BUFFALO RIVER - OZARK CAMPGROUND - Jan 22-24 TRIP REPORT

[Richard]

See Page 3 for Trip Report

Here is where the pictures will be posted after the trip. Bring your camera.

Updates will be posted here.

UPDATE #2 THUR JAN 21: We will base camp at Ozark beginning Friday afternoon. Activities will be impromptu based on weather and group wishes. See the rest of this thread for details.

UPDATE #1 SAT JAN 16: Section to be floated has not yet been determined

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WHO IS GOING:


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 within the park 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.

[lbaker]

don't know if I'll make it, but soooooo glad to see you're back at it!

[okieboater]

I am excited to go as well.

Yellville 15 day forcast is for rain that sat and sun

But, we will just have to wait and see, temps look good tho

[painterbob]

I'm out.... long story, ( my wife had a valve in her heart replaced..) .... paddling is on HOLD!

[Karla]

Sorry to hear about your wifes surgery. How is she doing post-op?

Karla

[GutIt]

I don't mean to jack the thread, but Bob, I hope your wife is doing good after that.

Paddling may be on hold, but the good vibes I am sending your way are just getting started.

Sing out if there is anything I can do at all for you guys. I even do windows, Brother!

[painterbob]

they just moved her out of ICU."she's doing great" .... and thank's for the support!

[Roy Staggs]

It looks like I will be able to go! Do I need to bring a big tarp?

[Butch Crain]

Never (intentionally) camped in the rain before. Does a standard utility tarp used with guy lines and Cabelas' variety adjustable tarp poles work well enough?

Got tickets to see Los Lobos acoustic set in Meridian, MS on the 23rd. Seen them many times over the years, but never doing a straight acoustic thing.

But I've never camped in the rain, on the Buffalo, with good folks & good vibes, on this particular coming weekend. Man, I REALLY would hate to miss that. May have to give my ticket to the offspring, I'm sure he can find a date.

[Richard]

Terry, in my book there is no such thing as jacking a thread when a member's well being is of concern. I join with you. PB, I hope your wife's recovery goes better than expected. Please let us know if we can be of assistance.

To the others, I guess I am part turkey. I don't know when to get out of the rain and when it rains I look up and go gobble gobble. Rain is what makes the Buffalo flow.

I have my screen room and if need be we can all huddle in there. And we can have a LNT alternative fire.

We can make this a tarp show and tell weekend.

[MikeBeebe]

PB, keep us posted on your wife. We're wishing her a speedy recovery. Like Terry, I'll do windows - whatever you need. Richard, Susan and I are probably in for a day trip weather permitting.

[Roy Staggs]

Gettiing gear all in a pile.

[Allen Rittman]

My gear is in a pile and I just got back from the store. I'm bring a small folding grill and charcoal to cook a steak Saturday Night if anyone wants to bring something to cook.

[Richard]

Here is where we stand. I got with Rodger and he and I agree that this is not an ideal weekend. Having said that, I looked to see what the difference was between the forecast west and east. These are for Rogers and Flippin. You will note that the farther west you go the less rain but more wind you have. I can deal with 8mph wind - 18 becomes unpleasant. The temps are close to the same but the rain will be greater as you go east. Thats what happened last night. Hwy 14 got a lot more rain than Ponca. If we opt for the upper (west) end, I suggest base camping at Ozark and paddle in the area. If we opt for the lower (east) end then we could gravel bar camp but we have a good chance of watching the river rise. How far is anyones guess.
Here are five options:
Base camp at Ozark and play it by ear. Maybe drive to waterfalls.
Base camp at Rush and day paddle from Hwy 14 to Rush.
Baker Ford to Grinders - camping at Arnold Bend gravel bar
Hwy 14 to Rush - camping at Bice Bend gravel bar
Punt. I am leaning toward kicking this ball down the road and onto a better weekend but majority rules.

[Allen Rittman]

My vote would be to base camp at Ozark bring some wood and have a big fire, bring the boats and play it by ear! That leaves many more options as opposed to camping on a gravel bar which would be my first choice if not for the rain.