Class II+ W/TH/F/Sa March 18,19,20,21

[CSH]

I will be in AR and looking to paddle next week, and I am in need of some paddling partners. I will possibly be able to paddle W. I will definitely be available Th/F/Sa. I am a novice open boater, and am looking to paddle some Class II+ water, work on basic skills, enjoy the sights, etc. I will be staying in the Ft. Smith area on F and S night, and would need to do shorter earlier trips those days. On Th, Th night, and F morning, I can be most anywhere in the state. As mentioned, I am looking to paddle some Class II or very easy Class III. I have paddled Esses and Zig Zag two or three times, and those are still a bit over my head. I am looking to work up to being more confident on that type of water.

I am looking to paddle the following rivers/creeks, and would like some other suggestions: Upper Buffalo (Boxley or Ponca, done both), Mulberry, Big Piney, the FR 31 to Ed Banks portion of the Tot, Cadron, W. Fork of the White, Frog, etc.

I will be in a blue suburban, red mohawk open boat.
Phone 936.635.2387
Email cshandley@terracon.com or hooverandtar@hotmail.com
Post or PM

Like I said just looking to paddle some fun stuff, work on my skills a little bit, and hang out. Call or drop me a line if you are interested in any day.

Thanks,
Chris Handley

[CSH]

bump

[turboturtle]

Well, unless it rains some more, its looking like your options are going to be somewhat limited. Cadron Creek is looking the best for your planned paddling dates. If we get more rain before Wednesday your choices will increase.

Do whatever you do to make it rain before you head this way!

Bob

[iYak]

The upper Cossatot is going, and it's not as hard as the Esses. Should be plenty of folks to hook with down there.

[Cowper]

Chris,
Man, I wish there was more stuff going to give you more options, but right now the Tot is almost the only game in town, unless you boogy down to Conway and hook up with somebody on Cadron Creek.

If there is any way you can stay over one more day, and leave for home mid-afternoon Sunday, you really should join everyone on the Tot on Sunday. Even if you felt the Esses was a bit above your head, you've survived it more than once, and Sunday is going to be a WARM, sunny day, the river will be full of friendly folks to show you the lines and help keep an eye out in case you have any trouble.

If you are at the Falls Campground around 10 AM Sunday, you should find several groups to chose from. Directions are on this thread: http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/vie ... =1&t=11609" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Saturday, the story about being welcome to join us still holds equally true, its just that the weather will be mid to high 40's and cloudy or light rain, as compared to Sunday's sunny and high 50's to maybe even low 60's. Saturday's weather will not be good for someone "pushing" their current skill levels. Oh, you'd survive and all that, but it might not be fun unless you own a drysuit!

[ROBERT GEORGE SCHARNHORST]

i have never done the fr 31 to ed banks. it's on my todo list. i might go .