The plan is to drive to Webberville early on the morning of Friday, December 31, meet at Little Webberville Park, run our shuttle down to Fisherman's Park in Bastrop, then launch between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. It is imperative that everybody be at Little Webberville park and have gear and boats unloaded BEFORE 9:00 AM so that we can start the shuttle! We will camp on river islands Friday and Saturday nights before arriving at Fisherman's Park late Sunday morning. After loading our vehicles, we would then return home for those who have to be at work on Monday, January 3. Parking is limited and carpooling is recommended.

The Colorado River is a Class I flatwater stream with a few minor riffles. It is generally safe for almost anybody regardless of experience or skills. The islands available to us are large enough to accommodate a big group. Everybody is responsible for their own meals unless you have specifically stated an interest in being a part of the dinner meals plan at $30.00 per person. Contact marc for details and participation.

There will be a fee of $10.00 per person for this trip to cover shuttle and portable toilet supplies expenses - please bring $10.00 per person to the put-in. Anybody interested in coming should contact Marc McCord via e-mail, or phone 214-221-1290 (Nsyst Technologies Inc.) / 214-998-4922 (cell) for information.

This is a fun trip that is easy enough for everybody. While it is winter, most of our trips have been in moderate weather conditions, including occasionally short sleeve weather, but we have also had cold and rainy weather in some years. Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Water levels are traditionally low to moderate, but that could change depending upon recent local rainfall or releases at the Highland Lakes above Austin. Campsites are available high enough off teh river to avoid getting swamped during the night.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats that are suitable for flatwater to minor Class I whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for cool, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat is recommended. Wetsuits, drysuits with base layers or other water repellant clothing is strongly recommended in the event of cold air and/or water temperatures. Remember your ABC's about winter paddling - ANYTHING BUT COTTON! Wear synthetics because they keep you warmer and wick moisture away from your body reducing the chances of hypothermia. Above all else DO NOT paddle in cotton clothing in the winter!

Marc will provide trash bags, a portable toilet system with privacy tent, stoves, rollup tables and all cutlery for preparing meals for those on the group meals plan - DINNERS ONLY!) Each participant should furnish their own toilet paper.

Meals:

Each person will be responsible for his or her own breakfasts and lunches, as well as meals to and from the river. We will have community dinners Friday and Saturday nights. The per person cost will be about $30.00 ($15.00 per day for the days we have community dinners), and will include everything necessary to preserve perishable foods, prepare and serve meals, and clean up cookware, as well as hand sanitizer, toilet supplies and related items. If you want to be on the dinner meals plan, then please let Marc know ASAP. Otherwise, bring your own dinners, as well as all other meals, beverages and snacks.

Back-up Plans:

In the event the Colorado River is not suitable for paddling due to high- or low-water conditions, inclement weather or other factors, then we will move the trip to the Lower Mountain Fork and Little Rivers as a backup plan. In that case, we will meet at Ambush Adventures at US Highway 70 and the Mountain Fork River just east of Broken Bow, Oklahoma on Thursday morning, unload, then shuttle vehicles down to Arkansas SH 41 near Horatio. We will paddle from US Highway 70 down to the Little River confluence, then down the Little River to Horatio, camping on islands along the way.

If weather is not suitable for a trip on either river, then the trip will be cancelled with no reschedule date.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

Go south on IH 35E through Waco to Austin;

In Austin, turn EAST on US Highway 183 (Anderson Lane);

US 183 will become Ed Bluestein Blvd shortly past the US 290 interesection - stay on US 183;

Turn LEFT onto FM 969 (after crossing E. 51st Street) toward Webberville;

Follow FM 969 about 10 miles to Webberville;

Turn RIGHT on Water Street just before reaching "downtown" Webberville;

Follow Water Street until you see the entrance to Webberville City park, then turn RIGHT and proceed to the parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.