Buffalo River - AUG 21-23 - North Maumee to Hwy 14 bridge

[Richard]

This weekend looks to be perfect for an overnighter.

Pictures will be posted here after the trip


Updates will be posted here prior to the trip.
Update #2: Unless there is a more compelling option we wil put in at North Maumee, paddle four miles to Spring Creek and hike up to the spring. I have never done that before. Spring Creek is an ideal spot to have lunch. We will camp Saturday night someplace between Spring Creek and Water Creek. Take out will be Sunday at Hwy 14 bridge.




Update #1: This will be on a new moon weekend. This would be a great one to bring children to. We might be able to see a meteor or two and the constelations should be bright.

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;


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.

[RespiratoryMan]

Richard,
From where to where?
Brett

[Richard]

Brett, I am waiting to see what today's rain event produces.

[Allen Rittman]

Already have everthing packed and ready and just got back from the store. I have one more thing to do and I'm outta here in the morning. I'm like you waiting to see what happens and how far up the river I can go. I'll probably work around were I can camp with everybody Saturday night.

[Mtngal]

Me and my hubby'd like to join y'all Saturday, if that's okay. Gerry

[Karla]

will check the levels, if good, Gary and I might come and float Saturday.

Karla

[GutIt]

I'll be there in Spirit!

You guys have fun, and be safe!

[Richard]

Update #2: Unless there is a more compelling option we wil put in at North Maumee, paddle four miles to Spring Creek and hike up to the spring. I have never done that before. Spring Creek is an ideal spot to have lunch. We will camp Saturday night someplace between Spring Creek and Water Creek. Take out will be Sunday at Hwy 14 bridge.

I NEED TO KNOW WHO IS GOING. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, WE WILL MEET AT HWY 14 BRIDGE AT 9AM SATURDAY MORNING.
Camping is available at Buffalo Point for those interested in camping Friday night. I most likely will be coming up Saturday morning.

[Mtngal]

Richard, haven't been to the hwy. 14 takeout before (assume it's obvious?), but we'll meet y'all there by 9 a.m. and plan to float with you Saturday. Gerry

[Richard]

Mtngal, If you are coming from the south, if you cross over the Buffalo, you have gone too far. Approaching the bridge take the gravel road on the right leading to the river.

If you are coming from Yellville take the gravel road to the left after crossing the bridge.

BTW, this is general info for everyone. The first restrooms you come to on the right has flush toilets and running water. The restroom farther down on the other side of the bridge is a vault toilet. Clean but no water.


River Miles - - - - - Location - - - - - - Facilities
- A* - B*
0.0 - 0.0 - - - - MAUMEE NORTH - - - - Vault
0.5 - 0.5 - - - - MAUMEE SOUTH - - - - Vault
3.9 - 4.4 - - - - Spring Creek
0.9 - 5.3 - - - - Spring Creek Access - - - - Vault
0.1 - 5.4 - - - - Gravel Bar
0.9 - 6.3 - - - - Jackpot Bluff
1.0 - 7.3 - - - - Stairstep Bluff
0.8 - 8.1 - - - - Water Creek
0.1 - 8.2 - - - - Kimball Bluff
1.7 - 9.9 - - - - Hwy 14 Bridge Access - - - - Water - - - - Flush -Vault

A* Miles between locations
B* Cumulative miles

[Karla]

we will catch you on another trip Richard. Glad your able to get out now and well. We will paddle closer to home on the Remmel Ouachita trip tommorrow.

Karla

[Richard]

So far it looks like everyone will be driving up on Saturday.
We have . . .
Brett with his Bell Alaskan
Mtngal and her hubby
Ti and possibly her daughter Hannah
My grandchildren Tiffany (age 11) and Luke (age 8 )
Richard
There is a chance we might run into Allen Rittman also.

[Clif]

You guys take care of Richard. Sorry I can't join in.

[Richard]

Trip was great. details to follow in a day or two.

[Mtngal]

Beautiful day!! Great company! Enjoyed meeting you, Tiffany, Lucas and Brett aka Respiratory Man aka Wilderness Man :roll: Richard check your pm. I have photos. Too 'puter challenged to get them downloaded to here