New Blog

As mentioned in my last post I have started a new blog.  Bucket List Adventures is now set up and there have been a few posts.  Our son, Chris, suggested I keep all my Bucket List Adventures in one blog.  Damn good idea so the new blog will move from one adventure to another.  As mentioned before the Colorado Adventure Paddle is still on the list but down the pike a little.  One item at a time and next up is the paddle in and around Redfish Bay and Corpus Christi Bay.  Check it out.   ...jer

Change in Plans

I've made a decision.  My kayak adventure down the Colorado has been put back in my bucket (as in Bucket List).  An alternate trip on the same departure day is in the works but will be in the Gulf of Mexico in the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway).  There will be a new blog and I will let you know when it is up and ready for viewing.  Thanks for following me on this blog.   ...jer

Colorado River @ La Grange

Maggie and I are in Port Aransas. On the drive down we stopped in La Grange. This is the only town on our route from Richardson to Port Aransas where we cross the Colorado so we stopped and looked around. First we went to a large RV park that is on a bend in the river. Although the river looks full in the included images you will notice along the shoreline how low the water is. There is also no flow that I could tell. The LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) has passed word to rice farmers down river that no water will be available to irrigate their fields. Friends we have in Port Aransas who are very familiar with the Colorado feel without additional and substantial rain an attempt to paddle from Austin to the Gulf of Mexico will be a real challenge.  The image on the left is looking up river.  The image below right is looking down river.  The bridge in the background is US 77.

So, now we hope for rain.  There is time but all the lakes in the Highland Lakes chain are very low.  I'm not sure what it would take to get things flowing again.  There is time for things to look better.  The weather guys say we won't see any real rain until June, if then.  The weather patterns are just not favorable at this point.  Time will tell.

There is the possibility I may have to change my adventure plans due to low water on the rivers around our part of Texas.  One option is a long paddle from Port Aransas down to Port Mansfield and perhaps on to Port Isabel and South Padre.  I'll save that decision for now but I do have all the charts and maps needed.  The paddle would be in the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway) which runs from New Jersey to the Texas Mexico border.  In most cases it is protected water with a project depth of 12'.  There is lots of barge traffic.  I would have to camp most of the way.  It could be an interesting trip and also one that I have though of.

So that is it for this post.  Stay tuned.   ...jer

In an effort to be able to update my blog, I'm attempting to use the connectivity of the text feature of my cell phone. Please ignore this test

Maps

If you click on the map in the post it will bring up the ability to select sections of the route to get a better idea of what's in store section by section.   ...jer

Bucket List - Colorado Kayak Paddle

On March 27th of 2012, I turn 70 years of age.  Many times I have thought about paddling my kayak from Austin, TX to the Gulf of Mexico, a trip of about 290 miles.  I plan to start this adventure March 27th. using the putin below the Longhorn Dam in Austin.  I consider myself a medium experienced paddler, lakes, flowing rivers, Gulf of Mexico, etc.  Below is my route.



I've allowed myself as much time as I need to make the trip, perhaps as long as 30 days.  I plan to stay in B&B's or hotels/motels (where available), parks along the way as well as some camping.  Perhaps I will not paddle everyday.  I plan to take my time, enjoy the scenery, and spend some quality time by myself with God and the river.

Currently I am planning what to take, things I need to buy, getting in shape for the trip and looking at detailed maps of the river.  There will be some portages around dams and with the current drought in Texas some areas of the river with little water.

My kayak is an Old Town XL16 (with rudder kit).  Lots of storage and a fun boat to paddle. 

I hope to keep this blog updated as I get ready for the trip and post events and images along the way.  I hope you enjoy the trip along with me.   ...jer