TRIP-AT-A-GLANCE: Caddo River (Swinging Bridge to Glenwood)
DATE / TIME	11/12/2024
PUT-IN	Caddo Gap River Access (Swinging Bridge)
TAKE-OUT	Glenwood River Access
GAGE	5.55 (Caddo River near Caddo Gap, AR - 07359610)
FLOW / DISCHARGE	165 CFS
AIR TEMPERATURE	65°F - 70°F
PRECIPITATION	None
WIND	Occasional breezes from various directions
PARTICIPANTS	Sam Reyna, Kent Walters Calvin Doody
VESSLE TYPES	Jackson Tupelo, Perception Carolina 13.5, Wave Sport Diesel 70
CLOUDS	A few high, scattered clouds
Paddling MILES	10.3 miles

 

Today’s gang – Calvin, Sam and Kent

 

The weather was perfect when we unloaded our kayaks and got on the water at 1:30.  As expected, we had to drag our kayaks through some shallow gravel to get to the main river from our off-river access. 

Calvin, with Sam in the background coming out of our access cut

The water was fairly shallow today, but we managed to find good lines, and only one person had to get out of his kayak exactly one time.

Sam made it through one of the edge-to-edge gauntlets

Since the water level was low, there were several protruding “features” (rocks and tree roots), some of which spanned the entire width of the river and required rapid calculations to ferret out the least damaging route.


     Calvin contemplating his next move

A bald eagle landed in a tree right above us

We saw belted kingfishers, great blue herons, a great egret, a couple of osprey, crows, a hawk, ducks, a suspected owl (a very chunky large bird with massive wings), vultures, and a few bald eagles.

Sam adrift

We spent a delightful time together for the 3 hours we were on the river.  It was often very peaceful and rejuvenating, while at the same time busy with reading the water and negotiating the rock gardens.

Kent adrift (Photo credit: Sam Reyna)

Where we paddled

Conclusions – Lessons Learned:

It doesn’t hurt to over-communicate and encourage confirmations.  Some people don’t read texts, some people silence their phones while driving, etc.  Get everything locked down before people have to get on the road.

 

The author, Kent Walters

Please see photo album HERE

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