March 2001
| Central Iowa Paddlers March 2001 |
|
This newsletter is a publication of the Central Iowa
Paddlers, an informal group of paddlesport enthusiasts. The mission of the club is to
share information, promote recreation opportunities and paddlesport safety, and encourage
care of our aquatic resources. The group includes new and experienced paddlers with canoes
and kayaks of all kinds. Pass the word!
MEANDERINGS
We begin our fifth season. Area streams remain mostly frozen even as this newsletter goes to press on March 3, 2001. Gerry Rowland was one of the few around here to seek time on the river this winter. Geriy spoke about paddling with eagles and ice at the recent Iowa Paddlesport Expo. He mainly floated the open areas of the Des Moines River below Saylorville Dam and southeast Iowa. I’m ready to get out and, based on the interest and attendance at the Expo, many of you are, too!
Check out the full-to-bursting outings schedule planned for 2001. Thanks to all of you who agreed to coordinate float trips, stewardship events and other gatherings this year. Put these events on your calendar and plan to join us often this year.
Join us for the final Armchair Paddlers Series meeting on Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m. at Canoesport Outfitters in Indianola. John Pearson will tell us about kayaking on the Texas gulf coast.
See you around the bend! Robin Fortney, Editor
PADDLING SAFETY
Canoeing and kayaking are potentially life-threatening sports. Participants on trips promoted by the club must accept responsibility and liability for their own preparedness and safety.
Volume 5 Issue 1
Photo: Iowa Paddlers table at the 2001 Paddlesport Expo in lndianola. Photo by Gerry Rowland
Photo: Gerry Rowland exhibits maps and highlights of the Des Moines River at the 2001 Expo.
Improve your skills. Cheek out paddling courses offered by these Midwestern outfitters:
Canoesport Outfitters, Indianola, IA
800-251-6080
Trek & Trail, Bayfield, WI
800-354-8735
University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
Outdoor Venture Center
402-554- 225 8/25 39
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Kayak & Canoe Institute
218-726-6533
PLANNING A PADDLING TRIP?
Use this checklist offered by Monona County Conservation Board for items to take:
o Canoe (17 feet is best for extended trips or large loads)
o Set of paddles, plus one spare per boat
o Life vests or PFDs, one per person, plus
an extra. You want a U.S. Coast Guard
Type iii vest. (Ladies: Check out the
Betsea vest at Canoesport Outfitters in
Indianola.)
o Drinking water
o First Aid kit
o Clothing: Clothes that you don*t mind getting wet and dirty.
o Wading shoes
o 18-2o feetofrope
o Camping gear
o Fishing gear
o Field guides
o Toilet paper
o Food and snacks
o Rain gear
o Binoculars
o Camera and film
o Insect repellant
o Waterproof matches
o Hat
o Light-colored long-sleeved shirt
o Sunscreen and sunglasses
o Dry change of clothes
o Waterproof storage bags
o Bailer (old milk jug or bleach bottle)
o Emergency cash and personal identification
LOADING YOUR BOAT ALONE
The weight of your boat and your ability to press 40-80 pounds over your head will determine the ease with which you load your boat onto your vehicle. Since many paddlers need to be able to load a boat by themselves, here is a method for you taken from ‘Canoeing, A Trailside Guide" by Gordon Grant.
Roll the boat over so it is upside down. Pick up one end and, with your hands above your head, walk your hands down the gunwales toward the center of the boat. Before you get to the center, turn around so that you are facing the end you just picked up. Now walk a few steps backward to get to the center. Rest the center thwart on your shoulders, and the back end of the boat will rise.
If you don’t want to pick up the whole boat, position it upside down beside the vehicle about six feet away. Pick up one end, and rest it on the front car rack - the naturally curved ends of the canoe will help keep it from slipping off. Pick up the other end, and gently lift it onto the rear car rack, being careful to keep it from slipping off the front rack. To get the boat off, reverse the process.
