ILLINOIS BAYOU, HECTOR TO SCOTTSVILLE, SATURDAY 1/19/13

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Looks like the gage will stay above 6 feet through Saturday, January 19, 2013. The forecast is for sunny skies and a high of 58 degrees, with a 6 mph headwind. I've only paddled this Class I-II ten mile section once before, at 5.5 feet which was low but floatable; 6 feet ought to provide some play and mild excitement over the ledges on this run. The scenery is pretty good and makes the trip worthwhile even if there is not a lot of big waves. We'll eat lunch on the river and stop to rest now and then to let my old knees recuperate.

My plan is to be at the bridge on Highway 27 just north of Hector at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday if I can get at least one other paddler with a vehicle to go. I'll be leaving Little Rock from the K-Mart parking lot on Rodney Parham at 8:30 a.m. if anyone wants to share a ride. Post here if you are interested; I'll post any updates here if something should change.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Crane]

Mike, Let me check with Pat... we may be interested.

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Love to have you two, Larry. There will probably be some icicles on the north facing bluffs.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[BHK Okie]

Hey Mike , count me in too . I'll be there unless something out of my control changes my mind for
me . I don't know if you remember me or not . I went with you on Little Mo the last week in June . I might be bringing one more with me , not sure yet . See ya saturday .
Terry

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

I remember someone driving down from Chester, that must have been you, Terry. This should be a fun trip. Just keep me posted.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Karla]

Count me in. I would like to share ride.

Karla

[randominsects]

Count me in. I'd like to share a ride if I can.

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Karla and Zack come on down, you've got a ride.

The water level should be 6.1 feet at launching time. A shuttle bunny has volunteered to assist us.

Oh, oh. Looks like the weather forecast has changed: 61 sunny degrees
wind is to be 11 mph from the s/sw

Better bring the sunscreen.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Karla]

Since it is closer may do the Cadron. Will let you know if I change my mind

[cpresoz]

Mike, I'd like to join you guys. I'll see you all at the Hector bridge at 10 am. I have a roof rack and can help with shuttle. Thanks for organizing.

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

We'll see you at Hector Saturday morning. We'll unload and then drive to the take-out where a buddy who is not paddling is going to shuttle all drivers back to the put-in; everyone's vehicle will be at the take-out, waiting for us.

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[cpresoz]

Well, you can't beat that! You sure called the level well, Mike. Should be great fun.

[lalyle]

Good chance I'll join in for the first time in a very long time. Haven't run the Bayou in years and been wanting to. This will be my first time in the open-cockpit rec boat. I need to be sure it'll be sunny and warm enough to deal with getting wet. Will catch y'all at KMart if I go.

[lalyle]

Well, Cap'n, I hate not to hit the Bayou since I've been trying to catch it at the right level for way too long now, but I'm going to opt for the closer creek, later start time, and fewer river miles.

[randominsects]

I'm still in! Mike I'll see you at 8:30