We will be paddling the San Marcos River from City Park to Shady Grove Campground on Saturday, and then from Shady Grove Campground to Staples Dam on Sunday. We will base camp at Shady Grove Campground on Friday and Saturday nights with a potluck dinner on Saturday night in camp. Those wanting a longer paddle than just 4 miles on Sunday will have the option of continuing down to Fentress about 9 miles below Staples.

This reach of the San Marcos contains a few small rapids and rock gardens, the Rio Vista whitewater park, two dams to portage, Cottonseed Rapid (FUN at the current level) and a lot of scenery. Difficulty can range from Class I to Class III, but most of it will generally be Class II or easier. Fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber or any other fragile material boats would not be recommended for this trip unless you plan to portage all the obstacles, in which case just about any type boat can be used. The river flows through heavily vegetated banks and adjacent farmland with very little commercial development even though you are never far from a major road or civilization.

Shady Grove Campground is a primitive camping area along the river, but running water is adjacent to campsites and a flush toilet with hot/cold showers is available in the campground. Firewood is scarce, so bring some if you want a campfire at night (for effect, NOT for heat!)

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats rated for up to Class III whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signaling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for 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 small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended. Members of the group should coordinate on community gear such as cookware, stoves, fuel, charcoal and other such items.

Meals:

Bring your own meals, and bring something for the Saturday night potluck dinner, a group meal with an as yet undetermined theme. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Driving Directions:

Lady Bird Lake boat ramp is just west of the IH 35 bridge over the Colorado River in downtown Austin. Take exit 234A (East First Street) and stay on the service road. Veer RIGHT by the Holiday Inn Hotel and work your way toward East Avenue alongside the river. Turn back LEFT toward IH 35 and proceed to the boat ramp. Cars can be left parked under the IH 35 bridges after unloading.

Shady Grove campground is located on FM 1979 in Martindale, Guadalupe County, Texas east of IH 35 and San Marcos at the San Marcos River. The San Marcos River trip begins at Old City Park adjacent to Texas State University campus and Bobcat Stadium.

From Dallas (to Shady Grove Campground):

IH 35 South through Austin to San Marcos, then LEFT on SH 80 toward Luling;

Follow SH 80 East across the Blanco River into Martindale, then turn RIGHT on FM 1979;

Follow FM 1979 through Martindale across the San Marcos River, then turn LEFT into Shady Grove Campground;

Stop at the office and pay for camping. If the office is closed, then take an envelope from the box by the door, fill in the info requested, enclose payment (cash or check), then seal the envelope and drop it through the mail slot on the door. (Don't worry about specifying your campsite. Just write "DDRC" in that space, and the Spencers will know where you are located.

From Dallas (to Old City Park):

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.