I once saw a bumper sticker that read "The family that canoes together stays together" and I've been looking for one for our car ever since. I pretty sure the same truth applies to the church too. In order to promote some healthy community (and mainly because I look for any reason to float the Buffalo River), here are the details on the much anticipated canoe trip on the Buffalo River.
The date is set for Saturday, April 21. We've got some different options set up so that as many people as possible can come along. Stop by the Connection Center on Sunday to get the details.
Keep in mind that I am not going to be anyone's mother. You are responsible for making your own reservations. However I will be happy to assist you in that process and answer any questions you may have. Depending on rainfall, this section of the Buffalo River is the most scenic and enjoyable section to float. It is truly one of the prettiest places in the entire country. If you have never canoed before we will have several experienced paddlers to help guide you down the river. This is designed as a beginner friendly trip. About 1/2 way during the float we will take a side hike to the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies.
Here's a basic schedule for Saturday April 21:
- Check in at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, AR at 8:00 am
- Put canoes in the water at Steel Creek at 10:00am
- Float down to Kyle's Landing by 4:00pm (8 mile float)
If you are not bringing your own canoe, you need to reserve a canoe by calling the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, AR at 1-800-221-5514 no later than March 31 and tell them you are with Northwest Community Church. During the spring months the BOC canoe rentals will completely sell out every Saturday. The earlier you call the better. The cost per canoe (2 people per boat) is $60.23. We may need to work out a shuttle system and/or pay the BOC to shuttle a few vehicles for us but we will worry about that later. Camping at Steel Creek is first come first served (no reservations) and is $10 per site. The BOC also has lots of cabins ranging in different sizes if you want to reserve a cabin.
At the Connection Center on Sunday mornings we will have a sign up sheet or you can send me an email so we have an idea of who plans to go. As always, if you've got any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We will send out future emails to cover all the logistics and explain what types of gear or clothing you need to wear. I can almost guarantee that a day on the river together will produce some funny stories.
See you Sunday.
Will