To move the boat short distances alone, you can carry it from the side, gripping it by the gunwale.
Editors Note: Kayakers, please send me a note about the solo loading methods you use.
ABOUT ROOFRACKS
Gordon Grant offers these words about roof racks in his book, "Canoeing, A Trailside Guide." Today’s sleek, gutterless cars have spawned at least two companies, Yakima and Thule, that dominate the car rack market with a bewildering variety of racks on which to transport every conceivable outdoor toy. Average cost for a basic rack is $ 135-150 with additional cost for add-ons depending on what toys you wish to carry.
The do-it-yourselfers can usually dream up a less costly
method that works for their particular vehicle. And, of course, you can still get by with
foam blocks between the canoe and the car roof, along with cross and end tie-downs.
Look around at the cars lined up at any boat access site, and youll see as many boat
carrying systems as there are paddlers!
So how does a paddler survive the winter season? He or she looks for other paddlers to talk with about adventures past and future! This winter, we began the Armchair Paddler Series to take advantage of the vast experience of our paddling friends. We met on second Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. at Canoesport Outfitters in Indianola. Thanks to our speakers and to Jeff Holmes and his staff for their hospitality!
In December, Jerry Kemperman held our attention with wonderful photographs and stories of his July 2000 arctic adventure on the Nanook River in the Nunavut Province.
In January, Greg Vitale and Mike Smith shared their best ideas for successful paddling trip planning. Greg’s handout is included with this newsletter. Karla Ziesemer was invited to participate on the panel, but had to send her thoughts via email. Her comments are also included with this newsletter.
On Sunday, March 11, John Pearson will tell about his experiences on the Texas Gulf Coast. Join us for stories and refreshments.
TRIP REPORTS
Please send highlights of your trip to the Newsletter
Editor as soon as possible after your event so we can
all enjoy hearing about your adventures!
WINTER 2001 ADVENTURES
ON THE DES MOINES RIVER
By Gerry Rowland
I got in and paddled on Saturday, February 3rd. It was a
cloudy day, just above freezing. The river was frozen out some 40 feet from the ramp, so I
"hopped" the boat out into the river. I was treated to an eagle flying overhead.
There were a dozen or more eagles flying and perching, so I drifted downstream a half mile
with the current. Getting back upstream was more of a problem, and I ended up walking into
a fairly strong current. I propped the boat up on a tire so I could take photos. It was a
good spot to view the bridges and the skyline. I did note that the trash is still a
problem. I got several video clips of the area, including the bend below SE 14th, the
river at sunset, standing in icy clear water, and the trash problem. I have put together a
thumbnail outline of recent images from the Des Moines area taken with my new SONY FD-95
digital camera. Check out these images at: www.desmoinesriver.org.
Photo:. Eagles perch along the Des Moines River in Des Moines. Photo by
Gerry Rowland
DES MOINES RIVER
By Robin Fortney
A big crowd of paddlers met on Saturday, September 30, for a float trip from the Boone Waterworks boat ramp to the boat ramp at County Road E57, west of Luther. Paddlers from the Iowa State University Canoe and Kayak Club and University of Nebraska joined us. It was a sunny day with a strong head wind, so we all worked hard to continue down stream. The best parts were paddling under the High Bridge with trains moving across and sneaking under the low construction bridge below Highway 30. Some of us had used up our oompf by the time we got to the Highway 30 ramp, so these folks took out and found an early ride home. The rest of us found a second wind and decided to continue downstream. I had chosen to float this one in my solo canoe with a single-blade paddle ...- bad choice! Thanks, Greg Vitale, for leading this trip.
