This little scouting trip was farther afield than most of the typical HCC trips. For those who may be unfamiliar with DeGray Lake (most of you), it is a beautiful 13,800-acre lake created by a US Army Corps of Engineers dam on the Caddo River in Central Arkansas. And why would I select this as a paddling destination? I’m glad you asked. Besides the water quality and clarity, and the low traffic and interesting islands on this lake, it is extremely convenient in that it is about 10 minutes from my house in Bismarck, AR. Over the next few years, I expect to be making a thorough exploration of the nooks and crannies of this body of water.
DeGray Lake
With that brief orientation behind us, the actual trip report starts with my wife and I arriving at a good place to put in, close to parking, picnic tables and restrooms. While Nina got herself set up for enjoying the view and reading, I unloaded the kayak and gear. Nina helped me schlep the kayak to the water, and I paddled out toward the nearest island. Upon clearing the protection of the put-in peninsula, I was hit with pretty strong winds and whitecaps, and decided today was not a good day for solo self-rescue practice, so I turned around and explored the protected waters of the little bay (see map below). I had a pleasant and relaxing time poking around the shore. It was a pretty day with lots of clouds. Wildlife consisted of a single great blue heron. Don’t ask me how I knew she was single.
Great Blue Heron Over DeGray Lake (note cool shadow)
When I returned to the put-in / take-out, I noticed that a young lady and her dog had taken up a position half way up the ridge to the parking area. Nina came down to help me with the kayak, and got distracted talking with her. Nina loves dogs and is very sociable, and loves speaking in her native language – a happy coincidence that our new acquaintance from Texarkana was originally from the Ukraine. I was able to spend quite a bit of extra time cleaning the kayak and looking for fossils on the beach while they talked.
GPS Route
The Big Picture
Gage-Caddo River at DeGray Dam