The Texas Marathon Canoe Racing Billboard was created to allow paddlers from across the country to post notes to be viewed by other boaters. A note can be anything from Safari tips and news to items forsale. Please feel free to post boating related internet sites, suggestions or comments on these web pages.
the road to Prairie Lea #2 is now blocked with a locked gate well up the hill from the river. The landowner in the vicinity of the gate doesn't like paddlers, especially nekkid ones, so I recommend avoiding PL #2 during the Safari.
LD GOT SAFARI FEET? Mumbles Brownstone <MB@iwiseguy.com> - Monday, June 03, 2002 at 10:38:52 (CDT) Tom. I aint sure if you were saying you dreamed about those 15 ft Gar or if this tackle shop is real, either way I sure know if you run into one of those you had better be showing a little more than a can O Gar Spray. perhaps som buck shot Jon Schoepflin <jon.schoepflin@nextel.com> - Monday, June 03, 2002 at 10:34:35 (CDT) AccuWeather seems out of touch. Missed the 1-2 inch rains last week. Now is not mentioning the bit of weather and cool that are blowing in Tuesday with possible rain. Had St. Petersburg as fair and mild the day last December when James was plowing thru heavy fog and substantial waves. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, June 03, 2002 at 08:43:41 (CDT) Yes, I had one of those safari dreams the other nite. I was in a fishing tackle shop down near the coast and they had mounted on the wall some of the gar that they caught on the river down there. They were about 12 to 15 feet long and about 4 ft girth. Probably weighed about 400 to 500 pounds. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, June 03, 2002 at 01:33:32 (CDT) Any word on the Martindale lwb for long solo boats? Go thru right or left? john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Sunday, June 02, 2002 at 22:04:31 (CDT) I'm having those pre-Safari dreams again even though I am not racing this year! Anybody else go through this? Hey 2002 racers! Be nice to each other out there and have FUN! ginsie <ginsiegirl@hotmail.com> - Sunday, June 02, 2002 at 15:44:19 (CDT) Good luck, all. Have a GREAT race! john <goodpaddle> - Saturday, June 01, 2002 at 22:27:49 (CDT) hey john put the grease paint on dude. lock and load. u are right river is very close to last yr. a little more junk frm. luling to gonzo, but clos. i would like either 6 inches or 3 ft. more water. i will be standing on the seawall when u finish this yr.. give it u;re best. good luck all TEAM GRUMPY OLD MEN richard miller <richetel@yahoo.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 18:27:02 (CDT) Seem ballpark same this year/last year. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 16:51:32 (CDT) Here's for last year. What are they now? San Marcos River on 6-9-01 @ San Marcos 214 cfs at 5.53 ft. @ Luling 277 cfs at 6.61 ft. Guadalupe River on 6-10-01 @ Gonzales 1,090 cfs at 12.69 ft. @ Cuero 971 cfs at 5.34 ft. This was as far as we made it so I didn't log down the levels for the rest of the river. I get these from the USGS Daily site. I believe they are an average reading for the day. Take Care, Darryl Jiral # 3711 john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 16:03:36 (CDT) TOURING KAYAK FOR SALE. 14? Spectrum Aquaterra Expedition kayak (no rudder), red w/ accessories (spray skirt, cockpit cover, air bag + paddles). Total new value $950; asking $595 or best offer. Call 979-845-0283 (days); 979-690-067 (nights); or email sarcher@neo.tamu.edu. [College Station, TX] Steve Archer <sarcher@neo.tamu.edu> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 14:50:44 (CDT) CANOE FOR SALE: Old Town Penobscot 16? Royalex canoe (red) + accessories (straight and bent-shaft paddles, cane seat back, removable center bench, anchor). Total new value $1,400; asking $895 or best offer. Call 979-845-0283 (days); 979-690-067 (nights); or email sarcher@neo.tamu.edu. [College Station, TX] TOURING KAYAK FOR SALE. 14? Spectrum Aquaterra Expedition kayak (no rudder), red w/ accessories (spray skirt, cockpit cover, air bag + paddles). Total new value $950; asking $595 or best offer. Call 979-845-0283 (days); 979-690-067 (nights); or email sarcher@neo.tamu.edu. [College Station, TX] Steve Archer <sarcher@neo.tamu.edu> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 14:50:03 (CDT) QUESTION: Does anyone have notes...? How does the water level now compare to last year. Temp seems about the same. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 12:38:54 (CDT) Errr...what I meant to say below is that there are NO log jams between Tivoli and SeaDrift, not "now" jams. Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 09:17:52 (CDT) Ted, I paddled Tivoli to SeaDrift last weekend, and there are now jams the last several miles of the Guadalupe (or, oddly enough in the bay either *grin*). I don't know about the leg between Dupont and Tivoli though. Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Friday, May 31, 2002 at 09:16:23 (CDT) Do many people where gloves to do the safari? Or is it best to keep the hands slathered in diaper ointment? I used gobs of ointment last year and did'nt get any blisters, but my hands were swollen for about 2 weeks after the race. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Thursday, May 30, 2002 at 15:31:21 (CDT) POSSILBE PO'BOY FLOATATION: Polyurethane foam was tried years ago and found, eventually to break down and absorb water. The marine version was like $245 per can. Now, Home Depot has a new "waterproof" version at $5 per can, called Great Stuff!". If you imbed empty plastic water jars (gals &/smaller) in the foam you can create large floatation fore and aft for $10 or so and less weight than styroform. BE CAREFULL, THO. It expands by 2-4x over maybe 15 hours. Can deform yr boat. So apply in layers. (Floatation? There is little doubt, if I had had abundant floatation my 2 boats would have floated at the top of the 2 bad spots (a number of logs did) and NOT been sucked under/into the junk and current... would not have broken... I could have paddled on. Well worth the added 2-3lbs.) john <g> - Thursday, May 30, 2002 at 09:19:51 (CDT) Lordy, an power line laid underground and rivers could have 23,00 volts. Energize you for the next 50 miles. Heat yr MRE's... I just saw and lifted my boat over the pipe. It was to the left of a root system on a transriparian fallen tree. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Thursday, May 30, 2002 at 09:10:24 (CDT) Has anyone ran the Dupont to Seadrift section and are there any jams? Thanks, Ted. Ted <TEDTBSSS@AOL.COM> - Thursday, May 30, 2002 at 08:29:41 (CDT) Laura and Henry thanks again for the shuttle. FYI you can order the salmon from seabear.com and the heatermeals from heatermeals.com mike stinson <stinsonmike@hotmail.com> - Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 17:35:22 (CDT) Dave. Each time we have ran this section we have gone over the large tree trunk. No small task but not difficult. The pipe is even more above the water line due to the river level making it a tough passage and the cable is connected to a submersible pump, where you no doubt felt the bite due to leakage voltage to an unproperly grounded pump. Paddler - Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 10:37:15 (CDT) john, you mentioned seeing a 4" pipe on the Luling/ Palmetto run this weekend, I saw the same pipe (I think it was just above I-10) The pipe along with a 3/8" steel cable next to it, both appeared to run to the riverbottom. One of the two had some power to it! hot, as in electricity...our aluminum passed on a slight shock or tingle to our hands through the handles while pushing over??? is that possible? if so, not good. Did anyone else get to check it out? Dave <dj@ocvauto.com> - Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 01:34:05 (CDT) Does anyone know if Spencer's will be open the day of the TWS start? I am going to be down there for the start of the race and wanted to go check out their boats after I watch everyone run Cottonseed. Thanks Jeff Jouett <jj@visualcnc.com> - Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 12:03:27 (CDT) WAY TO GO, JAY (RAINMAKER!)! Great rain last night. And, it hasn't yet turned scorching hot (evaporating as much water) as years past. More! More! Just one or 2 more, Jay. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 08:01:50 (CDT) !! SOS SOS CALL 911 #2 Running out of time and still need a TC. Plan to make the banquet and take a shot at a modest record. Fun. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, May 27, 2002 at 10:34:42 (CDT) Kevin! Your pictures are a big part of Safari. It's always fun to look through the albums and see the year in review. We'll miss that! Ginger Turner Ginger Turner <gingerct@juno.com> - Monday, May 27, 2002 at 08:15:37 (CDT) Does anyone know if Pecan Grove will be accessible and continue to be a checkpoint this year? When we drove by today, there was a sign saying that they were closed until further notice due to some legal issues. If not, will the bridge then become the checkpoint? Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Sunday, May 26, 2002 at 18:01:09 (CDT) The Water Safari has always been special to me as a racer and in recent years as a photographer. I hope the photo albums have entertained and evoked memories. Photography is especially rewarding when you capture emotion, a class win and most of all a first finish. This could not have been accomplished without the continued support of all who purchesed my pictures. I am sad to announce there will be no more Safari albums. I will continue to photograph for personal pleasure and support teams as they compete. Thanks to all who have purchased photos but please make other arrangements if you want pictures of this year's race. Thanks again, Kevin Bradley Kevin Bradley <bradleyk@GVTC.com> - Sunday, May 26, 2002 at 12:50:15 (CDT) I'm sure Howard was quite a guy. I can't imagine rowing backwards 260 miles down the river. Sore neck!! He built some nice wood rowing rigs that will be enjoyed by people for years to come. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 23:19:28 (CDT) Condolences to the Gore family. FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR. NO REST FOR THE WEARY # 9 Stale Greek <www.stalegreek.com> - Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 17:38:00 (CDT) HOWARD I WILL MISS U. THE SAFARI LOST PART OF ITS 'LORE. I WAS LUCKY EHNOUGH TO HAVE RACED AGAINST U AND SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER. I'M SURE THE LORD HAS A SET OF OARS THAT WILL FIT U'RE HAND DUDE. SEEE YA RICHARD MILLER <richetel@yahoo.com> - Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 21:17:02 (CDT) Howard Gore, one of the Safari greats, passed away yesterday. Visitaion is this evening in Lake Jackson and the funeral is tomorrow 2:00PM in Freeport. He was a great competitor and a great contributor to the sport in Texas. Let's all keep his family in our prayers and remember him during the Safari this year. John Mark Harras <JohnMarkHarras@PZLQS.com> - Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 07:57:07 (CDT) SOS, 911: My TC seems to be receiving a "can't refuse" job offer (eating, feedings kids is a good thing). Hence I urgently need a patient TC who would like to help make a small, happy bit of history. John Stockwell <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 17:20:37 (CDT) Hey "Tie Guys". I enjoyed your site. Lots of good pics. See you at the river. Asleep at the Keel <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 14:38:41 (CDT) I paddled the entire San Marcos between Christmas and New Year: high water, three or four fallen trees only, but the Old Mill rapid was "interesting" and I didn't run it. I suppose that the Old Mill is not a problem right now. Are you running it on the right side? I am planning to arrive to TX a few days before the race and do some paddling including Palmetto-Gonzales. Marek Uliasz, Colorado <uliasz@frii.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 12:55:37 (CDT) Last year, I photographed all boats at Rio Vista, then we drove to Cottonseed, walked along a long line of parked cars and waited at least 20 minutes or longer for the first boat (http://www.frii.com/~uliasz/wayfarer/tws2001a.htm). I believe that first boats arrive at Cottonseed in about 1 hour. This year I am not photographing but paddling. However, maybe, I should photograph again at Rio Vista and then go to the start ... It wouldn't affect my overall safari performance. Marek Uliasz <uliasz@frii.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 12:46:53 (CDT) I experienced my first "safari sickness" while participating in last years race and I now find myself feeling sick because I am not participating in this year's race. I do plan to be at the start and will have my sons with me. Ages 4 1/2 and 1 1/2. After the start of the race I plan on going to Cottonseed to watch the boats come through. How long will it take to drive there from the start of the race, and how long is it before the first boats arrive there? Thanks...Jeff Jeff Jouett <jj@visualcnc.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 12:13:28 (CDT) Paddled Gonzo checkpoint to Pecan Grove checkpoint on Saturday - clean and green all the way, with the usual minor sweepers. There is one area with a few down trees (open on river left). There was also large cypress tree down all the way across the river just before the bridge. TH Tom Helm <tom.m.helm@bhpbilliton.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 10:16:38 (CDT) Most of this website is aimed at the novice, or less experienced Safariest.... I expect the old timers will see the stretch between Palmetto & the confluence as old hat. Less experienced boaters should still check it out.