NORTH RACCOON RIVER
By Robin Fortney
I gathered up three friends on the snowy morning of October 7). These were fairly green paddlers, but willing to dress warm and take their chances. We put in at the Puckerbrush access since we were renting boats from Canoesport Outfitters. I was concerned about the water level, but we had enough, most of the time! As we paddled around the bend towards Van Meter, I saw the TV- 13 news guy, Cal Woods, and State Rep. Ed Fallon and his 1000 Friends of Iowa taking a break on a sand bar. Both groups were surprised to see other hardly souls out on the river on this cold day. At lunchtime, my group found a likely gravel bar, started a warming fire, and poured hot cider all around. Ahh! Since I had the better footgear, my paddling partner let me do the honors of pulling her bottom over the low spots -thank you, very much! We were happily tired, and ready for a post-trip hot toddy by the time we got to the Booneville ramp. A couple of fishermen were waiting at the take-out, and they let us admire a huge caffish (4 plus. feet long) that they had saved from a shallow hole on a sand bar ands were taking home to a farm pond. Cool!
DES MOINES RIVER
By
Robin Fortney
About a dozen paddlers joined me for my second annual birthday float on the Des Moines River. October 8 dawned clear and sunny. We put in at Sycamore Access about 1 p.m. and did a leisurely float down to Birdland Marina in Des Moines. I let 15-year old Kip use my kayak. He found that he loved paddling under his own power - looks like the Mason family will have to add another boat to their armada! We stopped for lunch and birthday treats below the 1-80 Bridge near the place where the Iowa DOT plans to build an overpass over the river and Neal Smith recreational trail. Bill Graham told about the efforts of a non-profit group to stop construction plans.
NORTH RACCOON RIVER
By
Robin Fortney
On Sunday morning, November 11, six hardy souls canoed down the North Raccoon River from Minburn to Highway 44 Bridge. There was just enough water at the beginning, but then the water practically disappeared and we had to start dragging our boats. After about 300 yards, water reappeared. The day was overcast with a cool headwind, but we saw an adult and juvenile eagle. Since we wanted to get to the fall party at nearby Voas Nature Area, we pushed hard to get to the party on time. Thanks for the idea, Mike!
THE FALL PARTY
By Robin Fortney
About 21 people came to the fall party on November 11 at Voas Nature Center near Minburn. Cathy Royer of the Dallas County Conservation Hoard welcomed us. As usual, folks brought delicious potluck food, and some brought photos of their recent paddling adventures. After lunch, a panel of experienced paddlers (Al Foster, Jeff Holmes and Gerry Rowland) discussed gear, trip planning, and winter paddling. Thanks, guys, for sharing your wisdom.
NORTH RIVER SKI TRIP
By Al Foster
A group of paddlers met on January 7 to ski the North River in Warren County. The skiing was great. We started out going east, but there were too many 4-wheeler ruts and logjams. We circled back around and went west (the same direction we went mountain biking the week before) and the conditions were perfect. We had a lot of fun. It was Sheri’s first time and she only fell ten times. Julie wasn’t really counting how many times she fell, but she had twice as much experience as Sheri--that was her second time! I fell once after I climbed the side of the river embankment and tried to ski down the steep cliff-that didn’t work so great--as expected. Oh yeah, I also fell because I tried to push Rob over-
-needless to say he wasn’t affected much--and I ended up on the ground instead of him. Rob fell once, but I am not sure why--he wasn’t going anywhere and I was too far away to hear his excuse. My left ski broke through once, but the Gore-Tex socks kept me dry. We found some thin areas, but if we don’t have any more of those tremendously warm days it should be fine. We made a couple of friends on the route--a hawk and beaver paid us a brief visit
A FULL MOON SKI TRIP
ON THE DES MOINES RIVER
By Kent Newman
On January 9, I hit the Saylorville Trail just west of the North High School football field at 5:30 p.m. The dropping temperature created somewhat icy conditions on the trail surface groomed by previous ski trips, snowmobiles, and foot traffic. I was able to "skate ski", and was rewarded with a beautiful view of the full moon rising as I headed north. The skiing was nice and fast despite the irregular surface, and soon I was at the Euclid Bridge. I turned around, and as I headed back I saw a path to the river. I headed down and was able to ski out on the frozen surface.
