MUD Season
Yep, it’s thawing out up here. I even spotted the bow of my green Vagabond poking up outta the snow today! I won’t need to borrow a canoe.
RockC and I are looking forward to paddling an Ozark river with you guys. Been awhile! Up here the lakes and rivers are still frozen solid. The rivers will be opening soon. The lakes? Who knows…doug
Duggae
Might want to consider putting a long stick with a flag on top to mark the location of the Vagabond. I don’t think it is unheard of to get a snowstorm up there in April. My first year in North Dakota we got a snowstorm during the second week in May. 
Will be good to see you and RockC in the Ozarks. If you are planning on any pre or post Rendezvous paddling I may be able to join you.
Inaugural float
of my refinished, modified Blackhawk Zephyr yesterday - 4in seat drop makes a BIG difference in stability. NOT bringing this boat to the Rendezvous and just HAD to get it in the water before heading south in just a couple of weeks. Put in the Kasilof river and paddled up to Tustamena Lake, out to the edge of the ice sheet and back - both lake and river were absolutely flat, reflecting the sky, and saw a trio of early Trumpeter Swans.
Still hoping to find an early float hookup - determines my departure date from here - Buffalo, Eleven Point or Spring sound like good possibilities before IF the water levels are okay.
Brad
Another Blackhawk paddler?
I really like the look of those canoes. But I don’t have one. I’m going to dig out the vagabond tomorrow and hope there is not a small bear denned up under it. (unlikely)…I’ll get it moved to a sheltered place in preperation for the journey south. A couple years ago we got a 24" snow in late April/ early May. It was not a welcome event. April is really slow and the weather lousy here. Most establishments close for the month because it’s a tourist economy and there are no tourists. No fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, snorkeling etc…
Blackhawk paddlers…
As you already know Duggae; Blackhawks are paddled by discerning, and experienced paddlers.
Looking forward to seeing you, and all the Rendezvous regulars.
BOB
either arrive early and/or stay late
Watching posts because I would like to get in as much paddling as possible. I was at the Fall Ozark Rendezvous last year and had a great time.
I am somewhat experienced
but not particularly discerning. I like the lines that a Blackhawk Canoe presents. I think that they are the most beautiful of canoes. And the guys fortunate enough to own and paddle them, are without exception canoeist’s of the first order. So…how bought you sell me one of yours?
I’m partial to the Zephyr…doug
Pre-rendezvous paddling
I am planning to leave beautiful Sheboygan, WI on April 24 and be ready to paddle on the 26th. I plan to return Sunday the 3 and 4 of May.
I would like to join up with other early arrival paddlers to paddle other streams. I am particularly fond of the Buffalo and have also enjoyed the Jacks Fork and Mullberry. Open to suggestion.
If someone needs a ride on or close to that schedule and line of travel, I would like the company and another driver. Its a long haul.
Please contact me here. My schedule can flex a little. I will have room for another canoe and camping gear.
Spring Ozarks
Shock of all shocks, I’m in the USA this year, and am seriously looking to rejoin the Rendezvous trip, except this will be my 1st Spring, only done the Fall trips. So coming in from Madison WI will probably only get there 28th to be ready for the Weekend paddles and leave Monday - have to leave the 6th for Maryland for Mother’s day. Hope you to re-connect
Vicky
Vicki
As John Sebastian sang: “Welcome Back”
Duggae…
– Last Updated: Apr-04-15 9:49 PM EST –
I couldn't deal with the thought of a virtually pristine Zephyr, buried under 5 feet of snow, during a Minnesota winter.
I think it better stay with me for a while longer.
What's wrong with that Kunz model of the Bell Merlin you got from me?
BOB
PS There is a red Blackhawk Zephyr, in what appears to be good condition, in the Chicago area.
Ad was posted on craiglist 4 days ago; asking price is $800.00. A lot better deal than you'd get on mine.........
Long haul?
I don’t think so! I’m interested in one or two day trips on the Buffalo, Eleven Point or Spring in Arkansas before the gathering at Twin Bridges. ANY suggested meeting places to make it happen are solicited… Planning to arrive Twin Bridges on the 28th, departure date from here the 18th; earlier hookup will need an earlier start…
Brad
Cannot make it
I was hoping to join another spring session of Ozark rendezvous, but it is not going to be. It seems I slipped on ice and broke some bones back in February. The cast comes off next week, but things will still be too fragile to allow for wading around on slippery rocks that soon.
Maybe in the fall. I’ll miss you all.
Peter
Are you open then to paddling the 26 th
– Last Updated: Apr-07-15 12:09 PM EST –
and 27 on other streams and staying at twin bridges after the 28th.
If so I am suggesting we meet to paddle on the Buffalo on the 26 and 27. The water is fun, if they have some , the scenery is great and there is a reasonable and enjoyable in Jasper. (Reasonable restaurant that is)
The Jacks Fork and Elevin Point can be reached from Twin Bridges as day trips if desired after the 28th.
Looking to paddle on the 28th…
I’ll be at Twin Bridges hoping to pick up on a trip. 1st time out that way for me, so I’d defer on any stream selections, but Class II or less would be fine.
Let’s go Badgers
First National championship game in 74 years.
Jasper on the Bufalo
I spent a night in Jasper last spring - a town of (2) motels and (1) restaurant that closes at 7pm but opens for breakfast at 6am. Direct access to the river under the bridge, outfitters not yet open for business in May, quiet little town. I’m going to try to get there on the 26th…
Brad
sounds good
I will be camping. You?
Camping
I could, although last year’s motel was only $40/night, and I will be coming from Norfolk, VA (a side trip to pick up a Sandpiper), at least two days on the road. A shower will sound good and weather can influence that decision.
Brad
Jasper
Sounds like you haven’t made it to the Low Gap Cafe. If you find yourself there at dinner time I highly recommend it if you’re not in a hurry.