Buffalo River-Nov 14-16 Hwy14-Rush - PICTURES UPDATE

[Eric Esche]

I did something last night that I have been thinking of doing for a long time. Yes it was a whim, but a carefully considered whim. I bought a used portable hot water heater made by Zodi, their extreme 8170 model, for our overnight canoe campouts winter and spring.

If Richard can carry a portapottie and a tent for it for the group in addition to the McFadden Arms in his canoe, then I figuired that hot showers are do-able. I'm not saying we need to take showers, I'm saying I LIKE HOT SHOWERS after a day on the river. (I also really like hot tubs, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Although I have considered building one in a remote area that I went to a lot, next to a stream to leave there. I have some easily do-able plans - Building a hot tub is not hard, but heating and schlepping the water to it is another story unless you can pipe it down hill.)

I've tried the solar shower bags of various sizes in the past and they work fair for a dribbleing amount of water right after sundown if they get 3-5 hours of afternoon sun. Better in summer than winter. Shower at 10PM to midnight? Yeah, but they lose temp even when you put them in an insulated aluminum bag as soon as you get in the shade or the sun goes down. Yes, you can still heat water on a stove and pour in the bag carefully with a funnel, but unless you have someone to hold up 40-50 pounds for 5 minutes for you (been there and done that a few times as the holdee) or have a convienient overhead ledge around (rare, but had found one on a few occasions out west), you really need an overhead limb and rope to hang it from (and that means you might have to pick your campsite for that limb) or take a heavier, more expensive shower tent designed to hold 50 pounds over your head. With the Zodi extreme, you have 100F water in 5 minutes and you have a manual pump to give you running water. (some of the other Zodi models have electric pumps, but I had been told that the battery pumps are under sized, and eat batteries.) Still easier to have a second person to run it, but take along a few canisters of gas and you have virtually unlimted showers, 5 gallons at a time, at say maybe 10-15 minutes between showers, unless you preheat your water inbetween.

This may work out like the little red hen. If you want one, you got to help out. Do I have any volunteers for standing on the other side of the tent or tarp and pumping and holding the nozzle? I know they make a stand for the nozzle, but I figure that it is still more weight to carry and more money. Anybody else like hot showers? Waiting to hear who is going to want a shower and who is going to volunteer. Watch your comments. This is a family group and showers are supposed to be clean.

Eric

[okieboater]

Zodi showers are great when they work. Problem is the one with the battery pump does not have a good record.

I have used Zodi units with the battery pump for years and gotten a lot of great showers - but in a group setting it is rare for the entire group to keep the thing running.

This summer I purchased one of the Zodi's that use a hand pump instead of the battery powered pump. I have not used it yet but it looks to be a much simpler design with a lot less failure points.

For me, given a sunny day, the most reliable shower is the standard clear plastic front bag with the black rear bag that you just lay on top of your raft or out in the sun.

On a layover day of a float trip, if every one can get a hot shower, it makes for a happy group.

Eric good luck with your quest. I will be glad to share more of my experiences. I agree with you, a nice hot shower is very very good thing.

I have the stand and even tho it is flimsy looking, it does a pretty good job.

[Eric Esche]

YES, it is the stainless steel canister one with the hand pump that I got, not the battery operated job that I did not buy. You think like I think. I will check mine out of course before I bring it. Say you have one too? Wow, that would be great if we both had one and brought them. NO waiting for one to refill and heat up between showers.

WE always have fun on our trips, but I can see a lot of good clean (and warm) fun coming out of this. I've got 4 propane cylinders for the Nov. trip stockpiled.

Also had my black Resistol 4X beaver felt hat stretched so I can switch over from the straw hat for fall. Finally broke down and bought a hat stretcher so I do it myself and could wear it again without headaches. I used to have a place that would do it for me twice a year in NC cheaply, but hadn't found a place over here that was convienient, so I bought a hat stretcher. Will loan it out if anyone needs one.

Eric

[Eric Esche]

As of now, unless someone backs out, I have a Suburban load with 4 folks saying they want to ride over with me from my house for the Buffalo trip on the 14-16th.

Doesn't mean we can't get a second carload of folks from NW Arkansas to carpool over.

Tell us if you need a ride over, and we can work something out.

Same for gear.

Eric

[Ryan Center]

Will you be camping out of the boats, or will you be arriving at a camp already set up? Sorry if this was already talked about, but I didn't see it.
This sounds like it would be a hoot, that is if a rif raf like me can join?
And do you think a raft can get down the section you would be running? Sounds like the family would love this trip.

[Richard]

Hello Rif Raf Ryan! Of course you can join us. Our rules are simple and laid out in the original posting.
We will be camping in a campground Friday night and on a gravelbar (out of boats) Saturday night. See the original posting. More details will be posted as we get closer to the date. See the original posting.

Eric and Dave, I too have a Zodi shower. Cept . . . mine is battery powered. And it sits on two burners on a coleman stove. And the first time I used it, things got out-a-hand and a might comically embarrassing.
Back to the drawing board.

I have two shower rooms. Bob Stout has one. The lines should be shorter than this coming Tuesday.

[Gery]

Finally made the decision to go! (Thanks Eric) I do have a gear shortage, especially when it comes to food storage/prep gear. If anyone would be interested in buying for one extra(I will settle up on the river) I sure would appreciate it, would even go so far as to volunteer for scullery duty for the kind soul who takes me into their kitchen. Send me a pm and I will get back to you. Oh, and I eat almost anything but tofu or beets.

[Randy Dodson]

So Richard, I know it's early yet but do you have any predictions for where this thing will happen? Maybe Spring Creek to Rush?

[painterbob]

tofu beets..... your so funny! how did you guess what the surprise dinner is going to be?

[Richard]

Randy, it comes down to water levels, When the river is low, as it is right now, if we put in at Spring Creek we have the potential of spending a long day on the river and arrive at Bice Bend just as the sun is going down. At this level I would suggest Hwy 14 to Rush. We are going to encounter some dragging. Every mile we paddle will be done without much help from the river.

So here is a prediction. Don't hold me to it. Hwy 14 to Rush. Assuming current water levels.
Water levels will dictate our final decision. And suggestions are welcome.

I hope someone takes newguy up on his offer. And BTW, I am not as picky. I like tofu and beets.

[Eric Esche]

I already told New Guy via PM that he could eat with Pam, Mary, Gretchen, and me (my carpool gang this time) and I sent him a proposed menu that did not include tofu beets. Will take him up on his offer of being a scullery maid.

Richard - Are Debbie and kevin coming and do they want me to bring Debbie's Boat and paddle? It is sitting safe under my porch. and I can bring it if they want.

Eric

[lbaker]

I am seriously considering coming, if I manage to take a 1/2 day off Fri and get the dog into the kennel.
I just can't stand reading about the trips any longer!!!!LOL
Leigh

[painterbob]

don't make a special trip just for the tofu and beets! .... but we would love to have you join in! .. NOTE! if you come on just one trip, your life will be changed! be it for the better or :roll: ......WELL LETS JUST SAY you'll never forget it this group!... some of the finest canoe campers on the river!!! but beware that a whole lot of goes on . long after the drive home is over. bob and dave, do some real good work with the dutch ovens,( some tasty treats), and eric and i man the fire and try to burn all the wood we can find! not to mention mother nature showing off a little also! i would have to say that it just gets better every trip we go on! ....so put a BIG RED "X" ON that weekend

[Clif]

....so put a BIG RED "X" ON that weekend

Big red x don't compare with the big red KNOT mama would put on my head. Hoping she doesn't change my mind.

[lbaker]

Actually I prefer tempeh to tofu and make my beets pickled please