Trip Report: Old River in the fall November 30, 2024
Advertised as a fall foliage trip, we enjoyed what fall color has emerged and enjoyed Old River which we haven’t paddled enough recently. Six of us participated: Joe Coker, Bob Naeger, Alice Nissen, Ellen Shipman, Tyrone White, and myself Natalie Wiest as the coordinator.
Our putin was from the highway 1409 bridge at Old River. Known colloquially as the “dead hog putin” it did not live up to that name this day and we were delighted to find the access area had been greatly improved with deep ruts removed and rock cover to provide firmer cover. Even the mud on the riverbank was less sticky than usual.
Here is our group getting ready to put on the water.
For Tyrone this is the maiden voyage of his brand new kayak.
I’d forgotten how well endowed this river is with palmettos. They lined the banks for much of our day’s paddle. Here is a nice stand with cypress knees.
I was curious to see what progress had been made at the proposed Joe Matthews Park. The answer is, a lot of progress, and a very nice boat launch being constructed. I’m not sure if motor boat access is part of the planning. This is such a serene stretch of river I’d hate to see a lot of motor traffic but I guess time will tell.
We paddled on upstream to a lunch spot.
All too soon it was time to head back. Light winds and the warm sun combined for a beautiful paddle.
Map and statistics
No river gage directly connected. Trinity river at Liberty, 7.0 feet, 1400 cfs
Temperature: 47 at 9 a.m., 58 at noon, 63 at 2 pm (Houston)
Wind: 7mph E at 9 am, 8.5mph E at noon, 3 mph ENE at 2 pm (Houston)
