Trip Description:
We will meet at the put-in Saturday morning @ 9:00 AM on the Colorado River under the bridge on FM 969, northwest of Bastrop, where we will unload our boats and pack them for the overnight trip down the river. Please be at the put-in on time due to our pick-up time in Bastrop for the livery scheduled @ 9:30 am. We will then move our cars to Bastrop where we will be shuttled back to the put-in.
Our paddle down river to the island where we will camp is about 8.5 miles and will take most of the day. Most of this paddle is in primitive areas with trees and grasslands above the banks of the Colorado River -- this is a truly beautiful and peaceful setting through most of this paddle. Typically the water is very clear and cold. We will encounter some shallow areas with class 1 rapids at most, and may require walking our boats through the shallows, hence no open toe sandals for boat shoes -- your safety is primary. During the day we will take a couple of breaks as the group requires and have lunch on the banks of the river. The island is quite large enough for our group and other groups, should we encounter them. We can spread out for privacy camping and have a group area for meals and an evening fire (if no burn-ban is in effect). Please, no radios, Styrofoam or glass containers on this trip. Much of this event will be an easy paddle although the day may be long.
Sunday morning we will eat breakfast on the island, police our camp area, load our gear, and paddle downstream for another 6.5 miles to the take-out in Bastrop. We will stop for snacks or lunch along the way as dictated by group needs. In Bastrop we will access our cars, reload our gear and kayaks, and leave for home. Some may wish to visit a local restaurant for dinner before departing for home.
A River Safety Meeting is scheduled for TBD to learn about river hazards and reading the river prior to entering rapids. Attending this meeting is not required, but it is strongly recommended due to the nature of the ever changing conditions of the river. Prior to the trip, a planning meeting may be arranged to cover special gear requirements and coordinate certain aspects of this event. Registrants may request a list of required items prior to the trip, as well as suggested camping gear, either from the trip leader or other experienced kayak campers. The obvious basic considerations are water, food, comfort items, safety items (dry clothing, emergency gear & whistle) and required paddle gear.
(Please see the safety section, HASK gear requirements and recommendations, level 2 trips).
Planning and pre-packing your kayak is critical, so as not to show up with a queen size mattress when your kayak will only accommodate a foam pad. This is a primitive camping event without restrooms and convenience stores.
Directions:
From Houston drive west on I-10 to Hwy. 71 and then to Bastrop (approximately 125 miles from the I-610 west loop via I-10 & 71 to Bastrop). In Bastrop continue on Hwy. 71 another 3.5 miles to FM 969 intersection with Hwy 71, turn right and travel about 5 miles to the Colorado River, U-turn down the ramp on the far side of the bridge to the put-in. We will prepare our kayaks for the trip here, returning our cars to Bastrop. Please allow 3 hours driving time from Houston to the put-in on the river.
Further details will be provided later regarding car shuttles and security.
Location of put-in: 30 deg,10',03.78" N, 97 deg,24',11.57" W
HAZARDS ON THIS TRIP MAY INCLUDE:
Rapids in shallow areas along the river with submerged rocks and hanging branches; wasps, hornets, bees in trees along the banks; water snakes, rattlesnakes, and other wild animals such as hogs, coyotes, skunks; other stinging and biting critters; submerged obstacles in the river; dramatic changes in the weather; poison ivy and nettles. Footwear appropriate for walking in rocky river bottoms. Clothing for cold weather, with a spare set in the event of cold water immersion (i.e. your boat turns over) and rain protection for this time of year.
NOTICE:
There are no restrooms or convenience stores/items beyond Bastrop. We will be camping in a primitive area without toilet and bath facilities, possibly lacking cell phone activity. If you require medications, bring them, along with any toiletries you require. But if you don't need it, don't bring it. Throughout this event, please take only photos and leave only footprints.