arkansas float – day 2

The second day of my float started off with a few sprinkles. Good thing I slept in the boat, the sand bar that I tied the boat up to was almost gone. The river level had gone up slightly. I woke up at 4 am and dozed on and off until 7:30. It was very coldy and cold this morning and did not warm up that much. The wind stayed down until about the same time as yesterday, 4 pm. Bunches of whitecaps, but at least the wind wasn’t blowing against me. Blowing downstream and it almost blew me away from the lock at Lock and Dam 13. Went to pull the chain to let them know I wanted to go through and the wind blew me right past it. Luckily the guy saw me and signaled me through. It was a piece of cake going through. The guy warned me about the current on the downstream side of the dam, but it was nothing for the Hyde. Been in much worse. I have been making good time with the current, averaging 3 mph so far.

Stopped at Vasse Grasse Park near Lavaca at lunch to see an old friend from college. We ahd a good visit for about 2 hours. The park was in terrible shape. It looked abandoned and Phil told me it actually was. It is being abandoned by the COE and the city of Lavaca is going to take it over.

I plan on getting ahead of schedule so I have plenty of leeway going across Lake Dardanelle. Don’t want to be late in Russellville. Again making good time floating.

I am glad I brought a radio, it helps pass the time. I did see 1 body today, but it was only a goat. There were 4 others along the river bank trying to find something to eat. I tried staring at them, but nothing happened. Guess I don’t have what it takes. Either that or not enough training.

I am camping tonight at River Ridge Park on the south side of the river. They have electricity, so I am charging up everything. Hope to get a good night sleep and start off well tomorrow. Put some serious miles behind me. Went abot 4 extra miles today, even after visiting for 2 hours.

I might post some photos tomorrw, but there has not been anything too interesting. Just a big old river.

Arkansas float – day 1

Started at Kelly Park in Fort Smith. Mayor Baker, channel 5, sw times, ardemgaz had a reporter and photographer, johnnie and kellie, my dad were all there to sent us off. Got presented by mayor baker key to city, proclamation of my day and honorary fs citizen, plus a pardon. Kevin, al, and dave floated with me the first afternoon. We had good weather at first but windy. Then it went south. More wind, rain, hard rain, lightning and dropping hail greeted us about halfway down the float. The hail was not large but stung. After off the guys at fs park, the wind really started to blow. Ended up with white caps and 1-1 ½ foot waves and an occasional 2 footer. Was stuck in the middle of the river and could not make it to either side. Finally after about 2 miles and 2.5 hours I made it to shore. My body was shaking so bad I could hardly stand. Landed on a small sand bar on the bank where I tired up the boat and through down the anchor. The wind was so bad I couldn’t set up the tent nor did I want to. Too tired. Put the boat cover on and made a little hole in all the gear for me to sleep in. used the small therm-a-rests and got out the sleeping bag and crashed after eating a little dinner. Read just a bit and listened to some ncaa basketball. The night went pretty well but woke up at 4 am. Then dozed off and on until 7:30.