The river doesn’t freeze every winter, but it’s nice when it does - last year I got to ski on it four times, including a sunny Christmas Day! I hadn’t been out on it yet this year, although I’ve skied a lot on the trail because I live a few blocks away.
I was tired of the icy, irregular surface on the trail. The thin layer of snow on the river was perfect! I stayed near the edge, just in case, and tried to avoid the windblown patches of bare ice shining in the moonlight. Snow on top of ice is perhaps the ideal surface for X-country skiing, and I had a blast!
As I headed back the moon was higher in the sky, providing an eery view of the woods and banks from the surface of the river. I’m used to being on this stretch rowing a single or double, but it’s a different view standing on what is normally the surface of the water! I looked around and saw my "moon shadow" extending far behind me!
I arrived safely back at the 6th Avenue Bridge and continued back on the trail. Another memorable night on the river - in a different way!
FROM OUR READERS
From Larry Stone:
Iowa OHV Association president Dan Kleen called to report that the group’s board on January 13 voted to drop their support of the proposed ATV park near the Turkey River outside Flkader. Tony Toigo of the Iowa DNR told me Monday that the DNR therefore will not pursue that project, but will continue to look for a suitable northeast Iowa location for an ATV park. The planned January 24 public meeting in Elkader was cancelled.
Thanks to the many people who voiced their concerns about this proposal at this site. I commend the DNR and the Iowa OHV Association for considering and responding to those concerns.
Although I strongly opposed the "park," I do not regard this as a "victory," but rather as a grassroots outpouring that has persuaded well-meaning officials to take another hard look at what seemed at the time to be a good idea.
It has been a time-consuming, stressful debate for people
on both sides of the issue. But I hope it will make us all more aware of the tough
resource-use questions we constantly face, and of the need for constant vigilance and
dialogue about our environment.
From Cathy Godfrey:
"The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden." Goethe
From Cathy Royer;
Just wanted to thank everyone for the nice day at Voas Nature Area. It was really fun to hike the woods and prairie trails with you all (Al, Robin, Bob, Cliff, Sesco, Dean, Ebby and Jazz). I especially liked the deer trail "short cut" back to the house! You really brightened my day and I’m looking forward to seeing each of you again! Bring skis next time! Hey, someone by the name of "ROBERT" left his backpack at my place - a great excuse to come back! See ya!
From "The Songbird, "Dallas County Conservation Board newsletter:
On December 6, the department had several car bodies, a washing machine, and an assortment of other junk removed from the Middle Raccoon River just below the Lowhead Dam in Redfield. Mike Vanderpool Construction, Inc. donated their equipment and labor to remove the junk from the river. This project benefitted not only the river and the inhabitants of it, but also the
Editors Note: Thanks, Dallas County and Mike Vanderpool and company! Paddlers, be sure to check out this area around near Hanging Rock. It ‘s nicely cleaned up and accessible by road as well as from the river
From our crazy paddling friends in Ames:
Rick Dietz practices his white water skills on Cemetery Hill at East 13th Street in Ames. Photo by Greg Vitale
CONCRETE CANOE COMPETITION By Rick Dietz
Every year Master Builders and ASCE sponsor a concrete canoe competition. Schools from all over compete in regional events with the winners advancing to a national competition. The competition was started in the early 8O’s as test of creativity. The schools design, build, and race canoes made out of concrete. The competition also involves writing a technical report, giving an oral presentation and creating a display that showcases the canoe.
I arranged a visit with the ISU Concrete Canoe team at their workspace, and invited Greg Vitale & Jim Dodd (Central Iowa Paddlers) and Cindy & Christopher (ISU Canoe & Kayak Club) to go along. Jim has built more than a dozen cedar strip canoes, but our interest as builders probably was no greater than that of the others. I felt bad that we took quite a lot of their work time, but they didn’t seem to mind, and we may help them out with paddling skills & gear. The regional competition is April 7th at Hickory Grove Lake.