At this water level, it isn't all that bad, low but not at all pushy. If the water rises during the race, and especially for the slower boats, doing this stretch at night... it could still be....'interesting'. Bunch of us paddled Luling to Gonzo 90a this weekend. It really is not that bad. Water is low but far from bone dry (it will go down some more if we don't get some rain). As for the junk, I had to get out of my boat 5 times: Palmetto lwb, Ottine, Son of Ott (takes 1 min to run boat down to the left), above S o O had to shove it over a 4 inch pipe to the left of tree roots (1 min or less), and below Palmetto there is a large jammer but with a straightforward portage up the bank and around to the right. ???What's the report on the "Gnarly" above Luling? John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 08:44:57 (CDT) Just wait to see the FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR ,gonadians this year. nothing less than double D's... COME OOOOON! An eliment that is, well...A tool, if you will,put in place to thrust our aluminum canoe into a new relm of mind boggle. YES! Here we come again, to set you free... Sincerly, FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR!!! No rest for the weary. stacy h greer <www.stacyhgreer.com> houston, tx usa - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 01:29:36 (CDT) just wait to see the FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR ,gonadians this year. nothing less than double D's... COME OOOOON! An eliment that is, well...A tool, if you will,put in place to thrust our aluminum canoe into a new relm of mind boggle. YES! Here we come again, to set you free... Sincerly, FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR!!! No rest for the weary. stacy h greer <www.stacyhgreer.com> houston, tx usa - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 01:21:41 (CDT) Geee.... Bob GREAT pix! Looks like a busy Saturday night for all the slow people. Calling all River Fairies!!! Bring your Saws and lots of elbow grease or be prepared to crawl through it in the dark :( Where are the big boat guys when you need them! CaptJack <captjack@ev1.net> - Monday, May 20, 2002 at 23:28:02 (CDT) I'm planning on doing Luling to Gonzo this Sunday. Looking for a shuttle if anyone is doing the same section. let me know. Will probably camp in Palmetto on Sat evening. mike mike stinson <stinsonmike@hotmail.com> - Monday, May 20, 2002 at 21:57:57 (CDT) Thanks for the pics! jon.schoepflin@nextel.com - Monday, May 20, 2002 at 17:37:29 (CDT) Lots of excitement on the lower San Marcos: Ran from Lulling down to Gonzo this weekend. Seems like every 100 yards there is a tree dropped directly across the river. LOTS of strainers. At this water level, they are not particularly dangerous, but they are a great nuisance. At slightly higher water, they could be very dangerous. Please scout the section from Palmetto to the Guadelupe confluence carefully ! A few pictures to illustrate: LogJam03.jpg
There is a 150' log jam between Palmetto & Slayden. Too loose to carry accross, too firm to bulldoze through: LogJam01.jpgSon of Ottine is currently unrunnable: SonOfOttine05.jpgYou can carry through the shallows on river right, and then over the fallen tree trunk: SonOfOttine07.jpgAlso, lots of evidence of river termites which happen to be making nice shoots through certain strainers. Lets be safe out there ! Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu> - Monday, May 20, 2002 at 17:11:42 (CDT) Rainmaker - Jay = I reckon you have the paddle now. Guess I need to get it one of these days. Please give me a call when in the area. Is there a big race coming up soon? Sure seems to be a lot of buzz on this billboard about some race. Take care and thanks. Chris Huff n Puff <agiedc@itouch.net> - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 23:23:37 (CDT) FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR # 9 Willie Nelson <Willie@everbodyssomebody.com> - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 18:56:54 (CDT) Does anyone know when the Safari entry list will be updated??? Thanks Boater - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 14:53:13 (CDT) Rain dance! Rain dance! RainMaker, do yr thing! john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 10:33:08 (CDT) Found-Polar Heartminder Heart rate monitor at the big jam between Palmetto and Slayden. If it's yours let me know. Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.com> - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 01:17:31 (CDT) Is anyone going to be on the San Marcos between Luling 90 and Palmetto Park on Saturday? I plan on running that section and need a shuttle. charlie stewart <isdcps@chron.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 22:25:28 (CDT) Anyone interested in Lithium batteries with "bomb proof" packaging please call Bob Fay at Spectrum Batteries - 281-533-9596. Be prepared with the voltage and wattage rating of the bulb you intend to run and the length of time you HONESTLY plan to need illumination. This is a company located in Brookshire, Texas (a few miles west of Katy) that specializes in applications for oil field electronic equipment and wants to provide packs tailored specifically for the Safari at the best possible cost. Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 18:45:47 (CDT) I just don't remember too clearly about her angina. She had a white stetson and an orange rodeo suit. She kept saying "You come over here, darling, and have a drink..." Eventually that became, "Whassa matter? U too good to drink with li'l ole me?" Her 2 sisters told me sotte voce that it might be best if I did... I kept looking upstream hoping for reinforcements, maybe I could introduce Kieffers Ken and Karl and hit the river before they caught on... When she got up, bottle in hand, I dived... Now, Ken and Karl never caught up with me that night and I've always wondered... John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 16:59:51 (CDT) Need your safari boat rigged? Composit water jug holders, bike bottle holders, pill bottle holders, rudders, lights, you name it. Phil Bowden (512)787-0535 Phil Bowden <pbowden@austin.rr.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 15:17:49 (CDT) I need some help, Please!!! My name is Scott Shirey and I will be covering the 2002 TWS as a freelance journalist with the goal of getting a fairly ambitious article published about the race. A well known national publication has at least committed to reviewing the submission for potential publication, but they have made no promises yet. I have explored other options as well and feel somewhat confident that this article will get some good exposure. What I need from y'all are email addresses of racers and captains participating in the 2002 TWS. I have an email questionaire that I would like to send out to everyone which will help me get to know you better and give me some perspective while I am covering your incredible exploits during the race. Thank you for your help. Scott Shirey 512-796-8364 Shirey@cometaustin.com Scott Shirey <Shirey@cometaustin.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 10:42:39 (CDT) Actually the Swan Slayer got a great look at Bugge's 9-man as it pulled around at Gonzo 90 last year. Hansen got to stare at Bugge's back disapearing in the distance. My fear is getting the same view of Bugge's solo boat from the same Swan Slayer. If that happens someone please bring kerosene and matches and we'll send the boat to its ultimate reward. Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 00:20:50 (CDT) 99 boats entered early. Is that more than last year's early entrants? 113 boats entered last year. Looks like another record could be set this year!! Tom <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 00:10:11 (CDT) Bob Brooks, check with Robert Youens or Zoltan Mraz to get a good description of the 2001 Bugge boat...... doug <dm@grs.com> - Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 13:27:17 (CDT) Anyone know the exact length of John Bugge's 9-man last year ? I need to update the Trivia page:
