Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Heads up that SWEPCO is showing a 2 generator release the week of Sept 7. We haven't seen 2 generators in awhile, and if memory serves me, I think it's a fun level with different waves in play compared to the 3 generator release.

The schedule SAYS they are doing a 2pm release on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 7. However, they usually don't release on holidays, so this might not be correct. I will be able to confirm with the actual ACOE power plant later this week (as of today, they didn't have the official schedule yet). IF it is correct, I plan to do the float on Monday.

If the schedule is NOT right, and they will only be doing the release from Tues thru Friday, then I am going to TRY to take off early on Friday 9/11 to do the float then, but that will be hit or miss for me because work's pretty crazy right now.

So...no definite plans right now, but I will update you all later this week!

Cheers,
Heather (aka Lupe)

Are they running this Friday, the 5th? I can only go on Labor day, not off the following Friday.

Karla

Thanks Heather! I can probably do either or both.My first time on dam release lil mo.Hope it works out,Ill keep watching. :) Minna

Here's the link to bookmark if you ever want to know what the schedule is:

https://www.swepco.com/info/recreation/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(as for this week...yes, they are releasing, however, not until 5pm which is kind of late for a paddle but fast down river paddlers could probably make it to the take out by dark! No hope for slow, stop-n-play-every-wave paddlers like myself, however. )

I'll check with the power plant tomorrow (Wed) to see if they can confirm the Labor Day release.

Hope it works out either way for a nice end of the summer paddle!

Cheers,
H

Good news! The power plant has confirmed Monday's 2pm release!

Let's plan to meet NO LATER than 1:15 at the 13th St bridge (take out) in Murfreesboro to consolidate people and boats and run shuttle. We'll then head to the dam off Hwy 19, geared up and ready to ride the surge down when they start releasing at 2pm.

(as you take hwy 26 into Murfreesboro...when 26 turns to the left across from the little Mexican restaurant, you should continue "straight" onto 13th St. Follow this road until you get to the river...don't cross the bridge - we meet on the near side off to the right.)

Folks from the Little Rock area who want to carpool: we'll meet at 10:45am at the Kmart parking lot off Rodney Parham/near 430. If other folks want to arrange carpools from other points, please add your post.

Give us a heads up if you plan to meet (either for carpool or at the take out) so we know to be on the look out for you!

Hope to see a lot of folks for some not too laborious Labor Day paddling!

Heather,

What is this section like? My 11 yr old wants to canoe and my 15 yr old wants to kayak. I'll do whatever makes them happy and can bring my tandem and Anna's kayak. How long is the run? Any good play waves?? Scenic??

Hey Gordon,

It's about 5 and a half miles, easy class II. There are a few surfing spots along the river...we basically try to move with the flow, play the good spots as long as we want and then move on down river. I seem to recall that the play is actually even better at 2 generators, but it's been awhile since we've had 2 and not 3, so I can't remember exactly. It's not Buffalo river type stunning scenery, but it's still pretty, and we've even seen wildlife (deer) on a number of trips. There are a couple short "boulder gardens" (even that's probably a generous term) - areas with a few rocks to maneuver around, but again, pretty easy.

Probably the most "difficult" part of the whole trip is it CAN be hard for someone not super experienced at catching eddies to catch the eddy at the takeout. But we usually get a few people in the eddy ready to help catch boaters if they need help, and we've even had a couple swimmers there, and it's not that big of a deal. I don't recall if the 2 generator level makes that harder or easier or about the same...

The only downside is because of the dam release, it does tend to fill bank to bank and there aren't a ton of eddies along the bank should someone swim...it can take a while to find a good spot to get out and get back in your boat, but it's not really been a problem.

Hope you guys decide to come!

Cheers,
H

Ok. Thanks for the info. I'm thinking about taking the girls to Rockport Sunday and then maybe shoot on over to Murfreesburo Sunday evening and stay in a hotel. Want to get away anyhow. Would consider camping but a cheap motel would probably be cheaper and a lot easier than trying to round up enough gear to keep the girls comfortable and happy.

Wow,Heather, thats great news! Thank you so much . Now,what have you got planned for us for sat. and sun?!Just kidding(or not). I will be there and my 23yo daughter maybe. Minna

Gary and I will be there. Minna glad your coming. You will love it.

Karla

Maybe.... unless my family comes up with something for us to do. ??

If I do i will know by Fri and I can drive but would like help$ and could take 2 or 3 others in our bus..... affectionate name for a big ole long bed x cab pickup.

Heather, I will be at K-mart at 10:45 on Monday. Hayden my come too but it depends on football practice.

Thanks,
Mark

I have rearranged my weekend and plan to be at K-Mart for the trek to Murfreesboro.

Captain Aleve, alias Mike Coogan