Rec Paddling School Questions...

[Jaytee]

We're registered but have some questions about logistics (food/lodging). The Riverside Resort website is a bit skimpy so I'm trying to get my bearings.

Our inclination is to camp, since that sounds more social, but I see from the materials that tent camping space is "first come first served." We probably won't turn up til Friday evening. How much space is available, and will we be at risk of the campground being full?

Any details about the tent camping facility/space at Riverside Resort is also welcome. Sorry, I just don't know that area at all. If Riverside is full, how close is the next nearest campground?

Finally, do most folks just bring campstoves or is there a small restaurant nearby or what might feed options look like?

Thanks for advising the newbie.

[Jim Krueger]

Jaytee,

There is usually no problem with having enough room to tent camp at Riverside, even with arriving Friday. If possible, do arrive early enough to attend the meeting on Friday evening, it's important, and gets everyone in the various classes on track for the next day when the school starts in ernest. My wife and I camp in our RV in another part of the campground and can certainly offer you some space to tent camp if Riverside should be brimming full, but I don't think that will be the case. I'm glad you're coming and just know it will be a good weekend, and you'll have a great time! At any rate, just look me up if any problems with camping.

Best Regards
Jim

P.S. Yes, there is a snackbar/restaurant at riverside that will be serving breakfast&lunch, also has a store for common items&ice. Don't forget, we always have a Pot Luck supper on Saturday night

[Cowper]

Sometimes, Riverside has a kitchen that will cook up a few eggs for breakfast, or a hamburger for lunch. But it seems sort of "experimental", so I couldn't guarantee you they are still open or what hours they might keep.

After that, the next nearest eating places are far enough away to be impractical to some degree. About 30 minutes to town; so, 1 hour round trip, plus 45 minutes (bare minimum) to place and gobble down an order, so you'd really need over 2 hours total time for any meal you plan to eat in town. So, if you're not adverse to camp cooking, then yes, bring a stove. If you hate cooking; bring a gallon of milk and some Cheerios. You'll survive.

[Lupe]

Actually, Saturday night dinner is no longer pot luck - it is now provided as a part of the registration fee. I believe it will be catered (read: Liz will drive into town and pick up some vittles).

Liz - wanna jump in with any details on that?

[Liz Caldwell]

Jaytee,

Jim, Cowper and Lupe all gave good advice. To expound a little bit... Riverside has plenty of tent camping. A few of us get there on Thursday night and will save space so that all our group can camp togther. Just look for the Arkansas Canoe Club sign.

For meals, you will eat breakfast at your campsite (unless you go to town, but as Cowper said, that is a lot of trouble). The snackbar may or may not be open. I'll try to check and post about that.

Lunches will be eaten on the river, so bring a sandwich, or power bar, or whatever you want that can fit in a waterproof bag in your boat.

Saturday night supper will be provided by the ACC as part of your registration -- so no cooking required!

[Cowper]

Saturday night supper will be provided by the ACC as part of your registration -- so no cooking required!

Unless maybe you are a vegetarian or have other special dietary needs...

[Jaytee]

Thanks so much you all. This is very helpful! And we'll definitely be there by the 8pm (is that right?) meeting... just maybe not that much before. We're going to try to work part of the day before slipping away since vacation time is scarce and trying not to burn any!

We'll plan on bringing our breakfasts and lunches and otherwise will be there will bells on. So to speak.

[Liz Caldwell]

Just checked with Riverside. They said the snackbar will be open on weekends, probably 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- but not certain of the time. It will be weekends only -- breakfast and hamburgers, etc.

[kayaknmom]

I just read thru this string and all the information is really helpful, since I have not been to this area at all either. I am hoping to camp as well and that will be a first for us also. We are excited though!! This may sound like a dumb question, but are there public showers/restrooms available here?

[Liz Caldwell]

There are two bathhouses, and I use that term loosely! They are typical camp bathrooms with a shower and toilets, but you want to wear shower shoes for sure! They also have some port-a-potties.

[Jim Krueger]

Thanks Liz and Lupe for correcting me about the supper on Saturday evening, I forgot that you all did pick up the main course last year.
That being said, are any side-dishes or deserts still needed, or anything else?

On the subject of restaurants outside of the campground I wanted to add; while it's 12 something miles back South to Hardy, it's only about 3 miles or so on North to Mammoth Springs, Ar. and Thayer, Mo. both also have some places to eat although not as many as Hardy. BTW, adult beverages are available in Thayer :)

On the subject of Mammoth Springs, Ar.; After going up to Riverside for
boating the Spring so many years now, it was only about two years ago I finally decided to take the extra time to drive just up the road to Mammoth Springs State Park and see where the Spring river gets most of it's water.
Wow was what I thought when I saw the Mammoth Springs! I would encourage any of you who have an extra few minutes before you go home from the school to take a look. The Mammoth Springs park has a visitors center, a nice walking trail all around, old power plant w/antique equip.&dam, and wonderful flower gardens, all free, and very handy. The water flowing over the dam is spectacular for it's beauty and power! If you have time, check it out.

Best Regards
Jim

[Jaytee]

okay, speaking of adult beverages.

Are they both permitted and appropriate in the camping area (in moderation, of course, and after activities on the water are over)?

Didn't know if we could/should through a few frosties in the cooler for Sat evening...

[Liz Caldwell]

Yes, adult beverages are both permitted and appropriate in the evenings, as long as it doesn't leave anyone too bleary-eyed to paddle on Sunday!

[Dave Smith]

That's just crazy talk Liz!!!

[Cowper]

Yes, adult beverages are both permitted and appropriate in the evenings, as long as it doesn't leave anyone too bleary-eyed to paddle on Sunday!

Rec School safety tip: If someone says, "here, hold my beer...."

then Step Away From the Fire.