trivia.html UH... After the Prelim one of the good guys in our community complimented me and some of the other oldies for our efforts and said he understood we were "recapturing our childhoods..." To which I said, "Huh?" (He meant well.) Thing is, they don't teach us in school about aging and prostates and angina and such. Basically, I don't recommend any of it. My advice: If you are given a choice, Don't (age). But, "Recapturing childhood?" I'm paddling for the same reason I played soccer as a youth, fought internationally for 15 years, international rugby, tennis, and chess, for decades: fun and fitness. At no point have I been noticeably out of shape. Gave up tennis about 5 years ago (my old pal died on me) and took up canoe racing. Must say that I was prolly better at rugby and judo than Safari. Never was outstanding at ultradistance, thought playing back-to-back rugby games, or 2 tennis 5-setters in one day was "endurance." Little did I know. I rather like to sleep. Anyway, we'll never know if I might have been any good. Prolly not very. Came in about middle in the Prelim, which means about 30 YOUNGER people were ahead of me. And, 30 younger people were behind me. I can't speak for Roger and Zoltan, or John Smith, but have the impression that they've been "paddling straight on thru..." like me. Don't mean to ramble. But, all you "kids" have a lot of years/decades of fun to look forward to, male and female, IF YOU STAY FIT. Age does take its toll: I believe we can count about 15 solo efforts by oldies since I've been around, and only Tore has finished (2x!!) (But, we're all pretty sure he's an android.) Anywho, I've got $5 on Zoltan to finish this year. And, I just might get lucky one of these years. Speaking of which: good luck, all! John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 22:54:12 (CDT) Looking for anyone interested in shuttling this weekend. Saturday, May 18 - paddling Staples to Luling 90. Sunday, May 19 - paddling Palmetto to Gonzo 90A or Gonzo 183. Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net> - Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 16:51:26 (CDT) Snake Bite Kit, Disclaimer, I've never had to actually use mine but it looks like it will work. :) I like the Plunger type. It looks like a syringe, you place the suction cup over the wound and press down on the plunger and it causes a very strong suction that is suppose to suction out the poison. It has worked well on thorns impaled into my leg, but I havn't been unlucky enough to try it on a snake bite yet. You can get it at academy, REI and perhaps even walmart. Roy =:-) Roy Lewis <wwildchild@aol.com> - Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 08:19:51 (CDT) - FUMAR CHOCHAR MOPAR - SAVE THE BEST FOR THE LAST Willie Nelson <WN@everbodyssomebody.com> - Monday, May 13, 2002 at 17:33:16 (CDT) Snake Bite Kits --- any suggestions on where to purchase (online or in Austin area), and suggestions on type/brand/model of snake bite kits? Thanks in advance. Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Monday, May 13, 2002 at 17:08:27 (CDT) Where for art thou Fumar Couchar Mopar? The entry list is updated thru May 10th, and no Team Lukenbach? Say it isn't s Wes Sheward <wessheward@yahoo.com> - Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 18:14:00 (CDT) Hey Roy, You mean mean person. I remember that wonderful glourious looking Klondie bar. You could see the chill of the bar in the heat of the day. After 38 miles of paddle that was REAL torchure! However, with my super strong will and determination (Team's name this year) I prevailed and the devil did not suceed in tempting me. However we'll look forward to two klondie bars at the finish. My daughter wants to be the youngest to ever finish the safari at 11 years old. Thomas Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Friday, May 10, 2002 at 19:26:29 (CDT) Thomas, I don't know about most wild, but for just complete class and outstanding costume, the guys wearing burger King crowns and ties last year would have been my vote for last year at least. Perhaps there needs to be a consolation prize for best dressed, especially if carried throughout the race. Not to take away from the competitiveness of the race but rather instill a little fun. Hey wait, who said FUN this is a race, oh but wait we tourture ourselves to have FUN. HHmmnn I'm confused. Nurse more meds. Thomas, if you and your daughter are the best dressed I will personally give you two each a Klondike bar, just like the one I offered to you last year at Hochheim? (ok that was cruel (but fun) considering it was like 95 degrees and you were tempted with what would you do for a Klondik bar. Roy =:-) Roy Lewis <wwildchild@aol.com> - Friday, May 10, 2002 at 08:27:48 (CDT) For Rent, for this year's Safari. C-2 Veteran Boat . Heavy Duty reinforcement, Kevlar boat. Finished last years safari in good form. Spray Skirt,rudder, slider seats, very stable. $275.00 or best offer. Roland Guerrero <roland.guerrero@amd.com> - Friday, May 10, 2002 at 00:03:14 (CDT) SOLO BOAT for rent - Three time finisher solo kayak for rent.(4th place solo unlimited in 1997, 2000, 8th place solo unlimited in 2001) Includes boat, water jugs, spray skirt, light system, emergency single paddle, double paddle, PDF, Course description booklet, Team Captain manual with maps, racer equipment list, Team Captain equipment list. Will rent now till after finish of race.$ 250.00. email or call 972-293-6415 for further details. Thomas Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Thursday, May 09, 2002 at 16:44:24 (CDT) HEAR YEA HEAR YEA, To the "Cowboys" and other loud colorful dressers of the Safari. We "Team Determination" do here by challenge all to the be the "loudest/brightest" dressers of the race. We believe we have it in the bag and will even put a case of beer or soda on the line to prove it. We'll even let you pick the judges since all paddlers are so honest! See you at the Safari. Thomas & Kathryn Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Thursday, May 09, 2002 at 16:34:44 (CDT) A reminder: The TCRA will hold it's Unlimited Championship race this Saturday, May 11 at Palmetto State Park, just south of I-10 off Hwy 183. Registration starts at 8 AM, with the following race start times: USCA 9:00 AM Solo (men and women) 9:10 Tandem (men, women, mixed) 9:20 3+ persons (genderless) 9:30 The USCA class is open to any USCA boat: Cruiser, Standard,or Aluminum. Registration fee is $10 for TCRA members and $15 for non-members. There will be an opportunity to join TCRA at registration. For more information or to volunteer to help with the race, contact Ginger Turner (512)459-5742 or Ginger Turner <gingerct@juno.com> - Thursday, May 09, 2002 at 07:11:01 (CDT) Paddlers...It's that time of year again...SAFARI time. Once again I'll be at the finish line awaiting your arrival, to assist you on your road to recuperation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Please call 713-355-HAND (4263) to make a (tentative) massage appointment to add the ultimate finishing touch to your 2002 TEXAS WATER SAFARI. Your SAFARI massage specialist- Carole A. Penning RMT - Wednesday, May 08, 2002 at 12:54:40 (CDT) A 3' X 6' silver lame sleeping bag (?) with velcro closures at the open end and a small net rectangle sewn into the other closed end was left on my car at the Prelim Finish in Victoria CP Saturday. If you are looking for it, let me know. Laura Fatter <lefatter1@mmm.com> - Wednesday, May 08, 2002 at 08:16:08 (CDT) I understand you had a race there this past weekend. Where can I view the results? Tony Short <backyardriver@nmo.net> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 22:50:37 (CDT) I drank 1.25 gals Sat and did not p for 6 hours.(Had the fluid in the front and the trim of my boat changed when it was gone.) Did not bonk, was strong eno at the end, but did not p much for 12 more hours..... (AM WRITING THIS FROM NOME, AL, WHERE I AM PREPARING TO PADDLE THE BERING STRAITS SAFARI IN JUNE/ PLS NO ONE MENTION MY WHEREABOUTS IN THE LULING RODEO COMMUNITY). goodpaddle <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 16:21:41 (CDT) I talked to Caldwell Co. SO and the Highway Patrol troopers in Luling and they will start patrolling the Hwy 90 bridge checkpoint more often on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Seguin bridge is outside Luling PD's area but they will probably be the first to arrive if you call 911 needing help. If you have a problem there but do not need police assistance, call Caldwell Co. SO (512-398-4343) and let them know about the problems you are having. The more instances they know of trouble down there the closer they will patrol the area. Above all else, stay safe. Darryl Jiral #3711 <drj@co.hays.tx.us> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 14:14:47 (CDT) Ken K.,I pray that the Colonel realizes what a special friend he has in someone who will go through such an exhaustive search to find a motivative team captain prospect such as the likes of RODEO GAL!....it truely warms my heart to see the lengths that one will go to help a fellow safariest get to Seadrift!!....In fact, I am so touched by this revelation that I would be honored to be RODEO GALS "special assistant captain" come June!....while she`s waitin on the Colonel she could show me a thing or two bout "Bull Ridin"!! doug <dm@gs.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 13:40:27 (CDT) The Colonel just didn't know that the RODEO GAL is the front runner in the bid to be his team captian. In the ad for the job I stressed the importance of being able to intimidate a crusty ol' ex-marine back into the water....she passed the first interview with flying colors. She is in training too, and up to a liter of Jack Black before she is out cold...Don't worry she will be on top of her game come June, and if yer not careful that is not all she will be on top of... Ken K <pmf@y.c> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 13:02:17 (CDT) Hello paddling people~! How do I get on a team? When is this race? I have tons of experience with Marathon paddling but nothing like TWS. I live in Belize Central America, we have a race here called La Ruta Maya, it isn't nonstop. I love to read the stories about the snakes and alligators, we have saltwater crocs, sharks and manatee we paddle around. Sounds like maybe we could get some of the TWSer's down here to play. Nothing like Luling 90 here, the worst is the rude Howler monkeys at Bermudian Landing.
