2008 Canoe Schedule

UPPER ST. FRANCES - March 8 (Sat) We will put in about 10 miles upstream of Hwy 72. Our take out is 72 bridge. This trip is dependent on water level. There are several long calm pools interspersed by very nice rapids. This is a step up from the Little St. Francis. Airbags, skirts and self rescue skills required. There is a flat water section below Farmington that could be the backup in low water. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

LITTLE St. FRANCES – March 15 (Sat) This river is a small countryside stream that meanders through the St. Francis Mountains. We will start at Fredericktown (Thompson’s Ford) and canoe to the Hwy E bridge for a total of 13 miles. On this trip, you will paddle alongside and through pasture expanse, Ozark woodlands and exposed red granite hillsides. This river has some unique shut in that can be class II. Talk to the leader if you are not sure of your skill level. Dress appropriate for the weather. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

MISSOURI WHITEWATER CHAMPIONSHIPS - March 15 (Sat) and/or 16 (Sun) Come to watch the races on Sat or Sunday or both. Or better yet, the Sierra Club is looking for volunteers ... no experience required and they will provide training. Camping is free for judges and you will get a nifty T-shirt. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

BEAVER CREEK/SWAN RIVER - April 5-6 (Sat-Sun) We will leave Friday night and meet at the river Saturday morning and do either the Swan Creek or Beaver Creek depending on river level. Beaver Creek is a class I river and Swan Creek has some white water on it. The guide says that it can be up to class III. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

BIG CREEK – April 19 (Sat) Sam A. Baker State Park. We will put in at Des Arc and take out at the park for a total of 10 miles. Three quarters of the way through there are some shut-ins that add a little challenge. The shut in would rate a class II. As we paddle into the park, the red granite buffs are some of the prettiest in the state. If the lodge is open, we will have diner before heading home. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

MULBERRY RIVER, ARKANSAS – May 2 (Fri) This river is very rainfall dependent. If there is too much or too little rain, the backup will be the Eleven Point. It is a class I(+)–II depending on water level. It is easier than the Buffalo, but still has beautiful scenery. It is a protected scenic national waterway. We will do the stretch from Wolf Pen to Turner’s Bend. We will be car camping and will be staying at Turner’s Bend. If the campground is full, the back up plan is to camp at Byrd’s. It is a good beginning WW stream at some levels. Floatation & skirts required. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

BUFFALO RIVER – May 3-4 (Sat-Sun) Ponca, Arkansas. The Buffalo is one of the première rivers in the nation. The river gorge is much deeper then what we have here in Missouri. We will be car camping, staying at Lost Valley Restoration Area. There may be side hikes to Eden Rock Cave, and to Hidden Valley Falls, which is a waterfall that emerges from a hanging valley and drops into a box canyon. Marion Evens may volunteer to make breakfast for the group. Saturday night we will go into the town of Jasper for diner and possibly a show. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

BIG PINEY, ARKANSAS - May 5 (Mon) Nothing like the Big Piney in Missouri. Believe it or not it is all national scenic riverway and even prettier than the Buffalo. At the right levels, this is a very lively stream. Flotation & skirts required. It is a good beginning WW stream. The low water backup is to canoe lower down on the Buffalo. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

LITTLE PINEY - May 24 (Sat) We will miss the large crowds on the Meremac and other rivers in favor of this small stream located out by Rolla, MO. It is small and twisty and we may have to portage once or twice, but the remoteness makes it worthwhile. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

ADVANCE NOTICE FOR JULY 4 WEEKEND - I am putting together a trip on the upper Missouri - the white cliffs section in Montana. If you are interested give me a call. I am thinking that it will be a 7-8 day trip. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)

FALL RALLY & CANOE FLOAT- Oct. 25-26 (Sat-Sun) Fall Rally, the annual meeting for the Gateway Council will be at Camp Mihaska, 1466 Highway N, Bourbon, MO, 65441, 573-732-5239, on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Call the office, 314-644-4660, for prices and to reserve your tent site or bunk bed. Then Sunday morning canoe the pristine upper reaches of the Meramec River. Canoes, life vests, and expert guidance offered for $5 for non-members, free for members. Leader: Colin Maag (314-721-7397 or colinmaag@sbcglobal.net)