Tuesday, July 21, 2009

This Saturday: Gathering in Garretson


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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso
SDCA members Dave and Mary Finck are inviting everyone out Saturday, July 25, to the Split Rock Creek in Garretson, above the dam shown here in the photo.

As Dave said, this is nice little run with beautiful scenery. It is
an especially good opportunity for those new to the sport who wish to
sharpen their skills. The gathering is set for 2 p.m.

In addition to paddling with friends or friends-to-be, Dave and Mary will be grilling a pork loin and ask others to bring a dish or dessert or something to share, or some chips, for a nice lunch in the park. They will provide plates and silverware, but bring your own beverages.

Any questions, email Dave at dfctx@msn.com.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Come sampling on Saturday @ Diamond Lake


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Originally uploaded by jayalbionheath

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There's a pair of great events in the next few days.

The first is on Diamond Lake, shown above in a Jay Heath photo. The map above shows Franklin, the lake is just south of that town.
SDCA board members Dave and Mary Finck are running the show. Here's the skinny:

WATER SAMPLING EVENT

South Dakota monitors water quality on lakes and rivers in the state, but funding does not allow all areas to be monitored on a regular basis. The SD Canoe Association volunteers to help monitor additional sites in our area.

A club group water sampling event is scheduled at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 18. All paddlers are welcome and should meet at the boat ramp on the northeast side of Diamond Lake.

Representatives from East Dakota Water District will be there to give us instructions on how to take the samples.

Diamond Lake is in the northwest corner of Minnehaha County:
West on Highway 42 (10th Street) to Hwy 19, turn north.
North on Highway 19 through Humboldt to 244th Street, turn west.
Go west to Diamond Lake.

The turn off is between the Minnehaha Lake County signs.

Water sampling sites will be divided among the participants who are there, so the more paddlers who come, the quicker the work.

In addition, there's a Big Sioux River Clean Up set for July 22, at 5:15 pm.

We will put in at Spencer Park and take out at 14th & Cliff. Neither is the greatest access, but they work.

The Spencer Park access is off Minnesota Avenue, where you would enter for the Heartland House Christmas Light display, or for Jazz Fest. There is a parking lot immediately to the south after you enter.

Last year, Dave and I brought our canoe, and the kayakers picked up stuff and deposited it in our canoe as needed. Jay Heath attached a milk crate to his kayak so he could pick up more stuff. Garbage bags will be provided by Parks & Rec. They will also pick up the bags when we have finished.

The take out is near a parking lot on the northeast corner of 14th & Cliff. I have requested gravel from the SF Parks Dept. since it has been a muddy take out most of the year.

If 5:15 p.m. is too early, let me know. We will make arrangements with shuttle etc. to accommodate late-comers as best we can. Since clean up takes more time than just cruising, late comers can easily catch up with the group.

If interested in either event, please let us know. Email Mary or Dave at dfctx@msn.com or mfinck@eggersteel.com, or let Jarett know.

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Friday, July 10, 2009

Sunday! Big Sioux @ Klondike

Hola amigos:


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Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m.
Klondike
276th Street crosses the Big Sioux River
We'll put in just below the dam on the South Dakota side.

The map/photo shows (If the link does not work on your computer, Google "Canton, SD" and look at the image there, the dam is north up the river from the town) the put-in is just downstream of the dam, on the South Dakota side.

To make the shuttling system work, please come a bit early, so we can get enough vehicles down (share rides, communicate out there) to the end and everyone can boogie afterwards/less work when we're tired.

E-mail jbies0341@hotmail.com if you have questions. Larry will give a briefing at 8:55 a.m. just before we depart, for those new to the river/area, etc.

There is a chance of rain Sunday, so pack rain gear. Highs are set at 81 degrees, and the winds sound light, 5-15 mph.

Should be a hoot!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Happy Fourth Weekend


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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso
Sorry, it's been too long on updating this blog.

But as the image shows, the Big Sioux River is on tap, this Sunday, July 12, at 9 a.m.

Meet at the South Dakota side of the Klondike dam, below the dam. Paddlers will join cruise leader Larry Braaten for a 3-hour paddle down to Canton.

The dam itself has a large hole in it and plans have it being torn down. So see it Sunday with the SDCA, then return after work is done to compare.

Write me if you have questions. The newsletter will be out Tuesday, to pass the word on this front, but if you see anyone or talk to those who do not visit this site often, let them know.

More news coming soon.