Mulberry River - April 3-4, 2004
KCKA Novice WW Trip
Chris Collins
Water was 58F. Both days, light wind, mostly sunny, cold 40-44 at night and warm 74-70 in afternoon. Full Moon.
Camped at Redding. Camping was $10 per site. 3 of us shared a site. Most trees were budded or partially leafed and none were fully leafed. The campground was invaded by a group of 4 wheelers from Byrd’s Campground and convention. The river was pretty much ours both days. We saw only a few other boats on the river. A Texas college and the Arkansas Canoe Club were both present in the campgrounds with quite a few canoes.
River at High Bank: 35° 40.733’ N., 93° 41.342’ W.
River at Redding: 35° 40.893’ N., 93° 47.223’ W.
River at Turner’s Bend: 35° 40.129’ N., 93° 49.688’ W.
Travel – Jim, Roger and Me. My VAN. Best gas prices found just East of Wal-Mart exit in Sand Springs (W of Tulsa). Gas $1.69 - $1.54/gal. Shared costs estimate $42 each to cover gas and camping fees. From Turnpike Wichita Exit at 47th St. S. to Turner’s Bend: 332 miles and 5.5 – 6 hours. 6 hours included a couple of quick stops plus eating in Alma, AR. 5.5 included a couple of quick stops and two missed exits.
Saturday – High Bank to Redding
800 CFS, 2.6 Feet.
No dragging. Lots of eddies and only a few waves that were surfable. A few sharp turns could spell disaster if unable to control boat. Strainers were present but did not seem to bad at this level.
Sunday – Redding to Turner Bend
700 CFS, 2.4 Feet
No dragging. Lots of eddies and only a few waves that were surfable. A few sharp turns could spell disaster if unable to control boat. Strainers were present but did not seem to bad at this level. Dave Reid says this is the section they use for basic training.
Participants:
Jim Johnson – trip leader
T. J. Hittle
Jackie Rawlings
Roger Norton
Dave Reid – Tulsa + Arkansas Canoe Club
Mick O’Shea
* novices
Mike O’Connor – Teacher, Lawrence
Keith Ratzloff
Chris Collins
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