There are pages of rules and regulations for this competition, but one of the more interesting things is that these boats are weighing in at 75-100 pounds (same as some large manufactured canoes), and the concrete floats
For more information, check out these web sites:
http://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/asce/canoe.html and http://www.masterbuilders.com/MB/static/canoe/default.htm
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
"The care of rivers is not a question of rivers, but of the human heart" - Tanaka Shozo
Central Iowa Paddlers joined with other volunteers for a Citizen Water Monitoring Workshop held by Dallas County Conservation Board on November 18. Speakers from the Iowa Environmental Council, Dallas County Conservation Board, County Health Department, and Soil & Water Conservation District discussed the importance of volunteers finding out about the water quality of their neighborhood streams. Attendees then reviewed insect identification tables and practiced using the water chemistry kits. At the end of the afternoon, Conservation staff took us to the North Raccoon for some hands-on practice.
Mark your calendar now to attend the water monitoring training on June 21-22. Join other paddlers to help monitor the beautiful Middle Raccoon River. For more information, call Dallas County Conservation Board at 515-465-3577.
Organizing a Recreational Paddle. The Art of Herding Cats
Gear: A life jacket, paddle, dry bag, and boat set the stage for many water adventures. A spare paddle secured to your boat is prudent. Other gear and provisions appropriate for being outdoors on this trip.
Safety: Weather conditions, river conditions, skill level of the group, and group equipment affect safety. Wear you life jacket. Spend the money and get one as comfortable as you can find. It is your first line of defense.
Expectations- Skills Present: Recruit a few paddlers with good skills. Capable paddlers provide a sweep and lead boat and the possibility of giving assistance to struggling paddlers.
Trip Rigor and Length: Recreational paddlers seem comfortable with about 10-14 miles. Get them off of the river before they have had too much of a good thing. More able paddlers can do 16-20 miles on most Iowa rivers.
Weather: Bad conditions generally stop recreational paddlers. Assuming the group has the gear and experience for the trip, the only weather that has to be dealt with is a lightening storm or wind driven waves that would make rescue dangerous or impossible. Cut your trips shorter in cold weather.
Logistics: Lay out the planned river route. Now lay out or better yet, explore the roads in order to do the shuttle or have someone who has and will. Directions as well as lodging and rentals details should be researched too.
The Announcement: Write up the details: the river, date, time, where to meet, directions, planned trip length, likely skills needed and how to contact the organizer for any other information they may need. Attractions on this stretch of river, historical details are great touches too.
I prefer to make it rain, shine, or snow- unless river conditions are not safe. These are all stated in the write-up. If
After All ofthe Shuttles: Food together off the river afterwards is a great way to wrap up to trip. Now is a good time to have that beer.
The Write-up: Notes on bridges, dams, sandbars, how far the next marker is, water flow, camp grounds or other details that would be needed so that you can be in a better prepared the next time you do this stretch of river again
Resources
Iowa Atlas & Gazetteer. A readable (hardcopy) road-map and more, with shading identifying woodlands, marshes, some accesspoints and other relevant information. They can be contacted at www.delorme.com.
Iowa Sportsman’s Atlas: Back Roads and Outdoor Recreation. A thorough, but barely readable road map. It does identify nicely the public spaces. They can be reached at 1-800-568-8334
Iowa Canoe Guide, Iowa DNR. This guide provides access points, mileage and other details. Contact the DNR at 515-281-5918. Information is also found at http://www.state.ia.us/parks/canoe/canoegui.htm
USGsStream-flow Information. Critical information needed to determine safety and skill level, as well as the length of the trip. The needed information is found at: http://iowa.usgs.gov/.
American Canoe Association. ACA is a provider of paddling information, advocacy, conservation and training opportunities as well as so much more. They can be contacted at www.acanet.org/acanet.htm.
