Buffalo River-Oct 10-12

[Richard]

I will leave Conway shortly after noon. Ken Smith is going to be trailbuilding for the next two weeks and I am going to help him get set up. He will be on the South end of the Walkin Area. We normally camp on the North end. Look for my silver-grey 2002 Subaru Forester. It will have a green Old Town canoe on top with wheels attached to the stern.
To get to the Walkin area, go down the hill to the stop sign. The road T's. Turn left and the Walkin is the large parking and grassy area on the right

The weather is perfect. No chance for rain. BRING YOUR RAIN GEAR!
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[denergyo6]

Hey Richard, I plan to be there Friday night for the Saturday/Sunday float.
Karl

[Richard]

I am signing off the computer and will see yall at Buffalo Point tonight or Hwy 14 Access at 10am Saturday morning.
Cell Phone 501-450-0217. I don't have cell phone reception at Buffalo Point.

[Eric Esche]

We had another great float. Friday nite campfire with Ken Smith, Alan, Painter Bob, Pam and Mary, Richard, and some guys from Oklahoma. Saturday break camp and set shuttle with three cars back to top to accomodate all groups. Spectacular scenery on this section, but then most parts of the Buffalo are pretty. Lots of fishing with up to 4 foot gar spotted. Painter Bob and the guys from Oklahoma caught a bunch, but released them all. Brice gravel bar was empty when we got there at 3:30PM. We gathered wood and had a nice fire that night. Lots of story telling and discussions. Saw otter and muskrat on Saturday and then an eagle on the way out Sunday. Mary tandemed with Pam this week and Richard had a UCA English professor from Britain named Garry who was his bow partner. Alan was in a Zoar inflatable which looked good. Just about every one cooked their own food, but Richard's grill let me cook steaks for Pam and Mary who carpooled over with me in the Suburban. Roger ate his MRE and ramen, but those steaks hit the spot after a long day solo, as did the bacon and eggs and Starbucks for Sunday morning breakfast. Gas was down to $2.75 from $3.17/gallon last week, so this made for economical carpooling.

Fog rolling in after the full moon rose was erie. It had blown away by morning and the sun came up by 9AM to dry off our tents. Got to remember to bring my grill next time. Perfect weather and unbelieveable for Mid October. 80'sF daytime to 60'sF at night. Water was 3' something or close to it at HW 14 bridge which gave us nice flow, but 2 shallows to drag over twice in 2 days. Water was clear enough to see down 12+ feet and warm enough to swim and wash in.

Think I've been talked into the long float next week. It is just so great paddleing with ACC folks.

Eric

If you missed this trip, we will be going again this fall. We try to go at least once a month.

[Richard]

As always, this was a great trip on the Buffalo. Lots of special experiences. It is always a treat for me to visit with Ken Smith. He played a crucial part in the fight for the Buffalo in the 60's and continues to do much for this wonderful river we cherish.
It was also nice to be able to paddle with Garry. I hope that happens again in the near future. It was nice to meet new friends. One more memory to treasure as I get older.

[dwilson]

Learned sumpthin new on this trip. There really is nice folks in Arkansas. Ha Ha just kiddin yall were great good times. Was a little disapointed in Painter Bob givin me a lure that ain't no good. Took me a hole day ta figure that out. Brother had a great time as well. He really enjoys campfire topics. The only bad thang of this trip was I didn't bring my book ta get THE KEN SMITH ta sign. Oh I also have a rock with a hole in it now.

[MikeBeebe]

The rock with a hole in it is very special - PB is to be commended for spreading friendship. Mine is on my keyring. Sounds like most of us missed a great trip. Next time for sure.

Mike

[Allen Rittman]

What a great and relaxing trip. I highly recomend this to anyone who has never been. This is a great bunch of folks to go with and Richard is like a book when it comes to the Buffalo. It was great meeting all of you and I can't wait till next month.

[denergyo6]

Richard and all, thanks for a great time on the Buffalo. Good conversation, two nights of good stories and nice weather. Thanks Mary for your help with the after dark tent assembly. Richard the boys said tell you many thanks for the unique friendship stones!
Karl