buffalo river float March13-14

[mohawklady]

I am planning on floating Woolum to Tyler Bend if the water levels are good. Richard will be going North to Canoeopia this weekend and this the mid-march float we usally do. Everyone welcome to join along, new members this is a chance to meet us. We will paddle 7-8 miles saturday, camp at Peters Cave, and paddle 7-8 miles Sunday to Tyler bend.....Pam

[fryingsquirrel]

I can confirm that i'm off next weekend. See whoever makes it on the river.
Jon Ellwood

[fryingsquirrel]

Due to mechanical failures on my toyota, I'm not gonna make it, sorry.

[AR-Nimrod]

Wish we could make it but, we have other commitments. Enjoyed this float last June with you M-Lady. We'll definitely have to get together again this season if possible. Have fun and be safe.

[Lupe]

Once again I don't know that I can get my stuff together for an overnighter, but I might be interested in joining you on Saturday and I could continue on to take out at Baker Ford.

Let me know what you think!

Edited to add: Also, I don't know if you have anyone else planning on the overnighter...I'd be happy to work out your shuttle for you even if I can't stay on the river overnight myself. Just thought I'd throw that out there! I have some shuttle karma that I need to pay forward!!!

Cheers,
Heather (aka Lupe)

[mohawklady]

Heather, our truck is supposed to be up and running this pm, call me at 501=765-1063 this afternoon around 4pm and we will see if this a go...frying squirrel is my son. If you want to overnignt with us we can carry your gear, just a thought....Pam

[Lupe]

A group of us are going to paddle from Woolum to Baker Ford (about 10 and a half miles) on Saturday March 13.

We'll be meeting at 10:00am at Woolum to off-load boats and gear and then set shuttle vehicles at Baker.

Pam, if your overnight trip is on, perhaps we can help you set your shuttle at Tyler Bend, or at least we'll see you out on the water.

If others are interested in joining our day trip, all are welcome. A few cars will be leaving from Little Rock around 7:30am...we might have room for others if anyone is looking to carpool. Post/PM/or email me to let us know to expect you. You can email me at: membership @ arkansas canoe club . com (but remove all spaces).

Cheers!

[mohawklady]

we got our truck fixed!!!! see you at Woolum at 10AM saturday...decided not to overnight so will be doing the shuttle with you all to Bakers...Pam

[fryingsquirrel]

What she means to say is that I got my truck fixed. got into some flooding and got water into both axles, had to replace a few seals. See everyone on the water tomorrow.
Jon Ellwood

[Lupe]

TRIP REPORT: Great day on the Buffalo! :shock: What!? Wasn't it crazy windy? Wasn't it gray and dreary? Wasn't it rather chilly? Yes, it was all of those things.

BUT Pam, John, Sarah and I were rewarded for our efforts with incredible wildlife viewing on the river today. Only three-quarters of mile from Woolum about a dozen elk swam across the river right in front of us. A couple miles later we spooked a deer at water's edge who went straight up a bluff, sending rocks tumbling down behind it. Later on a bald eagle flew overhead, settled on a branch over the river, and spied down on us as we drifted by below. Further still a river otter surfaced close enough off my bow that it nearly startled me out of my canoe. And just before we finally pulled in to Baker Ford a pair of hawks treated us to a chorus of raspy calls just over our heads.

Last Saturday we were on the Buffalo basking in the sunshine and Spring-like temps. Today was an opposite in terms of weather, but it was still such a special day on the river!

Thanks Pam and John...and Happy Birthday Pam. It wasn't your traditional March overnighter, but I hope you found it to still be a special way to celebrate!

Cheers

[fryingsquirrel]

There was also a huge bull elk that I spotted coming around a bend, but he was slightly incapacitated (dead). There was a strong current there, so I wasn't able to get the camera out in time. He was a beautiful animal, with a huge rack, its a sad loss. On the way out, I stopped by the Visitor Center at Tyler Bend. They were closed, but I was able to get a ranger by knocking on the side door. I told him about the bull elk, and he said that was the first report of it they had gotten. He had mentioned a large bull they had checked on about 2 weeks ago in that area that was sickly, but I don't know if it was the same one. He took my contact info and said that they would contact me once they know for sure what caused the bull's death.
Great trip, though. We had ample water, but the wind was a pain in the a$$. It was a real nice trip, and I look forward to paddling with Heather and Sarah again.
Jon Ellwood