Ever hear of the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge? 170 miles over four days. Check out the website, www.bighjuices.com I have completed the race twice and it was alot of fun and beautiful vistas along the Belize River. It is for three paddlers only in a 16 foot canoe or now they are building 3 person 20 footers specially for the race. I reccommend it to anyone women, men and mixed. The only thing that womens cash prizes are grossly unbalanced for the men to the womens teams. IE. mens 1st place-$3000
womens 1st place- $900.00 Aside from that it is a good race. AND NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY....!! Colonel Stockwell shatters the all time record to Palmetto as Kieffer pulls into Luling to face the forlorn rantings of the 300LB RODEO GAL!!!.........what happend next??? more safari lore?? doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 11:13:58 (CDT) Water usage: I agree with John that water usage is highly individual. I am constantly fighting dehydration, tend to drink more than most. I went through 3 jugs on Saturday, for instance, my partner went through only 2. Particularly on the first day, I really have to force hydration, after which my body adapts and fluid needs go down. Don't know any scientific basis behind this, but it's pretty consistent with me. Jay's pee test is pretty much the only way to really know if you're getting enough, although many times you won't pee at all for the first few hours of the race. Jerry Brown <jsbrown15@attbi.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 11:12:25 (CDT) I tried using a bite valve once and promptly ditched it. It caused more resistance, making harder to suck the water, and caused my mouth to hurt. I use 3/16" ID tubing, works fine for me even with longer tubes. I think part of the problem that some folks run into is that they try to suck really hard to get the same amount that they might through a regular straw in their Sonic Cherry Limeade (love those). Just keep a little bit going almost constantly rather than trying to chug, may work better for you. Jerry Brown <jsbrown15@attbi.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 11:05:11 (CDT) Perils of Luling: Couple of years ago I narrowly escaped being pummeled at Luling gravel bar by a 300-lb female rodeo person. Running fm SMCP to Palmetto, was waiting for Kieffer to go into Luling for dinner. She and pals were drinking hard whisky, to loud music. She wanted to talk, wanted me to drink. I was polite for ten minutes then tried to excuse myself so I could tweak my boat and rest. She took offense, became increasingly belligerent--little question in my mind that she was capable of throwing a serious right hook, or sitting on me, if she got the chance. Craven, I eventully shoved my boat out into the current and dived after it, while she was plowing into the water after me. Recovered my boat around the bend, and paddled on. True story. :-> :-> john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 08:38:19 (CDT) Water jugs. You are not using bite valves in your jugs? Marek Uliasz <uliasz@frii.com> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 07:31:41 (CDT) I just made up an interesting scatter chart of the results of last weekend's race. I graphed times against Classes: 02trmrGraph.html Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu> - Tuesday, May 07, 2002 at 02:14:10 (CDT) Vance- I agree with Jay- if you're using 3/8" hose on your water jug- that's what's making your jaw muscles sore. Use the 3/8" tubing to come out of the jug a few inches- then run the rest in 1/4" - I put the 3/8" tubing in boiling water and put the 1/4" tubing in the freezer before I put them together- it makes it a lot easier - I get my white rubber corks at a place that sells supplies for making home made beer - I put a "V" slot in the bottom of the 3/8" tube so that it can't pull a suction on the bottom of the jug - I also put a piece of a plastic toothpick between the 3/8" tubing where it goes through the rubber cork- for a small vent hole. The 1/4" tube never makes my jaw sore- the 3/8" tube sure did! The following URL address goes to a picture of one of my waterjugs. Safari Jugs CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 21:44:58 (CDT) Vance: you probably need to go to a smaller drink tube. The smaller the diameter the easier it is to get fluid through. Look at the tubes on a Camel Back or such system and they are about 1/4" id. Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 19:27:16 (CDT) Luling 90 problems. I have run into this before on the river. Is there anything that can be done. Should we get the Sheriff involved? Jon Schoepflin <jon.schoepflin@nextel.com> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 18:34:02 (CDT) Have any of you experienced a sore mouth after paddling all day?? The pain is hard to describe, but it hurts especially when I eat. The pain is generally in the roof of my mouth and lasts a day or so. It may be attributed to drink tubes, but I don't know for sure. Serious replies only, please. Vance Jones <gvj4@hotmail.com> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 18:24:56 (CDT) Marek, water consumption is a very individual thing. Dave Bartell and I seem to "pump" a lot more fluid that some others, for me almost twice as much as some. Over time you can run tests: Weigh just before you paddle. Keep up with how much you drink. ?8 lbs per gallon? Weigh when you take out. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 17:51:48 (CDT) Beware of Luling 90. When I came through there was a large party upstream from the bridge with the most viscious dogs I've seen in a while. Thank God for deep water there. They were filling the river up with beer cans. As i came by the parking lot a gang started throwing rocks at me. They missed me but hit the boat once. Luling 90 seems to have reverted to it's former self. I certainly would not have wanted to have had my shuttle parked there. Phil Bowden <pbowden@austin.rr.com> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 01:54:29 (CDT) When I started doing the TWS an old timer told me that if I was peeing less than every two hours I wasn't drinking enough. If I was peeing more than once an hour I was drinking too much. I suppose thats not very scientific but it seems to work. On log clearing: If someone is inclined to think log clearing is the proper thing to do would they please get the 17 or 18 major logs (including two Jams) between Palmetto and 90A. I mean forget hte daylight stuff if you're gonna do it, get the stuff we're (at least I) gonna see in the dark! Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 01:13:56 (CDT) Marek, Here is a link I followed from the Tips & Guides section of this website: Hydrate Or DieKent <shout@thisthing.net> - Monday, May 06, 2002 at 00:03:00 (CDT) Marek On water consumption. It depends on how heavy a sweater you are. I sweat a bunch. Last year I consumed about one quart per hour, but we were going at a moderate pace. When we pick up the pace on our practice runs I consume close to 2 quarts per hour when the weather is hot. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 23:47:02 (CDT) Roger, I loved yr account of 1963, the history, lore, and insights. Had thought about noting that people were zinging our only "original." Besides jam cleaning/riverratting is therapeutic. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 21:17:23 (CDT) Correction, Laura Fatter. Still hypoxic from the race (or was it all the beer?!). Susie Jechow <jec@delrio.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 18:19:56 (CDT) Can anyone tell me what happened to Laura McFatter in the River Marathon? Susie Jechow <jec@delrio.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 18:13:14 (CDT) On water consumption, 1/2 gallon every four hours seems to keep me going. Roger Zimmerman <a-zsurplus@tisd.net> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 16:18:28 (CDT) Ice. Are there any formal restrictions on ice containers during safari? Marek Uliasz <uliasz@frii.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 11:44:13 (CDT) Water consumption. Does anybody have experience how much water is needed when paddling in different climates: Texas - very hot and humid and Colorado, Utah, etc - not so hot, but very dry and often windy. I understand that in Texas about 1 quart/hour is recommended. I suspect that when paddling in dry Colorado I may be loosing more water. Even with relatively cool temperatures in May I don't have troubles to drink 1 quarter or more per hour. I need to extrapolate my Colorado paddling experience to the Texas conditions. Marek Uliasz <uliasz@frii.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 11:39:52 (CDT) My bad -- our "after" picture from the '92 TWS is at the "Stories and Photos" part of this site.... ahhhh, and it feels like it was only yesterday... (no -- yesterday's Prelim wasn't anywhere close to that of the '92 TWS!) Mary Wilson <icanoe40@yahoo.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 09:32:04 (CDT) To Linda and all others involved in the organization and running of the Prelim yesterday -- THANKS !!! It's always great to know u r there! And a HUGE congratulations to all the novice teams who finished the race! Welcome to the Prelim. (this is JUST a taste of what's in store for u...). Now, two side notes: first, Bob Brooks and I stayed at the Country Comfort RV Park in Victoria Friday night -- nice place, but NO comfort -- no showers or toilets! Nope, not even a port-a-potty. But alas, we thank Scott "Asleep at the Keel" Johnson for the use of his toilet and shower if needed -- he camped right next to us! And, on my second side note: my 2-cents worth on clearing downed trees/log jams at Palmetto State Park -- many folks swim in the river at the park and some could potentially be swept downstream, consequently into a downed tree. I had a friend drown on the Brazos at Hearne in 1990 because he dove in to save his son who'd slipped off a sand bar while walking back to shore. Both had become trapped in a tree that was submerged and out of sight. I have no qualms about clearing any trees or debris of this sort at or below a swimming or fishing area. On the rest of the river, I see no problem with it either as when water levels rise, that debris often is carried further downstream to cause more problems (perhaps for those living on the river and who swim off their land adjacent to the river). Again, my experience and my opinion. (ahhhh, I love America!) p.s..... for those who do not know me, I am a 1992 finisher, a TWS Race Official in 1999 (Staples and Gonzales 183 Gravel Bar), and am competing again this yr with Bob Brooks -- I'm the one on the left in the picture of 3 raggedy paddlers and a clean team captain on his unofficial safari homepage.) Mary Wilson <icanoe40@yahoo.com> - Sunday, May 05, 2002 at 09:24:26 (CDT) Now to more serious matters. I have nearly completed an Excel spreadsheet showing all the TWS finishers, 1963-2001, to go in the History section of this web page. And let us not forget to thank Bob Brooks for his good work in hosting the web page. I am missing the 1983 TWS records. If anyone has it, could you mail me a copy and say you did it on the Billboard so I don't waste people's time with multiple copies. Thanks, Roger Zimmerman 210 Madera Dr. Victoria, TX 77905 Roger Zimmerman <a-zsurplus@tisd.net> - Saturday, May 04, 2002 at 22:27:25 (CDT) Hey folks!!! If you wanted log jams, you should have been with me on the 347 mile 1963 TWS. There were 59 log jams on the San Marcos River. Not just a tree across, but big tangled jams, many stacked up as high as the river banks and many several 100 feet long. There was a log jam below highway 35 that was 3 miles long. No one cleared the river back then except the GBRA, who concentrated from the Salt Water Barrier up to the Railroad Trestle. If people don't clear the river it will be like that again. Every one of those trees down across the river will be the start of a big log jam. In 1963 after portaging around the 3 mile log jam below Hiway 35 in misquotes so heavy you could hardly breathe, we had a mandatory portage to the right (down toward the wooden bridge) across 2 miles of swamps, mud and even more misquotes into the bay and paddled across to Austwell. It took some boats a full day to do this portage and several quit the race because it was too tough for them. They gave us 9 days to get to Austwell because of the log jams and the overland portage. The lead boat's time was into Austwell was 