Thanks
Thanks Pat & Pete for the info. Sure do hope we will be able to make it.
ed
years ago
Hey - I met several of you a few years ago, ferried some boats, and wanted to check in and try to join for a day this year. Let me know if I can be of any local assistance. I’m living on the Jack’s Fork now, and I’m happy to help however I can.
I remember
That was on the Prong’s of the Jacks, no?
In the unlikely event that water levels on the upper Jacks Fork permit trips this fall (paddling, not hiking) I’m sure there will be someone other than me who would like to do one.
If not, we will probably be at Pulltite campground, although there seems to be some talk of Echo Bluff or Round Spring. By all means, join us for as many days as you can. Too early to tell when folks will begin to arrive or what they will plan to paddle, but in past years the early birds have typically arrived on Monday or Tuesday.
If you want to send a PM with a phone number, we could try to call you. Or just stay tuned here.
Buffal River to enjoy before?
I plan on joining up for the Rondezvous probably arriving Tuesday or Wednesday…Oct 18/19… And have several days before if the Buffalo is flowing well would like to do the upper section for some nice moving waters… Looking at driving and arriving on Friday, October 14… Anybody want to join up? I’m open to staying at a campground on the river or base camping in Jasper!
Anita from TX
Possibly depending on water levels
But based on historic water levels for mid-October the chances that the upper Buffalo would be running are slim to none.
Skill level and float bag requirements?
We’d like to join you this time and have a couple of questions.
We normally float some easy Texas rivers with the occasional tame rapid. No big gradient here! Will that prepare us for the Current River?
Also, do most of you use flotation? I don’t have any for the tandem (a Royalex Bell Northwind) but would consider buying a center bag (a mere $140 from NRS) since I already have 6 D-rings under the thwarts.
No flotation needed
The Current is a class one river, I guess if it was in flood stage it would be a higher class (but it would be closed if flooded) but you do not need any flotation. The weekenders in the summer go down this river drunk, backwards, upside down, no life jacket, etc. and them seem to make it out alive. This is a beautiful, spring fed river that has moving current. Yes, there are strainers that you need to watch out for but if there is ever a time that your not comfortable you can usually walk around. River is always changing with the floods. Me and two other girls just did 2 overnights on the river last weekend and we had loaded boats and no issues. You’ll love it, its a special place that I am lucky to only live 3 hours from. Look forward to meeting you.
Pam
Staying at Pulltite!
I know there is some talk about Echo Bluff and some maybe staying there. Rob and I will be staying at Pulltite and have no desire to stay at Echo. Don’t get me wrong it’s beautiful but they are going for a different market (the folks with the big campers/motorhomes) which is fine but that isn’t us. They only have 10 “official” tent sites and they are all walk in. You can put a tent up in the electric sites but there are no trees so no shade. Now if someone is looking for a cabin then Echo Bluff would be perfect, plus they do have a restaurant which I understand is pretty good but a bit pricey. Echo is only about 8 min or so from Pulltite, so closer than Salem or Eminence. Even if you don’t stay at Echo I do suggest you go over and look at the park as it is very pretty, even with all the controversy.
Staying at Pulltite…
That’s where JoAnne & I will be.
BOB
NPS Suggestions?
Talked with Ranger Dave Tobey with the NPS last week and discussed the Rendezvous. We discussed past “Issues” and he assured me hot water for the showers, etc will not be an issue this year. He also asked for any suggestions that could make for an even better experience for the group?
I’m very impressed by his interest in our Rendezvous and willingness to do any and everything within his power to make everything go smoothly. Great guy, stop in at Round Spring and say “Hello” if you get the chance. If you’re interested in a cave tour I have another old friend, Monty Heise, whom is also working as a seasonal ranger. I’ve been very impressed the last couple years with the area NPS ranger staff.
suggestions
Install ice machine (free ice for coolers and margaritas)
Free beer
Install hot tubs and jacuzzis
Free morning coffee service
Valet parking, tent setup and tent take down service
Free shuttle service
I'll think of some more later.
Great!
Thanks Pam, that sounds great. Y’all booking the campsite right now?
Hmmm…
…Margaritas and valet shuttling? Sounds like a damn fine suggestion (LOL)?
Marty Koch’s fall Ozark float trip
I haven't posted on P-net in so long that I couldn't remember by password and so had to look it up. I just noticed that Marty Koch's Fall Ozark Float Trip is same dates (Oct 10-16)as your gathering. Guess this happened before and likely makes no difference to those coming to the Fall Ozark Rendezvous but posting about it gives me a chance to say hello to those of you I know. I miss you guys. Thinking I might try to come down and join you next spring, maybe,,,especially if the improvements suggested by Pete are put into place.
probably not necessary
That time of year, it is unlikely that Pulltite campground will be fully occupied. In fact, October 15 is the end of the regular season and marks the start of the “walk in” season. In years past, we camped there for free, as there was no campground host, nor anyone emptying the cash drop box. A couple of years ago, they started charging for sites off season at a reduced rate.
Campsites are allowed 2 tents and up to 6 people so doubling up is also an option.
Camping at Pulltite
Dick made reservations for us at our favorite Pulltite campsite. Should be arriving sometime on Tuesday
Might be coming from Utah
I used to be semi-active on paddling.net, but not for the last few years. I attended three or four combined Marty Koch/paddling.net get together a, paddling with both groups depending on who was going where. We moved to Utah 4 1/2 years ago, but we might be heading to the Current this year. It is kind of nice to be retired! We do intend on camping at Pulltite since we really like the place even though we use a travel trailer these days.
Since it has been a few years, what are the generic plans? Decide each night who is going where? Central campfire or not? Pot luck on not?
Pam (the other one)
Rendezvous
The group “usually” decides the night before what will be paddled the next day, depending on what people want to do there could be multiple trips. Usually someone will have a “general” campfire each night. We stopped doing the potluck but started what we call “high tea” which is just drinking and more snack type of food (dips, cheeses, etc), we usually get one of those in with the whole group and then other nights people may break off and do their own thing.
Not that getting a campsite will be an issue this time of year but if someone (like myself) like a specific site you might want to reserve it. Walk-in starts on 10/16, so for our dates of 10/12 to 10/16 you can still reserve or just pick a site when you get there, even with Marty’s group there should be no issues, haven’t been in the past.
Just about 4 1/2 weeks away now - looking forward to seeing old faces and hopefully some new ones.
See ya,
Pam
Pam
Some of us may have “old faces” but we still have young souls - - -
“Sweet sixteen is turning 31” … well, more like 51, 61, or 71 for some of us; Rock and Roll Never Forgets
Not me
I’m old and so is my soul. Old and rotten.