Help planning Buffalo Trip in June

[lbaker]

Hi All,
I have a trip semi-planned to float the Buffalo the first week I have off this summer, June 8-12. I noticed the Ozark Soc. has a trip planned the same week, and I'm trying to decide whether to join them. I want to do some hiking and paddling, and not sure my agenda will fit theirs, I don't really have an agenda, but not sure I want to adhere to a schedule. I'm not sure I want to do the whole support boat type float,although I'm sure it will be a blast!, and not sure I want to go with a large group. I'm not trying to sound anti-social; I don't want to go solo either, for obvious safety reasons. Also, I haven't nailed down just exactly where I want to put in/take out. Thinking maybe Tyler Bend to Rush after a day or two of hiking. I have both books by Kenneth Smith for resources, as well as online sources, just haven't had a lot of time to sit down and look at them; planning to this weekend. My paddling skills have improved the past year and I'm feeling more confident, but I don't feel comfortable doing anything too high up (not that there will probably be water there by June) I'm looking for a quiet reflective trip to enjoy nature and the beauty of the river.
I'm just wanting to tap into the knowledge base here to get some ideas.
Maybe some folks that are planning to do the OS trip might chime in also.
Or others that might want to join in a small group.
Thanks in advance,
Leigh

[painterbob]

.. if that's the trip on the wilderness section? , jump on it!! that's a great group!! and you will have a great time...( if your car camping, and like the hot showers, buffalo point, or Tyler bend) can't help on hiking at all. but i don't think you can bike on any trails ?

[Richard]

Leigh, This is HUMID TICK and CHIGGER season. So far as I am concerned hiking season ended with the appearance of leaves. Paddling season is here. Its gravel bar camping and swimming time.

If you are interested in going with the Ozark Society in June, you have two options:
1. pay $150. That covers shuttle, food, kitchen, john boat. You bring your own boat and personal gear. Everything else is provided.
2. Tag along. Join us but provide your own food, shuttle etc.

We arrive Tuesday at Tyler Bend about 11am, have lunch, load boats and launch. We make a stop at Gilbert. Most go to the store and buy ice cream etc. We camp at Red Bluff. Wednesday camp is at Spring Creek. We stop at Buffalo point on Thursday for about an hour then stop at Rush for a resupply. Thursday camp is somewhere above Big Creek. Friday camp is at High Burr Bluff. We take out about 2pm on Saturday at Shipps Ferry on the White.

I am a member of both the ACC and Ozark Society. Two wonderful organizations.

Here are some pictures from last year.
http://good-times.webshots.com/slidesho ... 4162LGfqQr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Eztouche]

The Ozark Society Trip was absolutely one of my best outdoor experiences in 50 + years of camping and canoeing.
The people are great and have decades of experiences to share as well as encyclopedic knowledge of the Buffalo and it's flora and fauna.
Food is first rate! Fresh food and lots of it during the entire trip.
I visited Mt Rainier last fall, but would choose the Buffalo River and the Ozark
Society trip over that hands down.

[lbaker]

Thanks guys! I have sent in my $$$ and am very excited about going with this group. I spoke to one of the trip leaders by phone and a few that are going,and that cinched the deal;-)
I didn't mean to sound snobby (anyone who knows me knows I'm far from it)when I mentioned large groups, I just needed a little confirmation that I was not going to find myself in a week long trip with folks I didn't have feel comfortable with. What was I thinking??? It's the OS
Leigh

[Charline Manning]

I know you will enjoy our trip, I started going on this trip in 2000,
I have always had a great time and meet new friends each year.
I am the other trip leader, so if you have any questions please
give me a call or email. 221-1001 or charlinem1@comcast.net
Charline Manning

[Eztouche]

I will never forget an Ozark Society Buffalo Trip years ago when Harold and Margaret Hedges (look 'em up in your Buffalo River Handbook) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the river. I think we were at the Narrows,
and the members appeared with Tuxedo t-shirts. They had put luminareos on the far bank and had a casette player with Italian Opera.
Some folks got class!