96:35 (4 day 35 minutes) and they were rowing at a good pace. I was one of the last ones into Austwell arriving in the afternoon of the 7th day in the first solo boat down the river. No other solo boats got to Austwell. We had to camp out on the beach at Austwell until the morning of the 10th day for the three bay legs to Corpus to start. Many of us were out of food and scrounged crabs and oysters. They did give us water there and in the mornings before each bay leg, but nothing until you got to the next camp. Each bay leg started at official sunrise and you had to be to the next camp by official sundown. We hit 40 knot winds on the 11th day down around Rock Port. Around 56 boats started in San Marcos and 15 of us were left in the race at Austwell. Eleven boats capsized in 6-8 foot breaking swells and were rescued by the Coast Guard or swam there own way to shore. Four boats, me included, reached the inland intercoastal canal and proceeded not only against the wind, but against an outgoing tide. Only two reached reached Ingleside before official sundown. I was a couple of miles short and got disqualified. Only two boats finished the race. The GBRA back then kept the Guadalupe reasonably clear above the salt water barrier and they have been doing a fairly good job from Dupont to the bay in the last couple of years. Otherwise you would have miles long jams between Dupont and the bay. Do you want GBRA to stop their cleaning of log jams? Heaven forbid!! So don't tell me what a tough TWS is like. I've been on one of the toughest ones. We had to drink river water while on the river. Don't know when they started team captians to hand out water and ice. What we have now is nothing like back then. An even tougher one was the 1966 377 mile TWS that ended in Freeport. Only one boat finished. So if you want tough, add the long bay legs back in. High winds in the bay has proven to be much tougher than the log jams. And make every one go solo!! Men and women against the river and bay. Let me hasten to add that I would rate the river part of the current TWS races as tough or tougher than the first race, but for different reasons. The river portion (including to Austwell or Seadrift) of the race was shortened from 9 days (216 hours) in 1963 to the current 100 hours (4 days 4 hours). In 1963 I only heard of one boat paddling at night and they turned over and lost all their food. Got disqualified at Austwell because they had more food. You now have to paddle at night to finish and many paddle straight through with no sleep. With fewer log jams, you sit in the boat and paddle longer at a time and body parts go to sleep, your butt hurts, you hallucinate, you have trouble standing when you do get out, you get cramps, you get nauseated, some loose their ability to navigate or think clearly, etc. etc. So in a way, fewer log jams make it harder because you paddle longer at a time. People also run higher heart rates and paddle a lot faster now than back in 1963. If you ever see me trimming the river again, just don't thank me on the Bulletin Board. Besides, how much trimming could a 64 year old do anyway? I'm too old and lazy to do much. Jay, if you want to put this in the TCRA newsletter you have my permission. Roger Zimmerman Class of 1963 Roger Zimmerman <a-zsurplus@tisd.net> - Saturday, May 04, 2002 at 22:16:36 (CDT) I like to brag a little bit and I like to beat people that I don't like. Most people like to brag at least a little. What if someone I don't like says "I did the safari in 56 hours last year". And I said "well I did it in 62 hours this year, but I would have beat your time if it wer'nt for all those log jams that nobody cleared because they did'nt think that it was natural to clear them". Do you think what I said is going to mean anything, NO IT WON'T. My friend will just say "Yea, excuses. Excuses are like buttholes, everybody's got one and they all stink. And I will go down in the books as having a worse time than my friend whom I don't care for. It is justifiable to have a slower time when the water is flowing slower, you can always look at the cfs records and have a good excuse, but nobody keeps a record of how bad thelog jams were. Go Chainsaws!! True Texan <Willcall@hotmail.com> - Friday, May 03, 2002 at 23:43:53 (CDT) I'm in Victoria tonight away from my computer. Tried to access the Safari sight to print out an entry form for tomorrow's race and can't get the link to work. Is the site down? Wanted to fill it out tonight vs. tomorrow. See some of you at the race. Jeff Jouett <jj@visualcnc.com> - Friday, May 03, 2002 at 18:59:39 (CDT) For Sale: South African K-1, Flyte Model, Fiberglass layup w/ overstern rudder and spray skirt included. Excellent condition, has only seen flat water. 500$ Epic Excalibur Mid (Wing) 2 piece length lock, cost ~470$ barely used will sacrifice for 350$. Epic Wayfarer one piece w/ safari feather angle - good condition 250$. Can deliver to Prelim or Unlimited races. Ken Kieffer <perromasfuerte@yahoo.com> - Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 12:11:23 (CDT) It's true, I saw very few snakes during the race, as compared to the multitude we counted to entertain ourselves during practice. Now, regarding the front-runners scaring off the snakes....I guess that makes sense, but if you go as slow as we did, I think the snakes would have safely assumed the race was over by the time we got down to the lower Guad. Regarding the gators, don't worry about them. By the time you get to gator country, you will not give a damn about the gators! We had to portage over a tree down in gator country in the middle of the night, and the gators seemed quite entertained. They were swimming around trying to get better viewpoints, I think, to watch our efforts. I hope they were small, but hard to tell when all you see is the glowing red eyes....even the big ones have narrow, beady eyes. Only time I worried about them was when 'natured' called that same night during a big portage. It is amazing what wrapping a rope around your waist and pulling a boat will do to a previously inactive digestive system....... Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmail.com> - Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 11:36:10 (CDT) Thanks, Capt J.K.-----That makes perfect sense about the snakes and gators. Gives me warm fuzzies. Now, as far as practice runs go, I'll just use all the accumulated knowledge about rigging lights to the boat, and apply it towards a couple hundred watts of heavy-metal off the bow as I approach gator-land. Oughta get 'em scampering. I don't think duracell will suffice, though. I'm thinking deep cycle marine cells---(whoa! I'm only kidding!!! I think some pissed off landowner or fisherman would be far more dangerous than a ol' alligator). Kent <shout@thisthing.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 23:56:42 (CDT) "Cleanin' up the river" It doesn't mean squat what we say or what we feel about the river because Kiefer is right! The week before the race Bugge, the Mynars- etal will do a quick run down to make sure there's nothing there that can slow down the big boats. It's their race- we are all the also rans / maybe finished? - To the guy worried about the snakes? by the time you get to an obstacle where a snake or a gator might have been hangin' out- nada- not during the race- too many other people plowin' down the river ahead of you. It's not like practicing on the river before the race- by the time you run 100+ boats down the course in the time frame of a few hours- you won't see any wildlife- unless your DeVoglaer & Shea :) CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 18:31:16 (CDT) Richard- Klausmeyer's probably not around his puter at the moment- but yeah- he & Balcolm did their Novice Aluminum in 97 and ran Standard in 99. They were also the officials at 236 in 98. CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 18:19:39 (CDT) Hey Greg have u finished a TWS? If so, what year? This befor i unload on u. RICHARD MILLER TEAM GRUMPY OLD MEN richard miller team grumpy old men <richetel@yahoo.com> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 18:13:48 (CDT) Futzing with the course is like paving the Baja 500. If you want to keep it known as "The Worlds Toughest Boat" you should let nature do its thing. I agree completely with Mackay and Kieffer. In fact Doug and I are bringing in scrap logs and creating 3 jams on Thursday before the race Won't tell you where they will be but -hint "near rapids". I guess that will make us River "Gnomes". Cue the evil laughter. Greg Klausmeyer <hammer1@pdq.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 16:33:34 (CDT) A reminder that all who pre-registered for the Prelim still need to check in to sign insurance waivers (they must be witnessed) and to pick up t-shirts. The put-in there is very narrow and steep allowing only one boat at a time to launch so get there early enough to be in the water ready to start at 9 a.m. Good luck to all and see you there. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 16:11:09 (CDT) For Tom Pope and others. I placed results of a lantern battery test (2 6 volt Duracells in series driving an MR11 12v12w bulb)in the tips and suggestions section. Before the veteran karate chops come I do acknowledge that I AM a Safari FNG - actually at over 50 I'm a Safari FONG - a @#$%... Old New Guy. Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net> - Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 14:18:52 (CDT) First of all, let me say I'm not racing this year, and not until I've adequately scouted the entire course.--------- So, uh, about these water mocassins... What is the ratio of sightings for land vs. water, i. e., sightings-while-portaging/sightings-while-paddling? I've only been on the San Marcos once, and never on the Guadelupe, so I know nothing of log jams. I'm think that seeing snakes in the wa ter is not nearly scary as bumping into one on a portage. I suppose the same for log jams. I know they love to sit on branches overhanging from shore. I've heard they can be territorial and aggressive. Yow! I read somewhere on one of the TWS websites that no participant ever been bit. I don't want to be first (or second, third, etc...)!--------- My worst experience with snakes was on Brushy Creek in Round Rock. Stay away from Brushy Creek!!! I discovered the creek and thought it looked excellent. I'm a sit-on-top kayaker and love to find streams and paddle all day upstream, leaving time to paddle back. I love fighting the current, but sometimes I have to walk a lot upstream, pulling the boat. I thought the creek passed under Parmer Lane. I parked in Round Rock and began my journey upstream. It was shallower than it looked from the road, but I thought it was deep enough for a fantasic ride all the way back. I was obsessed with making it to Parmer Lane. I hoped to find a put-in/take-out at Parmer Ln, scout that section of stream, etc. I finally made it to the road. It was not Parmer, it was FM1431. I turned around to go home, and the water was too shallow to float home. Boy did I feel stupid. I walked back most of the way. I suppose it totalled about a 15 mile round trip. It sucked.--------- After a couple hours, I made a mistake and went river left, instead of river right. The stream dead ended in a shallow pool, about 20ft across, about one foot deep. Snakes sleeping in the mud starting zinging across the pool in every direction. There were tens of them, and I was terrified. It was close to sundown. I was prepared to head back upstream until I found a take-out, just leave my boat and walk to my truck if I had to. A $600 kayak is not worth a poison snake bite. Fortunately the shore at the downstream end of the pool consisted largely of wide open, flat rocky area. It was really grassy, good for snakes, but I guess the stream had kept it generally swept clean. Unfortunately, the only way back to the creek was either back through the snakes or through dense trees and undergrowth (more snakes?). My kayak is the Ride by Wilderness Systems, and at 13.5ft long, I stood at the stern and slowly shoved the boat into the trees, rustling it around, hoping to scare away any snakes that may lay ahead.-------- It's wierd, cuz of that 'it can't happen to me syndrome'. At the time, I'm was thinking simultaneously 1)its so hard to believe its gonna happen to me, and 2)people really DO get snake bites, and how could I possibly get out of here without getting munched?-------- I'm scared of all the portaging on the Safari. And what about those gators?!?!
