Village Creek
November 12, 2017
by Christy Long
Village Creek
Baby Galvez Landing to Highway 96 Bridge
7 miles
The trip route is outlined in Rivers and Rapids book.
USGS 08041500 Village Ck nr Kountze, TX
Nov 11 at 6am it is running at 247 cfs or 4 feet.
60 to 70 degrees
This trip was organized to locate camping spots for two-day trip planned in December. We found that the water level was just right, flowing at a sufficient pace to gently push us downstream. There were several beaches that could hold at least ten tents. We also determined that the distance of seven miles over three days was too short and will start further upstream for the December trip.
We put in at Baby Galvez Landing and took out at Hwy 96 Boat Ramp. The put in was hard to find for those coming from the north because GPS took you to a gated community. It is important to take Lindsey off of Business 96. But soon, everyone worked their way around the situation and we were able to launch by 10:10 am. The put in and the take-out have concrete boat ramps. Neither have toilet facilities.
Baby Galvez Landing Launch site from the water, photo by Kent
There were 12 people in ten boats.
Nancy Lemberger, from left is being hugged by John Clark, Michael Pollard, Dave Portz, Amy McGee, Kent Walters, Daniel Roy, Joe Coker, Christy Long, Crystal Aguayo, and Malcolm LeFevre (sitting). Photo by Larry (not shown)
As we were gathering at the launch site several boaters paddled past. This was the second leg of their two night paddle. This was good to hear and starting upstream of Baby Galvez Landing was promising.
There were two big sandbars that could hold up to ten tents at this water level. Many more that could accommodate up to five tents. All beaches were made up of loosely-packed white sand. The waterways were open with no trees blocking our way. The water is tea colored from the tannins, but very clean.
We stopped three times to check out beaches and once to have lunch. When we determined we were two miles from the take-out we paddled rather than floated and reached the take-out by 2:30.
David in the bow. Photo by Christy
Daniel in his beautiful kayak. Photo by Kent.
David, Christy, and Joe. Photo by Christy.
Crystal and John enjoying the day. Photo by Kent.
Big sandy campsite at mile 5. Photo by Malcolm.
Larry taking it easy. Photo by Kent.
Amy paddling along. Photo by Kent.
Stretching our legs. Photo by David.
Nancy and John. Photo by David.
Kent is always smiling. Photo by Larry.
Michael having a good time on the water. Photo by Larry.
Amy, Christy, Kent, Joe (standing), and John eating lunch on a big sand bar. Photo by Larry.
Christy and David. Photo by Joe.
More photo albums at the HCC website:
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The author, Christy Long |