Gorp Check out this site for comprehensive information covering about anything you would need associated with the outdoors: http://www.gorp.com site.
Putting together a paddle takes judgment. Judgement takes experience. And as Oscar Wilde said, "Experience is the name that we give our mistakes".
Gregory Vitale, CIP Volunteer 1-14-01
Trip Planning
January 14, 2001
Dear Robin,
Thanks for inviting me to participate in the arm chair series. I would have loved to do something like this, but unfortunately I am on call from Friday through Sunday at 6:30 PM. I would have gotten back to you sooner but I was trying to find someone to trade it with. No luck.
Some of the things I would cover include:
• Have a pre-trip meeting
• See what different peoples objectives are
• Facilitate developing consensus on group plans and goals
• Expectations for preparedness
• Safety
These, of course, are only a few things that would be covered. With a big trip, or a new trip and people who don
*t know each other actually sitting down together is probably the best.Short trips, known territory and with others you have tripped with before then this infonnation is handled in a little less formal "pre trip* like via the phone or e-mail.
For a bigger trip that people can’t sit down and meet together it is great to get to know each other and trip needs via MULTIPLE calls, letters, email, etc. New people to a group especially need to know the standards for safety and preparedness that is expected as well as blended into the social activities that occur during the trip. Another tip is that for a group that is larger than half a dozen it is nice to have two facilitators who balance each other in technical/people skills.
Remember I am speaking from a cooperative adventure philosophy. I know most of the
Iowa paddlers trips are usually in a different mode, the common adventure philosophy.
Hopefully these few ideas will perhaps stimulate some dialogue and give everyone a
chance to evaluate what has been working for them and what they would like to try new.
Again thanks for inviting me and sony I have to decline.
Happy paddling!
Karla Ziesemer
CENTRAL IOWA PADDLERS - 2001 EVENT CALENDAR
Participants should contact the trip coordinator ahead of tune/or trip details and in case river conditions or plans change. Take rain gear, extra clothes in a dry bag, plenty of water and snacks, hat, sunscreen, PFD, and extra paddle. The Coordinators should provide the following information to participants; stream section or lake, date(s), meeting time and place, expected float time, and level of difficulty.
Saturdays, March 3 and April 7, Skunk River
Join the Skunk River Navy for a couple of workdays this spring. The plan is to cut down trees at the Elwood Drive prairie restoration site and plant willows along a section of the Skunk River. For more information, contact Jim Colbert at 515-294-9330, or jtcolber@iastate.edu, or http://www.biology.iastate.edu/SRN/SRN.html. Both activities are weather-dependent.
Friday through Sunday, March 9-11, Canoecopia
Held in Madison, Wisconsin. Call 608-255-1008 or check out www.canoecopia.com for more information. There
will be lots of speakers, boats, deals, outfitters, and paddling fanatics. Carl*s Paddling Store in Madison hosts the Paddlers Rendezvous this same weekend. Carl and his staff will buy, sell and trade and give advice as well.
Sunday, March 11, Armchair Paddlers Series
Join us at Canoesport Outfitters on the south side of the square in Indianola from 2 to 4 p.m. John Pearson will present a program on "Kayaking on the Texas Gulf Coast. Refreshments provided. Contact Robin at 5 15-277-1763 for more information.
Saturday, March 24, Iowa River
Join us for a scouting mission on the Iowa River and learn about the three state preserves along the greenbelt. Contact John at 515-281-3891 or 515-961-3053 for more information.
Saturday, April 7, Boone River
Contact Greg Vitale at 641-663-9251 or vitol@tebra.net for more information.
Saturday, April 7, Concrete Canoe Race
Come watch these clever Iowa State students at Hickory Grove Lake near Cob. There will be several tandem events and one 4-person event. For more information, contact Mike at mjroth@iastate.edu or 515-268-9653, or Sonya at stucker@iastate.edu or 515-268-0551.