Chris paddack and I used D cells to power a 12v 12w MR-11 for our practice runs in 2000. We used 10 to give a voltage of 15. They would last us for about 5 different 3 hour night runs. This is in line with John's time of 10 hours as Alkaline batteries will "recover" if unused for a period of time. After the 5th night run they would come on but would soon after change to a sickly yellow golw. Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 21:31:06 (CDT) I should have said that the 6 volt batteries I opened were Duracell. They had the same part number as the D cells. It sounds like energizer makes a better 6 volt. A note to those using MR-11's. Their design voltage is 13.5. Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 21:04:09 (CDT) But Norm- yuz forgot to tell the FNGs that's yuz a "RANGER" and that's why you put up will all that S_*T! and if you never walk out of the woods at Benning- they don't come lookin' fur ya... (sounds like Doug's lease at AlligatorLk :) I sleep paddled from Swingin Bridge to Tivoli last year zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.................remember to tie your paddle to you or the boat! as long as you or the boat are going SE you'll eventually get there.... maybe... CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 18:25:36 (CDT) Man, oh man, love this billboard --- stopped laughing long enough to decide to put my two cents in -- and you oughta know I'm just an ig'nant unskilled paddler who loves this race, first did it and finished in '78 with a buddy in a big old aluminum barge and a rucksack full of Chef Boyardee, then 20 years later got a few solos in a rudderless plastic sit on top, and an old/, was a pretty good kevlar, til I busted it in Cottenseed/ canoe --- anybody who 's bored with how easy this race/adventure is oughta jump in your scow and come with me: take the tour through the monkey temple that is between Victoria and Dupont (the 4 hr. side trip down to Middle earth is worth the effort); or you can park your dinghy with me just outside of Gator Lake and take the 3 hr. nature hike/ search for a pay phone. If that merely wets your whistle for real adventure, don't eat after Victoria, dump all your water at Tivoli, and spend 10 hrs. exploring scenic San Antonio Bay; run aground with me on the sandbar in the middle of the bay and just stare at the 25 mph wind for a couple of hours ( you really can see the individual molecules zip past); or capsize with me in the barge canal, get stuck in your spray skirt til you are completely out of air, trapped by your life jacket upside down against the boat and realize how truly peaceful it is out of the wind and waves til you have to argue with yourself to come topside; finally, crab crawl the last mile through the water dragging your boat because you can't paddle and you can't stand. Then repeat annually. See you on the river. And at the logjams. And at the Mo Norm Thomas <nthomas90252@aol.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 17:57:41 (CDT) I need Fuzzy Churchman's new email add. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 17:41:18 (CDT) I opened a square Energizer lantern battery and found 4 DOUBLE D'S inside, not D-cells. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 16:06:22 (CDT) Tom, 3 years ago I cooked not a few batteries ($$) and kept notes. This could not be considered a comprehensive test, and there are a lot of variables (why people are so reluctant to post info about batt. lives-- for example, 2 years ago I got about 2 hours out of a faulty lithium pack, which proved only that there was something wrong with that l. pack). But, basically, I got over 20 hours with combinations of the 6 volt "lantern" batteries and something over 10 hours with D-cell packs. This might give you a starting point. Good luck. john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 16:04:04 (CDT) Dave It will be interesting to see the results of your battery testing. Last year we used mr 11 with two alkaline 6volt batteries in series. We got good use for 1.5 nights on each set. We took 4 batteries. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 12:37:18 (CDT) I think a lot of excellent points have been raised regarding grooming of the river, specifically the safari course. I am not a wild-eyed log hugger and when I am paddling for fun, fishing and the like I would also prefer clear passage down the river. Sometimes I think a few properly placed C-4 charges would clear up some of the more stubborn jams and open the river up for greater enjoyment. This discussion board and the people posting here are not talking about camping and fishing, we are talking about racing and granted many people that are running safari are not "racing" per se but are looking for that elusive finish. The pervasive thought with this type of safarist is the clearer the course, the fewer boat crunching possibilities, easier passage and greater chance for them to finish. With the best intentions these folks go about chopping a neat line through the stuff. Now to some of the more serious competitors you are tipping the scales to the advantage of certain classes of boat/racers through this modification of the course. Think of it as you would playing a game of chance, if you have been dealt a hand form a well shuffled deck and you get crap, it is still fair. Now if you introduce an artificial bias into your shuffling (put all face cards on top) it is no longer random or fair. Everyone has to negotiate the same set of obstacles so I say the most equitable (and random) scenario is to deal with the hand nature has dealt us, not one that has biased by our actions. Looking at the opposite end of the spectrum if modifying the course by clearing debris (and affecting certain peoples/boats advantage) should it be equally acceptable for folks to close up these passages??is this really any different? Good luck to all in the race. Ken K <pmf@y.c> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 11:08:59 (CDT) Tom, A good question that many of us newbies want answered as well. Will alkaline do the job instead of lithium? My guess is that if trying to drive the MR-11 bulb (12V, 12W),the answer is no, unless the weight of two (possibly more) change outs per night is not a factor (my arms ache already thinking about the long-haul Gonzo dam portage). Energizer's website shows that the 6 volt lantern battery is rated for higher current capacity than the D cell. So at equal voltage in series the lanterns should do better. The problem with alkaline is the assumption of voltage decay to a cutoff point in providing the capacity numbers (.8 volts for a 1.5 volt cell). It is hard to know if the bulb will continue to burn at the lower voltage. Certainly if it does it will dim considerably. So how much of the time that the bulb stays illuminated will it be useable? Beats me. Probably need a milder, lower voltage bulb than the 12V MR-11 if running alkaline. Forget the numbers. I will make run-time tests in the next week on the MR-11 bulb (12V, 12W). One test with 8 in-series D cell alkalines and one with 2 in-series lantern batteries. I'll let you know. I will also have a test on the lithium cells (at 13.2V)done very soon as well. Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 10:29:17 (CDT) RE: Kevin> Ah shucks... I meant 10%- didn't even catch the typo- 1% sounds even better :) - I noticed a few other typos floating through that post... CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 09:01:52 (CDT) RE: battery question. Tom If you are refering to the square lantern batteries they will last the same amount of time as the D cells. If you open them up you will find 4 D cells inside. Jay Daniel Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 08:52:19 (CDT) Mackay, I will be like Paul and leave this site to wonderful gentleman like you. Maybe I should ask your father-in-law about tree trimming. And yes, I trained with the Navy Seals and look forward to running my C-1s during Safari. And I bet everyone that paddles to Seadrift is thinking about Safari Lore as they pass a tree that was trimmed and opted to portage instead. Later, dude.... Henry - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 08:25:18 (CDT) 171 of 1784 is 1%, eh, CaptJack? Not to be picky, but seems closer to 10%. ;-) Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmail.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 07:20:18 (CDT) Battery Opinion wanted: What will last longer to power a 12 volt light bulb? Two 6 volt alkaline batteries in series or 8 D batteries in Series. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 00:30:55 (CDT) OK. I have a compromise for everyone. I personally think that it is extremely courteous to move debris for the next person coming down the river. I paddled the section of river that was cleared, the day before it was cleared. I did'nt enjoy getting out of river every 5 minutes to hop a log. On the Safari, I and most others will take the cleared route and you purists can take the uncleared route. That way everyone will be happy!! Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 29, 2002 at 00:26:43 (CDT) Here's one for the bird watchers. While on the river Saturday, two thirds of the Grumpy Old Men team spotted a Caracara about 25 minutes above Fentress. This is of the Falcon family and is also a bird rarely seen north of extreme south Texas. Charlie stewart <isdcps@chron.com> - Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 21:08:59 (CDT) When the first man hollowed out a log and floated down a river he started clearing the logs out of the way. We are a part of nature. If we are going to leave nature alone we have to all commit Hari-Kari and then there will be no more humanoids to mess with nature. Not trying to get in the fuss, just making a point. I am fifty eight and hope to be two of two this year. Keep clearing, us grumpy old men need all the help we can get. Sir Nate, (The Grumpiest Old Man) Nathan Stewart <sirnate@txuvcom.net> - Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 12:49:30 (CDT) Careful there young(Novice) grasshopper(Woodrow) least the Master Elites come take a chainsaw to you! - This race has a pecking order(Rank) and you're not even a Private E-1 yet- If you finish you're first race in Novice Aluminum they might raise your rank to PFC. Be careful- some Major or Colonel RiverRat doen't come squash you like a little newbie- best to keep your opinions to yourself :) CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 09:17:20 (CDT) P.S. to my last mail, Big Willie and Frank Brown did'nt have a soul clearing trees for them. To clear the river is an insult to their great efforts. Anything less would be comparing Powell's expidition to the lazy river at the water park. OK , I'm goig to be frank; if you feel you need debris cleared in the race; then maybe you don't need to be in the race. woodrow courtney <hellbentcelt@aol> - Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 00:34:13 (CDT) the work of those clearing the river, I do appreciate, but the nature of this race I also feel, has been comprimised.I understand that I am a novice at this race, but I think I have the concept down like a old head, "man against nature". to make this race anything else would be turning it into one of those "unnamed" shoe company races. Please, let the dice roll as they may. Leave the river alone. The true race is against the river, not against each other. woodrow courtney <hellbentcelt@aol> - Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 23:44:59 (CDT) Harvey Babb has moved to Gonzales Warm Springs Rehab Center near Palmetto Park. Spoke with him on the phone this afternoon and he seems to be doing well. Keep up those prayers for the Babbs. