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, but we will have a potluck dinner on Saturday night, so please bring something to share.

If we decide to have Neal Cook of Cook's Canoes shuttle us from Bastrop back to Webberville after we drop off vehicles at Fisherman's Park, then there will be a fee of $10.00 per driver for this trip to cover shuttle expenses, and that amount will be shared by all group members equally. Only drivers need to make the shuttle run.

For those of you have done this trip as our annual New Year Colorado River Expedition you will be happy to know that the Colorado is flowing very nicely right now, and that all the plants along the river are in full bloom and color. The river is a very lovely place to paddle at this time of year, and we expect nothing less than a spectacular trip - without the presence of jet drive jon boats driven by drunks. In fact, we may not see many people at all, and if we do see anybody, then the number of people we see will be a small fraction of the normal Lower Mountain Fork traffic, so there will be a lot more solitude on this trip through the heartland of Texas history.

A complete description of the river is available on Southwest Paddler at Webberville to FM 969 and FM 969 Crossing to Bastrop. You can visit Cook's Canoes on-line HERE.

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 warm, hot, 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 cooler for drinks and food to be carried in your boat is recommended.

Marc will provide a portable toilet system with privacy tent. Each participant should furnish their own toilet paper. We will ask each person on the trip to contribute $1.00 to help defray the cost of the portable toilet system supplies. Please pay Marc at the put-in before beginning the trip.

Meals:

Each person will be responsible for his or her own meals, as well as meals to and from the river. We will have a community potluck dinner on Saturday night, so please bring a dish to share.

Back-up Plans:

In the event the Colorado River is not suitable for paddling due to high- or low-water conditions, 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.