POSTPONED - Mulberry /People w/ Physical Disabilities (5/8,9

[hfunkhouser]

POSPONED DUE TO LOW WATER - See later posts in thread. 5/5/10

I and several other individuals/agencies are planning a Mulberry run during the second weekend in May (8-9) for people with spinal cord injuries or any other barrier to paddling. We did this last year and everyone had a great time, as we took entire families down with us. We pretty much took over Redding campground, as it is the only accessible site on the river, and paddled to Turner Bend, where we took out on river right. This year the event will probably have more folks interested, and as a result we need some more volunteers! Anyone out there with friends of the state parks, rafts, rescue skills, food, or musical talent would be greatly appreciated. Anyone interested please email me:
hfunkhouse (at) arsources.org

The date is tentative. I would like to put it AFTER the first timers Tot run...if there is agreement that there will be some water there.

[Lupe]

This sounds great...I imagine quite a few paddlers would be willing to lend a hand with this (although being the week after WW school and week before Tot first timers trip might put a squeeze on some folks)...

I would strongly suggest you change the title of your thread so more people read this!!! I almost skipped over based on the title!

It sounds like a fantastic idea. Due to my chaotic work situation I'm not sure I can commit yet, but I'll definitely put this on my calendar so I can keep it in mind as it gets closer.

A few of us have batted around the idea of seeing if we could offer either as part of WW School or as a separate deal a special class along the lines of what some other agencies are doing: cancer patients/survivors (ala First Descents), wounded warriors (a la River Runners)...something to give folks a chance to challenge themselves in a unique environment and gain a different experience. So far it hasn't been anything more than some conversations over dinner or on shuttle runs. Kudo's to you for organizing this!

Cheers

[Richard]

I might be able to furnish some tents

[hfunkhouser]

Bump-Requesting Sticky Thread

[Michele Jackson]

I'm curious: do you take folks down in canoes or rafts or both?

[hfunkhouser]

We take rafts. I did take one guy down the next day in a canoe, and it would be safe to say that we were pushing our luck.

[Gordon Kumpuris]

Interested in assisting. Curious.......How are the participants selected/invited? How do they learn of this? Is this associated with an organized rehabilitation organization/effort??

[hfunkhouser]

The participants that I invite are currently working with Sources (http://www.arsources.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), Arkansas Spinal Cord Commision, Turning Point Nation (http://www.turningpointnation.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) or anyone else who works with the local agencies and has heard about it. The effort itself is still pretty informal, with no real organized structure. The individuals are simply invited to join several volunteers who would probably be there anyway. This year I am seeking additional assistance, as well as additional participants. If you know anyone who would be interested in attending as a participant, then invite them!

Last year the trip was short and sweet, but if definitely helped generate new interests for those who were there. We want to do the same for more this year!

IMPORTANT: The dates right now are not ideal for many WW paddlers; I am requesting suggestions at this time.

Thanks,
Howard

[mapman]

Keep me up to date with your efforts. I don't know how I can help but I am willing.
Mapman

[hfunkhouser]

Bump! We are still doing this on May 8th. Planning on a trip from Redding to ?? on Sat. morning. More than anything, we could use a raft.
Thanks,
Howard

[Dave Thomas]

Hey Howard!
First off, nice job putting this together! I know you're using rafts, but if you find yourself in need, Mohawk Canoes would proudly provide you with some boats. Again, great work Howard!
-Dave

[mapman]

You say May 8th. is when you are doing this. Also where is Reeding?
Mapman

[hfunkhouser]

Redding is an accessible camping facility and river access point upstream from Turner Bend. Indeed, May 8th is the day we will be doing this. I am awaiting confirmation from the participants so that we will have a good idea what we need. Again, at this point we primarily need a raft, but anyone who would like to paddle with our group is welcome to, especially if you have SWR training and/or equipment. If there is no water we will reconsider which stretch to float. I should be able to provide better info tomorrow.
Thanks,
Howard

[GutIt]

Well done, Howard.

Your dates are a little early for me to throw in with you guys. Gonna miss Canoe School as well.

But I am gonna attend your Run in Spirit because it sounds too good to miss totally!

Have fun and be safe!

[hfunkhouser]

We are going to postpone the event. With no rain in the forecast and the level already at the bare minimum to get downriver, we'll have to wait for a better weekend. Please post or contact if you need more info.
Howard