Friday through Sunday, April 27-29, Volga River
Float the Volga River from Klacks Island Park to Volga River State Recreational Area, and from the town of Volga to the Osborne Visitor Welcome & Nature Center. Paddlers should have good canoe or kayak maneuvering skills.
Overnight accommodations will be available Friday and Saturday at the Deep Mountain Retreat Center near Elkader. For more information, contact Rick Dietz at 515-232-1484 or rsdietz@yahoo.com, or Greg Vitale at 515-663-9251 or vitol@tebra.net.
Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, Minneapolis
Attend the spring canoe event at Midwest Mountaineering. They host a canoe auction on Saturday morning.
Saturday, April 28, Lake Red Rock
Join us on a day-long trip from the South Overlook (by the dam) westward along the south shore cliffs to a take-out point a short distance west of the mile-long bridge, about 10 miles and 6 hours depending on sightseeing stops. The line of sandstone cliffs will be a main attraction, including the spring wildflowers on the forested uplands when we stop for a break in Elk Rock Park. Since this trip crosses big water in places and traverses along cliffs with little place to easily put ashore if capsized, participation is limited to kayaks and covered canoes (no open canoes).
Sunday, April 29, Camp Stove Cook-off
Bring your favorite camp stove, recipe and ingredients. Cook up your best dish and then well feast on the results. Awards will be given for the best all-around winner and best dish made on a Trangia stove. This camp kitchen event will beheld at 688 Polk Boulevard in Des Moines. For more information, contact Robin at 515-271-1763.
Tuesday, May 1, Grays Lake in Des Moines
From May I through October 10, we will meet on Tuesday evenings on Grays Lake in Des Moines from 6 to 8 o’clock. Grays Lake is located on Fleur Drive across from Waterworks Park in Des Moines. Bring your canoe or kayak. Watch the bridge and new boathouse being built. Make new paddling friends, try out a new boat or learn some new paddling skills. We put in down by the swimming beach.
Thursday Evenings on Lake Ahquabi
Paddle with employees of Canoesport Outfitters who will be out testing canoes and kayaks. Paddling clinics will be added as the season progresses. Call 515-961-6117 for more information.
May through November, Raccoon River System
Due to their popularity, Dallas County Conservation Board will host an "-ology" trip each month. Special speakers will tell about local geology, archaeology, etc. Call DCCB at 515-465-3577 to sign up as these trips fill up fast.
Saturday, May 5, River Stewardship Event
Join us for a river cleanup day on the Middle Raccoon in Dallas County. Contact Al Foster at alanfoster@home.com or 515-277-0241 for more information.
Friday through Sunday, May 11-13, Turkey River
Paddle the "driftless area" of Clayton County, an area missed by the last glacier and retained a rugged and interesting topography. Camping on the river is available at Motor Mill Park, just six miles from Elkader. Historic Motor Mill Park has the tallest mill in the Midwest. Camping is primitive with pit toilets. Water is available at the ranger’s house. Expect a 12-mile paddle on Saturday to Garber Bridge and a short 6-mile paddle on Sunday. If you come up Saturday morning, meet at the campground by 10 am. Float trip is subject to change based on river flow. For more information contact Greg at 641-663-9251 or vitob@tebra.net, or Rick at 641-233-1484 or at rsdietz@yahoo .com.
Friday through Sunday, May 18-20, Upper Iowa River
Contact Mike Smith at 515-246-9870 for more information.
Saturday, May 19, Skunk River
Paddle Story County’s Skunk River Canoe Trail from Highway El8 to Riverside Road, north of Ames. For more information, contact Mark at Mmetelman@aol.com or 515-221-2587, or Rick at rsdietz@vahoo.com or 232-1484.
Friday through Sunday, June 8-10, Upper Iowa River
We’ll join our Sierra Club friends for another opportunity to float this gorgeous river. Meet at Randy’s Bluffton Store campground on Friday evening. Contact Robin at 515-277-1763 for more information.