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 17:03:04 (CDT) Talkin' about making the Safari TOUGH? Try it SOLO! Since the race started in 1963- 1784 boats have finished the race- of those- 171 Solo boats have finished the race- that's 1%!!- Owen West is 14 of those solo finishes- There are many others with multiple solo finishes - Others of much notice- Kathey Derrick was the 1st woman soloist in 1976- I don't know the facts, but if I know Kathy, it was probably C-1- no rudder, single blade. There wasn't another woman soloist until 1986 when Marie McKay finished the 1st of her 3 solo finishes. There have only been 5 women to finish the race solo with Erin McGee's 52:45 being the fastest. Then there's Mark Simmons' 3- 1st in C-1 with the fasted C-1 finish of all time at 40:13- folks, there is no harder way to do the Safari than in C-1 !!! - how about Steve Landick's all time Solo time of 36:08, that's the 4th fastest time in the history of the race- (Yea, I know he's a Navy SEAL- we wouldn't expect anything less of him - same goes for Jarheads like DeVoglaer- 44:16) If you really want to prove something & put a notch in your belt- then "Suck It Up" and park your ass in a Solo boat and join the "Texas Water Safari Solo Club" That's what this race is really all about- proving something to yourself! My hat's off to the Safari Soloist... CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 17:00:25 (CDT) Well- I've only been involved in this thing for 4 years and I won't be able to do it this year anyway... It has been said that the last "REAL" year of the Safari was 98 because- it started at AquarenaSprings in SpringLk like it's supposed to (I know it's starting there again this year)- it was a low water year- it was 108* or hotter in the river- the "BIG" log jam at AlligatorLk was still there- which meant the novices had to find their way- etc... the race was tougher than it has been for the last few years- harder on the wannabe's & Adventure racers- it lived up to "The Toughest Boat Race In The World" - If you talk to DeVoglaer about the Okie Challenge or DeVoglaer & Shea about crossing FloridaBay this year in the Everglades Challenge they'll tell you that both of those races were HARDER! From what James told me, about crossing FloridaBay- they're lucky to still be with us... (back to the subject at hand)- It's the dam portages & log jams that make the Safari hard. Now I'm a lazy bastard so I won't criticize anyone who wants to make my trip down the river easier- Thank You- but I'm an old "Grunt" and I can do what I have to do when the going gets tough. I vote for TOUGH- otherwise we don't have "The Toughest Boat Race In The World" !! CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 15:33:25 (CDT) Trees have been jamming rivers and men have been clearing paths for passage for centuries, since boating began. People who run rivers constantly will usually greatly appreciate anyone's efforts to clear a boating path. Thanks for the good work on the San Marcos. Will Mike Will Michael Peck <will711@hotmail.com> - Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 07:37:20 (CDT) Hey Dornak, do you know what a river "fairy" is....?? Check around dude......and please do us all a favor and shut your piehole........HEY GRUMPY OLD MAN, I RECKON YOU MIGHT AUTTA THINK TWICE ABOUT TURNIN-OUT THEM BREEDIN BEAVERS....I SEEN WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE.......THEY MIGHT COME IN HANDY.... doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 12:37:34 (CDT) FOR THOSE WHO WORRY ABOUT "SAFARI LORE" AND TREE TRIMMING, TREE CUTTING,ECT. I RAN MY FIRST SAFARE IN 1975, TREE TRIMMING WAS VERY EVIDENT. IMAGINE IF U WOULD, GOING DOWN THE UPPER RIVER BACKWAQRDS WITH TWO SETS OF LONG OARS STICKING OUT. OH YES, TREE TRIMMING WAS VERY MUCH ALIVE BACK THEN. HATS OFF TO THEM THAT TRIM. I'M GETTING TO DAMN OLD TO DRAG THAT BATTLESHIP AROUND. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE FALLEN TREES IN THE RIVER, I'M THINKING ABOUT BUYING ME A BREEDING PAIR OF BEAVERS AND RELEASING THEM BELOW PALMETTO. TEAM GRUMPY OLD MEN SHALL ENDURE WITH OR WITHOUT THE TREE TRIMMERS. GOOD LUCK ALL REMEMBER "GRIP IT AND REP IT" RICHARD MILLER{TEAM GRUMPY OLD MEN} <richetel@yahoo.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 11:27:56 (CDT) Team "Asleep at the Keel" will be paddling Palmetto to Gonzo Saturday morning. Anyone interested, give us a shout. scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 11:13:39 (CDT) Doug, I guess that was entertaining, not sure. What I do know is that a lot of competitors take the time to help each other in any sport. And this is a sport with no real money involved for the top finishers. And what I have heard, read and seen, the river in its current condition is probably the worse it has been in 10 years in some sections. Every Safari is different common sense. So do you want the same number of logjams, river heights or whatever to make this year's race like the past races. Won't happen. If you paddled the section we have been talking about you know what we are talking about. Also, if someone goes ahead and helps to clear a path that is great help. You should know this. You can go discredit someone else and if you wish pick me for your target, since frankly I don't care. I have never met a Safari vet that was a fairy, I am a Novice, so you can call me one, if that turns you on. Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 09:53:59 (CDT) The correct spelling is FAIRY,...I know cause I checked some of the previous posts and saw how to spell it right..!!THANKS ALOT,...CAPTAIN JACK doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 08:50:02 (CDT) Lee, LOL......LOL.........LOL..........LOL,...that is the funniest thing I have ever read...........!!!! Good humor man...!! I am neither aggie or Louisiana swamper,.....I JUST CAN`T SPELL FERRIE......but I`m talkin about the Peter Pan and pixie dust......river ferry,ferrie,farry,fari,fery,...hmmmm??........ah S*&T I give up.......... doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 08:06:18 (CDT) I fear for the safety of anyone who goes about insulting the manhood of boats loaded with 4,5 6, 8 or 9 strong mean paddlers. It's generally the case that people get invited into "long boats" because they have proven themselves to be the best paddlers. Then again I may have misunderstood the whole thing. Other than at tamu and the deeper recesses of Louisiana swamps, "ferrys" are commonly understood to be vessels that convey persons, vehicles and/or cargo. Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com> - Friday, April 26, 2002 at 00:15:46 (CDT) Lesson Learned... This is my last posting on the BB. Somebody get the pictures of the protesters at Palmetto when the Rangers try clearing the trees below the bridge. They probably will have signs saying, "Log Jams have Rights Too"... What I see on the River, stays on the River... Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle@Yahoo.com> - Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 18:46:44 (CDT) Maybe the moniker "WORLDS TOUGHEST BOAT RACE" should be revised to something like "SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT FLOATRIP" or maybe even "TEXAS CHAINSAW SAFARI" or better yet, "FOLLOW THE PAINT OR SEADRIFT IT AINT!!".......... Thing is, if your gonna go out and clear junk, try not to be seen doing it......the mystery adds to "safari lore" And if you happen to see the ferries at work,...keep quiet about it......once again, preserving "safari lore" And another thing, why bother clearing now when you know damn well the "long boat fags" will be out in force a week or so before the big show....?? doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com> - Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 16:21:10 (CDT) I think Ken hit the nail on the head. I've been "guilty" of tree trimming and (even worse) tree painting in the past. I look on the jams and logs not as obstacles but, as something that can gain me and my team an advantage. Ultimately the river will win. More trees will fall. I guess if it's a matter of making a tough course easier we should start digging trenches in the lower river so there are more legal shortcuts. Heck, what with the Luling cut, the Prarie Lea cut and the Tin House (dupont RR) cut all becoming the river the race is a little more than a mile shorter than it used to be so why stop there? Jay Daniel <jhdaniel@sbcglobal.net> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 23:05:34 (CDT) I don't have an opinion if it is right or wrong to clear naturally occurring debris from the river. These efforts are very temporary and the course of nature will always prevail. What I do know is clearing brush/log jams along the safari course in preparation for the race will be of more benefit to those that are faster on the water. Logjams are the few portions of the race where most competitors are on relatively equal ground. The boats that are at the biggest disadvantage in the junk are the unwieldy multiman boats, typically the race's top finishers. Folks racing Aluminum, Standard etc, clearing the course with the best intentions in the world, are only helping those teams that will most likely beat them to Seadrift. If I were racing in these slower classes I would be more inclined to leave these obstacles alone. The multi-man boats give thanks in advance for you helping them to put more time on you?.. Ken K <pmf@y.c> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 17:20:07 (CDT) David's email is david.allen@twpd.tx.us. Good news about Harvey. And if you listen to country, a recent song about "The Impossible" says it all. Thanks Linda. Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 12:30:11 (CDT) If anyone is interested in helping the park rangers at Palmetto State Park with the large oak at the low water crossing, you can call for Bradley or David Allen Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 12:22:34 (CDT) There are quite a few RV Parks around Victoria. I have heard that the Lazy Longhorn is nice and it is right in the middle of town. I think that there might be some spaces at the city Park where the marathon race ends.
Dad's RV Park
Lazy Longhorn RV Park
Spring Creek RV Park
The RV Park of Victoria, Inc.
