BUFFALO RIVER-MAR 6-7-PICTURES: Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry

[Richard]

Sun Mar 8: Thank you all for making this a memorable trip for the grandkids. Here are the photos. Mostly of the grandkids. I hope others will post their pictures as well in order to see the trip from a different perspective.
On our way to the Buffalo we stopped at a spring to get a drink. After the float we stopped at the Collier Homestead and walked out to the overlook. It provides a great view of the Buffalo at Calf Creek. It had been a while since I focused on just this section. Shorter is always better. I forgot just how nice this section was.
I am pleased that when the park rangers pulled us over, they did not find any problems.
A wonderful day. -Richard
http://community.webshots.com/slideshow/570429632yHCySe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are my shots of Buffalo on Saturday. As Gary and I were leaving Grinders Ferry heading north we saw an Eagle flying overhead. We went to Tyler Bend to change clothes and as we came back we decided to drive back to Grinders to look back at the eagles nest we saw next to the highway 65 and so we took a picture of the nest then made the shots closeup and got a picture of the eagle in the nest. You can see the head, eyes and beak. We thought that was cool. -Karla
http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/570432728MbESqb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Clifs Pictures
http://community.webshots.com/slideshow/570538531deAqoU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Update #2:THUR MAR 5: It will be 5.4 miles. Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry.

Saturday: Have your boats unloaded at Baker Ford and be ready to shuttle by 11am. That should put us on the water about noon. We will stop for lunch on the river about 1pm. We should be off the river by 4pm.

For those of us who will be camping at Tyler Bend Friday night, that means we need to be packed up and ready to go by about 9:30am.

I need a count as to who is going and whether you will be coming Friday and staying at Tyler Bend.


Update #1 : Wed Mar 4 Help us decide - hwy 14 or hwy 65
Here is what it is looking like so far. Weather will be good Friday and Saturday with increased chance of rain Saturday evening and increasing on Sunday. This might be a good time to do a day float.
We have several options and they all include a Friday night campfire if so desired.
Hwy 14:
Hwy 14 to Rush: 8.8 miles. We would camp Friday night at Rush.
So Maumee to Hwy 14: 9.4 miles We would camp at So Maumee. I have never camped there.
Hwy 65:
We would be camping at Tyler Bend Friday night for each of the following.
Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry: 5.4 miles.
Tyler Bend to Gilbert: 5.4 miles
Grinders Ferry to Gilbert 4.3 miles
Baker Ford to Gilbert 9.7 miles.

I am willing to go on any of these. I personally am leaning toward Hwy 65. Let me know what your preference is.
Does anyone have a problem with not camping on the river Saturday night? We are planning the REAL trip later this month.

Buffalo River levels:
Upper (BOC) http://www.buffaloriver.com/riverlevel.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Upper (Ponca gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/uv?cb ... o=07055646" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Middle (Hwy 65 gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07056000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Lower (Hwy 14 gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?cb_00 ... o=07056700" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Who's going:
Pam & Jon
Clif & Q?, Daniel?
drparrothead
Karla & Gary
Wes & Lance
Richard & grandkids?



GENERAL INFORMATION:
By now you know the drill. Arriving Friday is optional. We shuttle Saturday morning and do most of the paddling on Saturday. We try to be off the river and headed home by noon on Sunday. Sitting around a campfire Friday and Saturday nights and enjoying each others company has become a tradition.

Questions and suggestions are welcome. You may post them here or email Richard at rmmcfadden@yahoo.com

Some things you need to know. We have never had a problem but just so everyone knows on the front end:
1. For liability purposes this is not an ACC/Ozark Society sponsored activity. You and only you are responsible for your own actions.
2. This is a family friendly float. Children are welcome.
3. Alcohol is not forbidden but drunkeness and abusive conduct is.
4. If you use "fowl" language or need to smoke, please do so away from the group.
5. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Maybe even nicer.

We have been doing these trips since Oct 2007. In that time we have never had a problem. Quite the contrary. On the floats so far, we have been impressed with how well everyone has adhered to #5. That is one reason we keep going back.

