Help! Buffalo on Saturday Before BOD meeting?

[Lupe]

I am having major decision making issues, so I need some intervention!

I need to go to the Board meeting this weekend at Buffalo Lodge, near Kyle's Landing at the Buffalo. It's going to be chilly, but if a group would be willing to do say Ponca to Kyles, then I would love to do that in my canoe, as I haven't done the stretch in years and it's so gorgeous. If I knew others wanted to do that, it would help me figure out what to do!

On the other hand, if no one is interested in braving the cold (and so far I've only gotten NO's from anyone I've asked), then I'd just as soon not bother with getting the canoe on the car tonight after work and driving up there.

On that note, is it a bad idea to drive up there tonight regardless? Are the roads up that way slick/likely to be slick after dark? I can't even start to pack and load my canoe until after work (5pm)...so I'd be getting to the Jasper area probably about 9pm or later.

I'm afraid if I don't get a plan formed I'm going to just be a lump and drive up there tomorrow during the day and not get out at all. Please someone help me not to be a lump! Are there any other brave souls who would want to do a Buffalo float on Saturday?

Overworked, overstressed, and unable to make weekend plans,
Heather

[painterbob]

don't sweat it heather, i don't think you can go up and down kyles road! and the river level will have the river posted as closed, by the park service... so it's boxley to ponca. or hailstone maybe... but i will brave the cold if you need someone to go with!! ...i'm sure other will pipe in on this to make a group outting

[marmoss]

Road conditions have been changing constantly during last few days (hours, too) while freezing rain changed to sleet and to snow and to rain. Main roads are generally OK while the side roads are muddy, slushy or icy mess depending where you are or what time of the day you are traveling. I would definitely not attempt driving down to Kyles or even Steel Creek. Kyles Road gets bad even after minor rain and last two days we have not been able to even make it up or down our driveway. If you are sure you want to take the chance you may want to check with Park people to see if these roads are even open.

Be careful if you do decide to try,

m

freezing rain this morning:



heavy snow at noon:



and now major melting

[Richard]

I would suggest hiking boots instead. There are plenty of paddling days ahead.

[Rodger K]

Hiking boots it is, Boxley to Ponca w/a little bushwhackin around Pearly Spgs. about 12 miles.

[Owl]

It's a good thing you're doing some bushwhackin', too. A 12 mile day hike probably wouldn't be enough by itself.

[Lupe]

Thanks for the replies and advice...

Okay, hiking shoes it is (although I don't think I'm interested in a 12 mile hike). I'll leave the canoe at home and instead plan to bring my camera, and perhaps a good book to read by the fireplace!

Also decided not to brave the roads tonight...so I'll be up there in the morning. It's weird that there's this winter wonderland just 3 hours north of here!

[Jim Krueger]

Heather,

I appreciate your attendance at the board meeting! I think I'd also prefer a shorter hike over boating, and the difficult shuttle up there this weekend. Thank you again!!

Jim Moose

[Rodger K]

this is hike rich country, if you would prefer a little shorter hike there is always Lost Vlly, neat & very easy. Also on the opposite side of Ponca lwb the BRT picks up & heads(N)toward Steel Crk. Hike as much or as little as you like, many bluff line views of the river, real nice, eay hiking return on same trail you came in on.