This was the second “opportunity trip” (out of 2) this year – Entergy was releasing 6000+ CFS from the dam all day and it was forecasted to be the warm, sunny day.  The weather was indeed perfect as forecasted, with clear, blue skies and the temperature about 70, and the release at the time we were on the water was closer to 7000 CFS.  100% of the Arkansas branch of the Houston Canoe Club was on hand to enjoy the conditions.

 

When we arrived at the put-in, we noticed many gulls flying near the dam, just like a few weeks ago.  Maybe fish are stunned after crashing into the water at the bottom of the spillway?

Ready to go

 

The nests with herons sitting on them were still active, with herons and cormorants patrolling the area.

 

Lots of nests, parents and chicks in this tree (Photo Credit: Sam Reyna)

 

There were lots of cormorants were flying around us throughout the trip.  In fewer numbers there were ducks, a belted kingfisher, an American eagle or a juvenile bald eagle (hard to tell from the angles presented and experience of the observers), a few turtles and a woodpecker.

 

I think this is a juvenile bald eagle – wings too broad for an osprey - Bruce?

(Photo Credit: Sam Reyna)

 

Mary enjoying the ride

 

Duane relaxing as the current carries him downstream

Sam ignoring the gnats

Kent from behind (Photo Credit: Sam Reyna)

All too soon, the commotion of the Whitewater Park signaled the end to our little adventure.  We each selected the line that looked best and ducked through the swift-water hydraulics at the “gauntlet”.  My line ascended a large standing wave, then dove into a deep, wide trough, and finally climbed another tall wave and spilled me out into a foaming mix of conflicting currents.  It was all much smoother than it sounds.  We all landed safely on the take-out’s concrete ramp.

 

Kent Walters, Author

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