29th Annual Jungle Boater Race (March 14)

[Turner Bend]

Sunday March 14th is the date for this years Jungle Boater Race on the Mulberry River. Same format as in the past except that we plan to start two boats per minute instead of one. This should speed things up and make for a more congested, fun race. Sean Bennett is helping out a lot with this years organization. Looks like we will be having live music on Sat night before the race. If we are flooded out the alternate date is Sunday March 21. We will be mailing out a flyer and a registration form in mid February to all past participants. Call 479-667-3641 for details. bw

[Bozman]

Last year was the first time I went to this event, and I/we had a great time. The general atmosphere is pretty cool........I loved the fiddle music at the end of the race. It was fun to race as well. If you've never been....you're missing something.

[potterspoint434]

I bought a boat just to do this race so what are some of the details . What time and where does it start and how far is it?

[wojack]

The start time can vary a bit as everyone doesn't start at once. The distance is from Byrd's Campground down to Turner Bend. It's a fun race and if they're going for more congestion it'll be even more fun!

[David Lewis]

What's a jungle boat? (Or, should I ask: What's a jungle boater?)

[GN YAKN]

George Locke tells the story about a bunch of the Turner Bend regulars heading out to the NOC back in the 80's to check out the Nanty. Seems the folks out there were somewhat amused at their equipment and methods and called them "Jungle Boaters". George says it was meant to be an insult but that they kind of liked it and have called themselves Jungle Boaters ever since.

Least ways that's how I remember him telling it. Maybe he'll check in and fill in any necessary details!

Dave

[Donna]

Are recreational yakkers, invited/accepted/tolerated on this race? If you are looking for conjestion a 10 foot Old Town Loon might contribute to the cause.

[George Locke]

Dave- Your memory is correct with the exception of the decade- Mid seventies- and Ozark Mountain Sports crew which Brad paddled with before he got T.B...But what's a decade between friends????!!!!
Geo./JnglBtr

[Bozman]

Donna, there were several rec. kayaks in the race last year, and generally being longer, they had the advantage over people in their whitewater kayaks. Come race.

[JB2012]

Are there rules? What types of boats are allowed?

[Donna]

Thanks for answering my question, Bozman. I will call the number listed at the beginning of the post and try to snag a flyer and registration form. Perhaps it will provide more info. I have never floated the Mulberry so what better way to do a maiden voyage!

[potterspoint434]

I always understood it was plastic boats only??

[GloryDaze]

Can you give a a little help here- I'm thinking about doing this thing but need some more details. I will be coming from Kansas City and driving back Sunday- what time does this start- and what time would be a guess it would be finished?

Also- I'm wanting to stay at a Hampton Inn on Friday and Saturday night (well, the wife want to) where would be the nearest hotel?

Lastly- We want to hike and float on Saturday- any suggestions on "must see" trails?

[GN YAKN]

You can go to the Turner Bend website for an entry form and other info:

http://www.turnerbend.com/Turner%20Bend ... Events.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are a couple of newer chain hotels in Van Buren which is probably 30 - 40 minutes away.

Coming from KC, you might want to visit the Ponca Valley on the way home on the Buffalo River. Not too far out of the way and the short hike up Lost Valley to the cave is pretty darned cool. Take a flashlite so you can go into the cave and see the waterfall.

The Jungle Boater race is a nice way to kick off the spring paddling season and you couldn't find a nicer bunch of people to hang out with in the Valley of Love.

[Bozman]

I've never heard it referred to as the "valley of love" before. . I can see that however. I'm sure that plenty of "it" has happened there. Second only to and getting . If the weather cooperates this year, maybe it will be the biggest race yet. Ya'll come !!