Buffalo River - May 15-17

[Richard]

Pictures will be posted here after the trip:

Updates will be posted here:
Update #1:
I may not be able to make this one because of schedule conflict. But there are enough regulars that this float should happen regardless. It is May! The water is good! This would be a great one for children.

Buffalo River levels:
Upper (BOC) http://www.buffaloriver.com/riverlevel.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Upper (Ponca gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07055646" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Middle (Hwy 65 gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07056000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Lower (Hwy 14 gauge) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07056700" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Weather forecast (Flippin) http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... 2.5921&e=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Who's going will be posted here as commitments are made:

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.

Rodger and I have just completed a Leave No Trace Trainer's Course. We are committed to following the 7 LNT principles whenever we reasonably can. The most noticable change will be size of campfires.

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 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.

[Scoupe]

Unfortunately, we won't be able to make this one. I'm attending high school commencement activities this weekend.

We are seriously considering tagging along with the OS for a couple days next month though.

Doug(KC)