The plan is to paddle Big Piney Creek on Friday, the Mulberry River on Saturday, and a short run on Big Piney on Sunday before coming home. We will consolidate boats, gear and people into as few vehicles as possible for the shuttles - please have your own boat straps! Bring lunches and beverages for the trips. We will be base camping at Long Pool Campground on the Big Piney, so you will NOT have to transport camping gear and other non-essentuials downriver.

Saturday night's potluck will have an Easter theme, hopefully featuring Bryan's famous Dutch Oven Rabbit Cacciatore. Please bring a side dish or dessert that compliments the entree, or even a separate entree if the bunny burn is not your thing. RSVP to Bryan Jackson Hollowcreek@paddlinpals.com, or call 972-979-2519. Due to the time and distance from Dallas, carpooling is recommended. We need to coordinate the transportation of people, boats and gear for this trip. If you cannot depart on Thursday, then please join us on Friday evening and paddle with us Saturday and Sunday.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats that are suitable for Class III whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), whitewater brain buckets (helmets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended. Wetsuits, drysuits with base layers or other water repellant clothing is strongly recommended in the event of cold air and/or water temperatures.

Meals:

Each person will be responsible for his or her own breakfasts and lunches, as well as meals to and from the river. We will have a community potluck dinner on Saturday night. Please bring a side dish to share with the group. Those going up on Thursday should also bring something to share on Thursday and Friday nights.

Back-up Plans:

In the event the Mulberry River and Big Piney Creek are not suitable for paddling due to high- or low-water conditions, inclement weather or other factors, then we will move the trip to the Buffalo National River, base camping at Tyler Bend. In that case, we will send out a change-of-plans announcement via e-mail closer to the trip date.

If weather is not suitable for a trip on any river, then the trip will be cancelled with no reschedule date.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

Follow US 75 (Central Expressway) NORTH (also tagged as US 69 in Oklahoma) through Mcalester and across Lake Eufala to IH 40 EAST;
Follow IH 40 EAST across Oklahoma into Arkansas;
Continue on IH 40 EAST to Arkansas SH 7 at Russellville, then turn NORTH on SH 7;
Follow SH 7 NORTH through Dover for 6 miles, and then turn LEFT (west) on Arkansas SH 164 (paved);
Follow SH 164 west for 3 miles to Pope County Road 15, and then turn RIGHT (northeast);
Follow County Road 15 (paved) for 3 miles, then turn LEFT (northwest) on Forest Service Road 1804 (gravel);
Follow FR 1804 for 2 miles to Long Pool Campground.

OPTIONAL ROUTE FROM AR SH 7 near Dover:

Follow Old Highway 7 (LEFT) from Arkansas SH 7 for 2 miles, go left down the hill on Forest Service Road 1801 (gravel) for 2 miles, and turn RIGHT on Forest Service Road 1804 (gravel) for 3 miles to Long Pool Campground.

:

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.