If you have never been, we look forward to meeting you on the river.

FOOD:
Because of the various arrival and departure times of participants the simplest approach to meals is for each person to be responsible for his/her own. That does not preclude participants from getting together and pooling efforts. It also does not preclude pot lucks. So if you want to get with others to plan meals thats good. If we decide to pot luck a meal or two that is fine as well. But the responsibility lies first with the individual.

Breakfasts and Suppers will be at camp. We will stop for lunch on the river.

This has worked well so far and creates the least hassle. And we can gather around the campfire after dinner. Campfires have been great.

If need be, we will have a kitchen tent set up with tables for food preparation.

GEAR:
Each person is responsible for providing their own food and gear appropriate for the weather and water conditions. If you are just getting into canoe/kayak camping and are lacking some items please let us know. So far no one has been turned away because of lack of gear.

State Laws
15 MPH speed limits are strictly enforced.
A PFD is required for each person. It must be worn by those under the age of 13.
The use of glass containers is prohibited within 100 feet the river.
Containers used for transporting food and beverages must be properly sealed.
When out of the cooler, beverages must be in a holder that floats or prevents the beverage from sinking.
A mesh container must be attached to the vessel suitable for collecting trash that can be securely closed.
All refuse, waste and trash must be transported to a place where they must be safely and lawfully disposed.

[GutIt]

Rats!

Looks like another one missed! This "work" thing is really starting to get in the way! I guess they call it work because all of the other four letter words are taken!

Oh well! If you aren't using your can cooler to insulate your hand from your frosty cold one in zero degree weather it ain't no fun anyway!!!

You guys have fun but most of all be safe!

[mohawklady]

Jonathan and I will be planning on going with you. Is anybody planning to camp of Friday night?....Pam

[Clif]

possible... depends on weather and where. I skipped church Sun so need to go this week but wanna do Sat and might camp Fri. Q has plans. I will know more later as in what boat, camp or not to camp and if young Daniel comes with.

[drparrothead]

Sounds good to me...I've got a new canoe that needs to get wet when it's right-side up instead of upside-down.

[Richard]

Looking at the weather forecast, this weekend is going to be very pleasant. Its one I would not be afraid to invite kids. The down side is that the river is going to be low, so the upper end appears to be out. Once again we may find ourselves on the lower end. Which BTW is one of the more interesting stretches. I never get tired of it. We should be able to make the decision on Wednesday. Friday should be a great campfire night.

Another BTW, March and April are prime river months so we may do more than one float this month.

[painterbob]

i have my fingers crossed

[Bob Stout]

Richard, not be able to make it - over-did-it with my hyper-extended right knee - on crutches right now. The good news is that it's getting much better, I don't have to use them all the time.

[Shark Attack]

I'm watching.

Wes

[fryingsquirrel]

oh boy, another richard float. i think i'll be able to make it, will know for sure on thurs, mom is a go, i think. does anyone have a rec boat and accoutrements i can mebbe borrow for this float, i'd like to give it a try in a 'yak.
Jon Ellwood
fryingsquirrel "at" gmail.com

[Karla]

If Gary and I decide to go, we have a rec boat and gear we don't mind you using, just have to make sure your coming so to know to bring it or not. Have vest and paddle extra.
Gary will probably paddle his solo canoe so you could paddle his rec boat, an approach, is a really good boat to try out in.

Karla

[fryingsquirrel]

Karla, thats awesome. I'll definately be going now. what kind of rec boat is it?
Jon Ellwood
fryingsquirrel "at" gmail.com

[Karla]

A Dagger Approach, very popular boat, maneuverable, has drop down skeg.

Karla

[Karla]

Richard,
Gary and I will come Saturday am for the shuttle. What time will we need to be there and where?

Karla

[Karla]

What is the section above the 65 bridge look like as far as floatable and the level Richard? Haven't done that section in awhile. Last time was the Hwy 14 section to Rush.

Karla