Saturday, May 3, 2008
Details on the May 10th Missouri River trip
Note: maps removed to save load time
The map above shows the rendezvous point, Holmes Welding and Manufacturing, at the junction of Timber Road and Highways 19 & 50. We're aiming to meet there about 11 a.m.
This map shows the put-in point. It is a little tricky to find the right gravel road to this spot, that's why we're meeting at an easier spot to find, then shuttling. Remember, it's 454th Ave. that goes to our launch spot. As you can see, there's a nice dock there, as well as a decent parking area.
This one shows the take-out, but it's an overview. When we cross the river bridge, we'll have to continue into Nebraska about one mile to get to the road that loops back to the shore.
Here is one with more detail of the take-out point itself.
Here's an overview map. Remember, our start is at the left edge (454th Ave.) of this map. The ending is just past the 19 bridge in the lower right corner.
If you are planning to join this cruise, please e-mail Rick Johns or Jarett Bies, so we can organize our needs, shuttle-wise.
Jarett: jbies0341@hotmail.com
Rick: rick.d.johns@gmail.com
The extended forecast has highs in the 70s and sun. Let's hope that holds up. Remember, this is a longer cruise than the one on Earth Day weekend. It could be up to five hours long. BUT - there are spots aplenty to stop and rest, stretch legs, and just take in the beauty of the Missouri River, so don't rule it out because it sounds like too much work.
Hope to see you on the water (or at the meet-up, first!)
Jarett
Thursday, May 1, 2008
First SDCA Pool Session May 17
Are you ready to dump your boat, but this time because you meant to?
Or to try a roll? Or an assisted re-entry? Or feel the sand-like weight of a swamped canoe? Does that paddle float you bought really work?
On Saturday, May 17, 2008, we have four lanes of the six-lane Sioux Falls YWCA pool from 10 a.m. to noon. Two lanes are set aside for lap swimmers.
The YWCA in Sioux Falls is located at 300 W 11th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104, (605) 336-3660; http://www.ywca-sf.org/.
It's downtown off Minnesota Ave. Just a half-block east on 11th.
We have a contract with the YWCA for the time, and hope we can fill a class of about 15 people for the event. The pool rental is $50 per hour, and the SDCA will cover the cost.
But the catch is we must have a certified lifeguard present during the training. Any member who fits the bill, or who knows someone who might help us out (we'll pay them) please e-mail Jarett.
No one wants to roll or get wet in some unfamiliar craft, so we encourage everyone to bring their own (just one) watercraft. If the pool area holds 50 scuba divers with gear, as described, we should be able to bring six to eight boats in, then swap those out for the other half of the class.
Of course any member of SDCA who is also a member of the YWCA, please let us know what that pool is like, I myself have not been there. I would assume they would let us shuck our wet duds and change clothes in their locker rooms, but here's to hoping the weather is sunny and warm.
I do believe the event will be a hoot, especially if we each get to work in our own boats. We hope to give ample time to each person there, and we hope the date fits Pete Larsen's schedule so we can learn from someone who does roll well. Other rollers, step up. Teach us who need it.
E-mail any board member to confirm a spot in the session on 5/17. Remember, it's one week after the Missouri River trip with Rick Johns.
For that trip new information (including complete sat-maps of the route, water and shuttle)here in 48 hours, give or take.
Please reserve your spot today by emailing Steven at dahlmeis@hotmail.com. We will notify the blog once we get to our maximum capacity.
Jarett
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Prairie Paddler: April 2008
Remember, if you are a SDCA member and would prefer to receive an electronic copy (save us a stamp) you can sign up to have the Prairie Paddler e-mail to you each month. Just e-mail Jarett or Steven and we'll set you up. The e-version is in color - like this one!
Monday, April 21, 2008
The horses enjoyed it, too
Dawne O. and her daughters joined the fun in Flandreau Saturday in their canoe. Dawne took this great photo of the horses that gamboled along the Big Sioux's banks on our route. Her contribution to the blog is a good example of the community spirit of this site - thanks Dawne, and good luck on your personal paddling blog.
If you have an image, idea, or impression to share, feel free to contribute.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Many thanks! Wow, that was fun
With temps in the 60s and participation numbers in the 70s, it's hard to describe the April 19 Big Sioux River cruise with a modifier other than successful.
As mentioned below, any success is a team effort, and as the organizer of the SDCA side of this event, I give most-humble thank yous to all who came out and took part. It seemed like everyone was dry at the end, we got some press coverage, and no boat and car remained apart for very long once the paddling was done.
My thanks one last time to the Sierra Club and the Outdoor Women of South Dakota. I hope this event kick-starts every paddler's 2008 season on the water.
Jarett
Earth Day Photos
Thank you to everyone who attended our Earth Day Regatta in Flandreau. It turned out to be a perfect day for a wonderful event. It was good to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends.
Click here to view photos from the event:
Do you have an idea that would make this event better (maps, restrooms, etc) - or maybe you thought this event was perfect (route, weather, put-in/take-out, etc.) - let us know by commenting. We appreciate your thoughts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)