BUFFALO RIVER - FEB 27-28 - UPDATE #3 CANCELLED

[Richard]

Here is where the pictures will be posted after the trip. Bring your camera.

Updates will be posted here.

UPDATE #3 FRI FEB 26: Cancelled for lack of interest.

UPDATE #2 THU FEB 25: This weekend is a full moon. All Sections are ample but some roads are not passable. A couple from Iowa has been paddling Missouri waters for the last 9 days and says its pleasant. Keep in mind they are from Iowa. They want to do a dayfloat on the Buffalo on Saturday so we may do that. Expect wind chills to be slightly above freezing. Most likely section will be below Woolum and above Rush due to road conditions. Will not be camping Friday night.

UPDATE #1 MON FEB 22: Section to be floated has not yet been determined. We will have to watch the forecast as well.

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WHO IS GOING:


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. Sitting around a campfire Friday and Saturday nights and enjoying each others company has become a tradition.

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 within the park 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.

[Richard]

UPDATE #2 THU FEB 25: This weekend is a full moon. All Sections are ample but some roads are not passable. A couple from Iowa has been paddling Missouri waters for the last 9 days and says its pleasant. Keep in mind they are from Iowa. They want to do a dayfloat on the Buffalo on Saturday so we may do that. Expect wind chills to be slightly above freezing. Most likely section will be below Woolum and above Rush due to road conditions. Will not be camping Friday night.

[Al Donaldson]

Richard:

I believe that Ana and I (the insane Iowans) will be staying up in MO for the weekend. After 200 miles of paddling and about 900 miles of shuttle driving, we're going to do a very local stream tomorrow. (Saturday) Today, we'll say "howdy" to the upper Jack's Fork for you.

We'll be down nest February though and will try to hook up with you folks then.

Regards,

al

[Richard]

Al, The Buffalo s a bit farther to go but next year, if we can connect, your shuttle miles should be about half. February is normally a great time to be on the Buffalo. Change "normally" to "always" if you are from Iowa.

Keep in touch and we should be able to help with shuttles next Feb. If you spent a lifetime exploring the Buffalo you would not cover it all. The more I find out about it the less I know. A very fascinating place. I am sure you have found the other Ozark rivers to be the same way. Enjoy the "Jacks".

You live just 200 miles from Canoecopia. Have you ever been there?

[Aaron H]

I was planning to spend a few days on the Buffalo soon and would like to know what you do about the road conditions. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Richard]

Because the roads to Steel Creek and Kyles Landing are steep and north facing, they are the last ones to become passable when there has been ice. What you do is check with others on the message board or call Buffalo Natl River to see what the conditions are like. On the upper river Ponca and Boxley Bridge are the best shot shot under these conditions. I normally avoid Erbie because it is such a long drive in. Ozark will be the first campground road to open up. Pruitt access will be among the first as well. Road access to Hasty and Carver are also good because they are just off the pavement. Mt. Hersey is a long drive on gravel and its easy to take a wrong turn. Woolum is also gravel and can be a problem because the makeshift low water bridge at Jamison Creek washes out frequently. Baker is south facing so usually not a problem. Tyler Bend, Hwy 65 (Grinders) and Gilbert will normally be open when others are not. Maumee N & S are rarely a problem, but check with someone. Spring Creek can get icy. As long as Hwy 14 is open, the bridge access will be also, Buffalo Point can be a problem. Rush is usually accessible.

Bottom line, check with someone who knows the current conditions. That is usually the NPS or a concessionaire.
870-446-5373 Buffalo River Pruitt
870-439-2502 Buffalo River Tyler Bend
870-449-4311 Buffalo River Buffalo Point

[Aaron H]

Thanks for the info. I was anticipating Steel Creek and Kyles to be bad. I thought maybe there was some damaged roads somewhere. I was hoping to fill the gaps I haven't floated ( Kyles to Hasty). Thanks for the info and numbers....I will just call and see how bad Kyles Landing road is before we leave.

Thanks again,
Aaron