the ACC site and membership Dave. Even though I am no longer a resident, my roots are buried there. And ACC has grown over the years to be a very important asset to the state, not just the boating community. That is entirely attributable to the dedicated membership and hard work in many venues. Thanks guys and gals. :myday"