6-13, 14.... Buffy overnighter

[Clif]

Family friendly trip trying to get on. Of course the rain today may change plans. Hafta watch and will select later. Any one know how boring is the section from Gilbert to Maumee? That is what we are looking at now. Section will be determined later in the week pending wet stuff. Sat and Sunday float.

Richard's Rules of respect and common sense apply, please. Kids will be along.

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.


Questions and suggestions are welcome. You may post them here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Clif]

Hoping for a level boost. Any suggests on which section?

[Shark Attack]

It's just going to be low & slow. I may have to bow out to help a friend in need Saturday. I'll let you know.

Wes

[Scoupe]

I think I may have talked my son (18yo) into accompanying me on a Buffalo trip. Would be his first time floating and I couldn't think of a better place and bunch of folks for his first.

No promises yet, but we're sure considering joining you this weekend. Not overly picky about the section. Pruitt-Mt Hersey and Gilbert-Dillards are the two sections I've only done once.

Doug(KC)

[Eric Esche]

Can't go with y'all on this trip as Susan and I are hosting her old room mate from college and her husband on a day trip somewhere on the Buffalo depending on the level Saturday, and we will "roughing" it in a cabin we rented for them Saturday night. So do not be surprised if you see a little Puerto Rican lady in the bow of my Mad River and I am not in the back. I'll be near by soloing my Mad River Howler with a cooler and Susan will be in a kayak of some type.

Hope to see y'all on the water. We are going to run our shuttle using the Suburban and Susan's Honda.

Eric

[GutIt]

Well, I have been cleared for take off by both Fearless Leaders! My personal Leader (wifey-poo) and this Group’s! Still could have to bag depending on the outcome of “stuff”, which always gets in the way and will develop as the week progresses, but I’m going to pack as if I mean it! Unfortunately, my beloved is not going to make it this weekend.

I told Mr. Clif and I should put it out there publicly, I guess. If anyone is planning on doing this Run, but is lacking a seat, I would be happy to bring my tandem Chuckwagon. It can haul you, me, and our combined kitchen sinks. (let’s hope for some water!) Since I doubt anyone really knows me in this Group, let me just say that I can most likely get you and your gear down the River in a dry fashion! At least I haven’t lost anyone yet! I can hold down either the bow or stern position and I realize that everyone in the boat is holding a weapon, um, I mean paddle, so I will endeavor to behave accordingly! Or at least bring a helmet! If not, and if I don’t need to paddle the Chuckwagon for hauling extra gear for the Group, I’ll probably just bring a solo rig. Just let me know if you need a seat. I won’t see anyone left on the bank just because they need a ride!

Further, should the Group or any individual part thereof need anything, I might have it. I might not, but I might know where to come up with it! Please just say.

Looking forward to meeting you guys and boating with you!

And Eric? Would be cool to see you out there and finally meet Miss Susan! If I do? I’ll paddle over and bum a cookie! If it rains real hard (we wish!) we’ll be knock, knock, knocking on your cabin door (I know where you are staying)! You guys have fun and be safe, Brother!

[Eric Esche]

I actually have been asked to make some sugar cookies for the trip. I bring extras in case we see ya'll on the river. ( Susan doesn't like peanut butter cookies)

Eric

[AR-Nimrod]

I'll be with envy as I have to work this weekend. If I was off we'd get to watch Hannah and Clif's boys engage in Water War II. Oh well....the things we must do to pay for our play time.

[Paddlegal]

I hope to be in for a day trip with ya'll on Saturday. Also could be bringing a noob with me who will be renting a boat from the outfitters.

And do we really care if its low and slow? Low and slow on the river is a better day than anywhere else, isn't it?

[Clif]

I would really like to do Carver to Mt Hersey... in the low end of "low but floatable" now. If the rain bumps it up, perhaps.

The section I mentioned below Gilbert seems like a poor choice with some wanting a day trip and the iffy forecast. "THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY IS EXPECTED TO MEANDER OVER THE NATURAL STATE INTO THE WEEKEND. THE RESULT WILL BE AN UNSETTLED WEATHER PATTERN...WITH CONTINUED CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH MUCH OF
THE PERIOD." A shorter section would give us a bailout plan B.

Open for suggests here. Buffalo Point to Rush seems the only other section that would have water and about the right distance. Sorry if I ain't the best in this role.

[Paddlegal]

I guess teh helicopter is gone? Wasn't Buffalo Point mentioned when that happened?

Sharkattack is going to day trip with me so shuttling is not a prob for the day trippers and neither is distance, I can do up to 11 miles or so. The Noob also has a boat, thank you very much sharkattack.

[Scoupe]

Carver - Mt. Hersey would be a great day float. Water's coming up. Looks like our choices will be many.

[RespiratoryMan]

Trying to get a plan together here in NE Arkansas. Do you guys have Shuttle arrangements yet?

[GutIt]

I was planning to maybe skin out tomorrow evening and camp somewhere so I won't have to make the drive Sat. morning.

As far as sections are concerned, I really have no preferences. I'm just glad to be going! Anything is good with me. I would suggest that since we are doing a 'nighter that we try to get on something that has a little more water, since we will have loaded boats.

Pruitt looks pretty good- 4.48 @1415 hrs and doesn't look like it has made a down turn yet. According to my info (which could well be wrong) that is rated at experienced.

Hwy 65 (St. Joe)- 5.06 @ 1445. Ample

Hwy 14 (Harriet)- 3.95 @ 1445. Ample

All of these still look to be on the up-tic, or at least haven't made the turn yet so that should put us in pretty good shape for the weekend. Looking at 30% showers Sat Afternoon, Sat night, and Sun. Pretty sweet! That means 70% chance it won't! I'll toss in a parawing just in case or we may want some shade.

Ponca looks a little low, especially for loading heavy.

RespiratoryMan? I haven't heard any destination or meeting time yet.

But usually they tell me one place and then put in on the far end of the River! You'd think I'd get the hint by now!

[Shark Attack]

As far as water, Carver to Mt. Hersey should be a go.....

Clif????