Saturday, June 16, Des Moines River
Float the Des Moines River from Runnels Bridge access to the Boxcars through the wetlands and high bluffs near Lake Red Rock. For more information, contact Gerry Rowland at gerrvr@netins.net or 515-277-3092.
Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, Water Quality Training
Join the cadre of Iowa water quality monitoring volunteers. This training session will be held at a Dallas County location on Friday evening and all day on Saturday. You will learn some simple water quality test methods, and then you can practice your skills on your favorite Dallas County streams. Contact Dallas County Conservation Board at 5 15465-3571 for details.
Thursday, July 4th, North Raccoon River
Join us for a potluck picnic lunch on a float trip on the North Raccoon River from Minburn to Adel. Contact Robin at 515-277-1763 for more information.
Saturday, July 7, Des Moines River
Humboldt County will host a full-service float on July 7, from Rutland to Humboldt on the West Fork, Des Moines River. For more information, contact Doug Wood at dougwood@trvnet.net or 515-3324809.
Saturday-Sunday, July 14-15, Canoe Van Buren
Canoe the Des Moines River from Selma to Farmington. For more information, contact Stacy Glandon at Villages of Van Buren at villages@800-tourvbc.com which is also the phone number.
Friday-Sunday, July 20-22, Iowa Games
We expect the Canoe & Kayak Competitions will be held on Saturday. For more information, contact http://www.iowagames.org or info@iowagames.org, or 515-292-3251 or 1-800-964-0332.
Week of July 28, River Rumble
This week long paddling event will be held on the Illinois River in 2001. Greg Vitale promises shorter days! Contact Greg at 641-663-9251 or vitol@tebra.net for more information.
Saturday, August 11, River Ripple
The River Ripple float trip is held in conjunction with Swiftwater Days. This is a 16-mile float from Eddyville to Ottumwa. Lots of volunteers, very well planned and managed, and this is the 3rd year. More than 300 participated last year. For more information, contact Kurt Baker at Wapello County Conservation, 641-682-3091, ext 1.
Sunday, October 7, Des Moines River
Join Robin for her third annual birthday
float trip. We will start at the Sycamore access at 1 p.m. in Johnston and float down to
Birdland Marina. Bring a snack - we
will stop on a sandbar for lunch and birthday treats. Contact Robin at 515-277-1763 for
more information.
Canoeing and kayaking are potentially
life-threatening sports. Participants on trips promoted by the club must
accept responsibility and liability for their own preparedness and safety.
Newsletter Subscription Information
Formed in March 1997, Central Iowa Paddlers is an informal organization
started by and for people who find enjoyment and relaxation in the sports of canoeing and
kayaking. The group*s mission is to share information, promote recreation opportunities
and paddlesport safety, and encourage care of our aquatic resources.
For a $10.00 annual fee, each subscriber will receive:
• Club newsletter in March, May, July, and September
• Subscriber list
• Schedule of paddlesport events
Since this is a cooperative organization, subscribers and friends are encouraged to share information about trips taken, lessons learned, equipment, safety, access, outfitters, eats, etc.
Scheduled and pickup trips are encouraged. If you want to lead a trip, please provide the following information to participants:
• Identify the stream section or lake
• Date(s)
• Meeting time and place
• Your name and phone number
• Class of river, or difficulty, if applicable
To put information in the newsletter, submit a notice to the Newsletter Editor, Central Iowa Paddlers, 688 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines, IA 50312. Deadlines are Feb 15, Apr 15, Jun 15, and Aug 15. Use the subscriber list to contact people about spur-of-the-moment trips. The Editor can forward trip information to members having an email address. Contact the Newsletter Editor at 515-277-1763 if you have any questions.
To subscribe, complete the form below and send it and annual fee of $10.00 to the Central Iowa Paddlers, 688 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines, IA 50312.
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Name
Street Address
City, State & Zip
Day & Eve Phone
Email Address
List paddle sport
interests
