We had a neat presentation about paddling above the Arctic Circle by forester Jerry Kemperman on 12/10/00.  This was part of our "Armchair Paddler" series at Canoesport Outfitters in Indianola.  On March 11, 2001, John Pearson of the DNR gave a great presentation on the Texas Gulf Coast and the amazing profusion of wildlife.

I was at  Canoe Sport Expo in Indianola  February 17 and 18 for a program on scenic paddles in SE Iowa.  We had good crowds and excellent programs at the Expo.  Enjoy photos and videos of Central Iowa Paddlers and others doing some armchair paddling!!

Thanks to the 16 hardy paddlers in 14 boats (12 kayaks and 2 canoes) that joined me for a float through one of the most remote and scenic parts of the Des Moines River greenbelt.  On May 20, 2000 I led a trip   from Yellow Banks to Runnels Bridge (trip report included)  A map of the Yellow Banks to Hartford trip is also available online.
Walking upstream through rapids, winter kayaking near Ottumwa, February 12, 2000
Eagles in abundance, water where you can find it.  A cold weather, low water expedition from Yellow Banks to Runnels, January 16, 2000.
Trumpeter swans near Saylorville, January 7, 2000. A report on low-water winter kayaking.
Winter Kayaking 2000: A report from Keosauqua, Bentonsport, and Bonaparte for December 11, 1999.

Clean up and Paddle event at Boone Hwy. 30 access Saturday, Sept. 11, 1999.  Read more about it.

Many thanks to Al Foster and the Dallas County Conservation Board for sponsoring a great trip on the Middle Raccoon River (a major tributary of the Des Moines) Saturday, May 13, 2000.  There were 24 people in more than a dozen canoes and kayaks.  We saw wonderful scenery and pulled boatlands of trash and old tires out of the river.   Then, we were treated to a barbeque at the home of the County Conservation director.  I think we have a model for Adopt-a-Stream outings.

It was very enjoyable paddling on Brushy Creek lake this past Sunday, April 30, 2000.   We had 10 boats, and John Pearson from the Preserves Board led us up the creek and then took us on a wonderful tour of a restored prairie just beginning to bloom.

Waterfowl in abundance on a gorgeous October day.  A trip report on pelicans near Yellow Banks.

The Iowa DNR has developed a proposal to promote paddling and river trails.  They are seeking input and support from you, the canoers and kayakers of Iowa.

The River Ripple on August 14, 1999 part of Ottumwa's Swift Water Festival, was super.  200 people, and 120 boats, participated.  What a great way to get people out on the river trail.  Congratulations to Dave Kraemer and the Ottumwa Courier staff.  Several photos are posted on this site.  See the Keokuk site for more photos and one of our patented photoessays.  Go to www.ottumwacourier.com for more photos.

The InterUrban Trail Bridge in Des Moines was dedicated on Sept. 19, 1999.  Read more about the history of the bridge.  Read about Ding Darling and the 5 trails that make up his Greenway.