BUFFALO RIVER- MAR 6 Baker Ford-Grinders/Gilbert - Pictures

[Richard]

Here is where the pictures will be posted after the trip. Bring your camera.
SharkAttack: http://community.webshots.com/slideshow/576941741xRrgfB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Lupe: http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/576952359vmDkCw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Richard: http://community.webshots.com/slideshow/576952673gOLiuP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Eric Esche: http://community.webshots.com/slideshow ... osition=26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Note: Part of Eric's pictures were taken on other trips. Either that or somehow we missed spring and summer.

Updates will be posted here.

UPDATE: Thu MAR 4: We will meet 10AM Saturday morning at the parking lot at Grinders Ferry. Plan on a late lunch so that we can do that at Arnold Bluff. BTW BYOL. Plan is to put in at Baker and paddle back to Grinders. Anyone who is coming from the North could meet us at Baker where we will unload before running the shuttle. A daytrip is probably the best way to get the season started.
Grinders Ferry is the access just south of the HWY 65 bridge.

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WHO IS GOING:
Wildwood(Jan)
Lupe(Heather)
Sarah
Clif-Quinton-Daniel
Shark Attack(Wes)
Richard(Richard)
Gary-Karla
Eric Esche-Mary


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.

[Lupe]

I'm interested!

I would love the "ample" section (I have a new-to-me kevlar canoe I want to get wet, and I would prefer a greater "wet" to "rock" ratio!!!)

I won't be able to get up there until Saturday morning. A day trip is way more likely for me given other things I'm juggling, but I so want to get out on the Buffalo! I have not done any of the Buffalo past Hasty, so I'm eager to see "the rest of the river" (even if it's in tiny chunks at a time).

I hope it works out that I can join for a day trip!!!

[Richard]

Heather, I am with you when it comes to "wet" to "rock" ratio!!! and "in sections" has been the way I have covered the Buffalo.

Here are the "Day Trip" options available now in the "Ample" water.
15.4 Carver to Woolum: nice features including Skull Bluff and the Nars. Very long day trip. Has some of the biggest "Haystacks"
10.4 Woolum to Baker: nice features. mild hazards include willows and "Little Niagra"
5.8 Baker Ford to Grinders. pleasant day trip
9.7 Baker Ford to Gilbert. extends the time on the water. adds a few more features
8.9 Hwy 14 to Rush. good day trip with no hazards.

[Lupe]

I think Baker Ford to Grinder or Baker Ford to Gilbert sounds good. I think me and Sarah H. will ride up together. Suggested meeting place and time Saturday am?

Sure wish I could join you for an extended trip or even an overnighter, but that's not in the cards for me at this point. I am REALLY looking forward to a relaxing day on the river on Saturday, though!!!

[Shark Attack]

I think I'd like to go too Just for a day float though.

[Clif]

shuttle at 11? on the river by noon

what about hwy (Grinder) to Gilbert? No road worries there.

[Lupe]

Well, that's a long drive for an awfully short paddle - 3.9miles? I'm pokey on the river, but that's kinda short even for pokey me! Sorry - been cooped up so long that I'd like to spend more time out on the water! It's not a good day if the drive time ends up being longer than time on the water!!!

No interest in doing something like Baker Ford to Gilbert? Folks at Tyler Bend say road to Baker Ford is fine. Maintenance guy said there's one muddy spot to Baker Ford, but perfectly passable (and should be getting drier every day).

Anytime after 10am would work for me for a meet time. Can I persuade anyone for a longer trip?

[Shark Attack]

How about Bakers Ford to Grinders ferry? A good float & Richard provides a good clown car for the shuttle.

[Richard]

Anyone not knowing the way to Baker Ford can meet me at Grinder's Ferry at 10am. We will then drive to Baker, unload gear and run the shuttle.

If I remember correctly, Wes was in the back on the clown shuttle. Can't remember the total number but we made it. Sometimes it does pay to be the driver.

[Karla]

Gary and I may join you all. Will verify our intentions by tomorrow evening so you will know to expect us.

Karla

[Clif]

I might could do longer. Some folks could do to the bridge and others down to Gilbert? Would want to be on the river early as possible tho. 4 to 5 float hours?

[Richard]

Clif, what we can do is shuttle to Grinders, then when we float to Grinders, those of us who want to continue on to Gilbert can reset or take our time and maybe even try going up Calf creek or spend time at the visitors center or on some of the trails. Lots of options.

[Lupe]

Sarah and I will see you all there. We'll probably head straight to Baker Ford and not stop at Grinders.

One more hectic day of work and then my first day off in 12 days! I am so READY for the weekend!!!!

[Wildwood]

Count me in. I will probably go on to Baker. Yeaaaaa! My first float on the Buffy!
Jan

[Karla]

We are still trying to decide if we will go. Will post later this evening if we are or not.

Karla