Mini trip Report - Bayou DeView July 5, 2010

[Cowper]

DeBo and I decided to go for a little swamp relaxation today, and did a short "in-and-out" paddle on Bayou DeView.

Our first surprise was that there was actually enough water to make it out of the first pool, through the woods, and down to one of the many interconnected lakes. It was "pumping" at a whopping 25 cfs (13 feet on the gage, being "up" from 0 cfs just a day or two ago.

What shocked me was the lack of dragging, even at this low level; BDV may be floatable more than I've been giving it credit for. In fact, it was easier to find the channel than on some of our higher water floats, because there was only one choice, and thus it was always the correct choice, no dead ends.

We were rewarded for our efforts with some good scenery and wildlife sightings.



Peaceful pools...




DeBo watches the owl watch Debo...




Glowing eyes? Devil Owl!!!

[Jim Krueger]

Thanks for your bayou trip report Cowper. When Debo joined us for the Remmel float Saturday I quizzed her about some of the swamp trips you all have made this year. I certainly enjoyed a Wattensaw trip in the past and hope to join you again sometime for other trips like Bayou DeView.

Debo, thanks for floating with us Saturday! I enjoyed hearing about your N. Carolina trip, European trip, and just tickled with your full-length Barred Owl call :) You're always a delight! Next Remmel trip that you should join in, I will wait at the ramp longer so we can take advantage of Cowper to drive shuttle.

Best Regards
Jim

[Jim Krueger]

Thanks for your bayou trip report Cowper. When Debo joined us for the Remmel float Saturday I quizzed her about some of the swamp trips you all have made this year. I certainly enjoyed a Wattensaw trip in the past and hope to join you again sometime for other trips like Bayou DeView.

Debo, thanks for floating with us Saturday! I enjoyed hearing about your N. Carolina trip, European trip, and just tickled with your full-length Barred Owl call :) You're always a delight! Next Remmel trip that you should join in, I will wait at the ramp longer so we can take advantage of Cowper to drive shuttle.

Best Regards
Jim

[Karla]

Love the close up owl picture. Ready for another Bayou trip. Call when your going next time.

Karla

[c8mb]

Did you put in on Highway 17? I was wondering how it would be in the summer.

[lbaker]

Has there been enough rain this week to paddle this area in the next few days? I've been looking for an excuse to paddle there.

[Cowper]

Hwy 38, and paddled down to Little Cotton Lake.

Bayou DeView is a hair higher now than when we were there, but I'm sure there will still be some places too shallow to paddle, and others that will be good. The Cache is actually at a decent level if you want a "sure thing".

On DeView, I wouldn't try to go from Hwy 17 down to Dagmar, but I bet you could start in Hickson lake and make it down to Dagmar. "In and out" paddling from Hwy 17 or Hwy 38 also offers some potential, even at the lower levels.

[lalyle]

I'm game for swamp trips. Post when you go. I've got a pair of Prodigy 10 rec boats now and a couple of hammocks. I'm ready to get out of town and enjoy some r & r.

[Cowper]

Has there been enough rain this week to paddle this area in the next few days? I've been looking for an excuse to paddle there.

Update: The area just took a MAJOR rain hit last night (sunday July 11), and things are on the rise. Some areas take up to 5 days to respond and fully fill up, but if you're off during the middle of the week you could go now with it getting better every day for the next week. (In other words, by next weekend it will be fully prime.)

Sunny days are not bad on bugs if you avoid early morning and sunset; I usually don't even need any repellent. Cloudy days the mosquitoes will carry you away. Play safe and take bug spray.