So, to paddle- kayak or canoe – you gotta have some pretty essential equipment. The following items are must -haves but will also give you an idea of what else you might want to take with you. Keep in mind, of course, that equipment for a day trip might be very different from an overnight trip, but the following list should be on both. Enjoy!
Equipment!
Planning a canoe trip?
When I decide to take a canoe trip – either day, overnight, or for multiple nights – I have to prepare at least a few days in advance. All of the following steps are essential for safety and a great time on the river.
KNOT Love – a simple guide
Have you ever looked up different types of knots? Wow. Mind boggling. I am going to attempt to narrow down the types of knows that we use for paddling and canoeing, and for loading our gear. I would love to have a knot tying exercise sometime with our campers too. Which do you use?
Class VI – I say “Bring Them On!”
Okay, really, I have only ever done (maybe) a class III rapid while canoeing the Buffalo River in Arkansas or the Lower Mountain Fork in Oklahoma. And that still might be stretching it. But I do want to raft some big rapids soon and have been looking at rivers around Texas. Anybody know some great class IV’s in Texas? I guess most would say the Rio Grande, but I am open to suggestions. Well, onward to learning about the “Scale of River Difficulty” according to the American Canoe Association
Cold Weather Canoeing
Maybe I am being a little hopeful here, but I am really enjoying this somewhat cooler weather. I hope it sticks around for a bit, especially since we have some River School canoe trips planned this Fall with Sunset Valley Elementary and Sanchez Elementary. As I will be explaining to these classes, canoeing or paddling in colder weather requires different gear and preparation.
Hill Country Conservancy – Moonlight Bat Float Outing!
We took the Hill Country Conservancy‘s EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Conservation) members on a Moonlight Bat Float last Wednesday – August 22nd.
New Office – the “Yard”
We have finally moved into our new office – which we have been anticipating for well over a year now. The office is situated in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood in an old construction yard. Think warehouses, lumber piles, and unexpectedly a wonderful group of people that are all creative and inspiring local entrepreneurs.
Solar & Rain Collection at River Camp
These are just a few pictures of the awesome solar and water collection systems that have been installed at the River Camp. We have been using lots of the water collected to water the newly planted trees and garden.
Paddling Trail News Spot
The Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail is the eighteenth paddling trail in Texas and arguably the most urban. The designation raises the awareness to all of Austin’s citizens and visitors that Lady Bird Lake is not only a safe place to recreate but a truly special resource right in downtown Austin (accessible by public transportation!).
Photos From Discover the Source Trip
We have lots and lots of photos – as I am sure you can imagine – but every once in a while, a few really wonderfully cute ones pop up. Here they are!