COUNTRY COMFORT RV PARK
Does anyone know of an RV campground in the Victoria area ? Do you have contact info ? Thanks in advance. Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 09:46:05 (CDT) Thanks for the good news, Linda! Way to go Babbs! Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway.net> - Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 06:32:31 (CDT) Just got home from a visit with Harvey and Pat Babb. He's still in the intensive care unit but he is in a back brace and his bed is cranked up at not quite a 45 degree angle. They're hoping to be out of intensive care tomorrow and soon on to a rehab center (location not known yet). After hello his first words to me were "How's the race organization going?" What a great guy!! Keep those prayers going for the Babbs. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 21:53:09 (CDT) Roger, your work is much appreciated, although we missed out on your trimmings. A lot more work is left to Gonzo 183, if you thought Luling 90 to Palmetto was bad. And aside from the occassional tree that wants to eat my boat, the worse thing for me out there is the poison ivy. Almost every tree that has fallen across the river due to the flood a couple of weeks ago that was at the worse possible height (since it undercut the banks just at the tree roots), is loaded with the stuff. I don't mind Laura and I using our imagination to get through these obstacles, but for everyone susceptible to poison ivy, it is nearly impossible to miss the stuff. Out of fifty some odd trees, I got hit 3 times in 45 miles. Might be fun for some, but not me. Go get'em. And Roger if you noticed some fresh cut limbs, John J. and I with a bow saw gave a whack at them, just not at the magnitude that you obviously did. Also the asst. manager, David Wells at Palmetto State park is looking for any volunteers to help him remove the large oak tree that fell below the low water crossing. Monday is the best day for him to assemble his crew at the Park. He gave me his email address and number and it is at the house. More later. Also got lucky and saved a month-old Limosine calf on Sunday and my brother's daughter will raise it for the county fair next year, so grow big little guy. And one small note in a long one. As a Novice, I think a right portage at the Son of Ottine is much safer although somewhat slower. And I must be getting old because I remember these important Ham Radio Operators meet at Citizen's hospital and the military sent me to Brooks Medical Center for flight physicals, so as one vet to another, God Bless you Harvey Babb and family. Good night. Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 20:28:54 (CDT) Has anybody else ever read ?The Long Walk? by Steven King? I recommend all safari-ers read this book, and then try ?not? to make comparisons when you are in the 60th hour of paddling without sleep. I think Steven King must have participated in or witnessed the TWSM to get inspiration for this book. Robert Frank <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 14:44:53 (CDT) I personally applaud your tree cutting efforts. Some might argue that this infringes on the purity of the course?but to them I say ?phhhhhhtttt?. The TWSM is more than tough enough and dangerous enough. An abundance of log jams only increases the chances of someone getting hurt, snake bitten, or worse. I don?t have the equipment to do any clearing myself, but if I?m on the river training and run across anybody doing any clearing, I?ll gladly stop and lend a hand. My brother and I will be running Staples to Palmetto on Saturday, so we?ll really appreciate your efforts this weekend. Robert Frank <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 11:16:57 (CDT) Sorry Zitter for calling you Ziggy, either the sun got to me or I just could hear over the cutting of trees... Here is something that I thought we could all agree on but should have know better... Me, I give the highest Thanks for Chain Saw Fairies (they like that better than Tree Fairies) for clearing a path in the river now before they start turning into ugly jammers. To those who like porting 20 times in a 14-mile section of river, don't worry there will be lots jammers in the 260 miles during June. The lake before Luling Dam looked like the two trash bars where trying to build, plus the logs below Son of Ottine are still there, and there are number of Junk in the Staples to Luling Dam section (Sand Bars, huge fallen trees, and just plain Junk). "Ohle's Pride" - Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 09:03:55 (CDT) Roger- Go get em- You get the "Tree Fairy" award for this year- last year it went to Robert & Rachael Youens (then the river came up)- the year before that it went to John & Bonnie Jackson- somebody needs to do it - that was probably Paul & Leo Ohlemacher (son/father) that helped you? CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 08:26:27 (CDT) Barb and I are planning on running the Luling to Palmetto section on saturday. We plan on arriving at Palmetto around 11 am and are looking for others who want to do this section and can help with a shuttle. Please email me or call me at 817-512-4395 if interrested. Chris <chris144@airmail.net> - Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 00:24:12 (CDT) Thanks for the compliments about Jitter Chambers and I (two very old timers) clearing most of the blockages between Lulling 90 and Palmetto. There is still one tree where you have to get out and pull over the partially submerged trunk. Had a lot of help on the worst one from a Father/Son team whose name I forget. Thanks to them as it was a tough, big tree that defied our efforts for a while, and we were working on the foliage end. I had to rest 30 years after my first TWS in 1963. Don't know how long it will take to rest up from the tree trunk and limb cutting. I was pretty exhausted at the end. The way I feel is the TWS is tough enough without all the blankety blank trees down in the river. So I arranged to cut a few out (17 to be exact), right or wrong. I've had two negative comments about cutting the trees blocking the river. How do you feel? Cut passages through the trees that are down or leave them alone? Anyway if you want to cut, skip Lulling 90 to Palmetto as it is pretty good now. Try Palmetto to Gonzales. Roger Zimmerman TWS Class of 1963 Roger Zimmerman <a-zsurplus@tisd.net> - Monday, April 22, 2002 at 21:04:14 (CDT) Yes, thanks a lot for cleaning that section. Many folks will appreciate it. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 22, 2002 at 15:53:50 (CDT) Roger and Ziggy, thanks mucho for clearing that section of the river out. We ran it yesterday as well, and it's 100% better. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Monday, April 22, 2002 at 14:35:46 (CDT) Did they clean that section of the river yesterday? We paddled it the day before and had to portage around trees about 20 times. I think that windstorm a couple of weeks ago must have knocked them over. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 22, 2002 at 13:50:04 (CDT) Anybody who has ran river between Luling Dam and Palmetto and got tired of spending more time out of their boat portaging than paddling needs to thank Roger Zimmerman and Ziggy. Looked like a scene from Texas Chain Saw Massacre last Sunday. What they couldn?t run over with that 20-foot battle ship was sawed down and thrown out of the way. Keep this in mind if your boat gets turned side ways in front of these two during the race... "Ohles Pride" Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle@Yahoo.com> - Monday, April 22, 2002 at 11:27:29 (CDT) I just talked to Pat Babb. Harvey went in to surgery this morning at 8:30 and came back to intensive care at 3 p.m. She told me that the doctors told her that he came through the surgery much better than they had expected and that it would probably take a year but that he would probably walk again maybe with the aid of a walker or a cane. But we're all still praying for much better than that! So keep Harvey and his family in your prayers. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 15:24:13 (CDT) I'm glad I got to run the river a couple of times before they, or whoever, fixed the dam. That was quite a run. Does anybody know exactly who did the repair, or why. Maybe Lucky wanted his swimmin hole back. scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 14:13:44 (CDT) Cleaning out the garage: ZRE Zaveral marathon canoe racing paddle 53" 10 oz. Z-medium model. Barely used. One very small chip on edge has been repaired. $145 (new price $174.95)http://www.zre.com/gearshop/paddlesport/paddles/index.html Descente Flite 6 wing 216-226cm(marathon paddle) length lock adjustable feather and length. All carbon-well used but very stiff (surface scratches but the edges are still in decent shape. $150 (new price $320 http://www.surfskis.com/options.html) Descente Flite 3 Large wing 213-223cm(almost a full-sized sprint wing that I also used for marathon). All carbon-less used, still with surface scratches, good edges. $175 (new price $320 http://www.surfskis.com/options.html) The Descente Wings weigh in at about 33 oz. with the length lock. Mako T-1 Seakayak/touring carbon paddle 220cm. Advertised at 26 oz. which I believe w/o having weighed it. Used once for about 40 minutes. Take apart. No scratches (as new). $175. (new price $210) http://www.kayakstore.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/scstore/c-TouringPaddles.php3?L+scstore+abeg9635+1018929270 The Mako is a good paddle that I just don't need. More give in the shaft than a sprint paddle. Lee Deviney Austin, Texas 512-306-8058 Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 12:44:40 (CDT) Oops. I guess that paddle took more out of me than I thought. What I MEANT to say was that the dam was repaired Wednesday night and we paddled it on Thursday at noon. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 12:09:29 (CDT) Harvey Babb recover speedily! Andrew Hyman and I worked safety in 2000 and 2001, and in case anybody doesn't know, there ain't no safety without Harvey. Rocketing through the summer night on a road that's not on any map to get to the river to find a boat that may or may not be there or to track down a missing captain kinda raises your anxiety levels, until you hear Harvey's call sign crackle from the mobile. Then you know you've got the straight poop from the only guy who can give it to you, and everything's gonna be okay. He's always the calm in the midst of the chaos that is Safari. Thanks for everything Harvey. Get back on the air soon. Safety 2, clear. Stephen Scace <scace@io.com> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 12:00:11 (CDT) The Dam was fixed Thursday night late, and when I paddled out there about noon on Friday, it appeared that the water was back to pre-dam break level. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 11:53:05 (CDT) When was Cummings repaired? It was still out Tuesday afternoon. scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us> - Friday, April 19, 2002 at 09:43:22 (CDT) Son of Ottine Rapids - I would portage left, but you will have to be careful not to get sucked into the chute. We ran the chute in our aluminum on Sunday, but it's tricky and if you don't draw correctly, you will run right into some large boulders. Portage left over the big log seems safer if you can avoid going into the chute. It should not be too much of a problem if the bow man jumps out quickly and gets the boat up on the rocks and tree immediately. A bow line wouldn't be a bad idea there, either. If I were solo, I would consider portaging right. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 23:36:36 (CDT) Now that Cummins Dam has been repaired, the river is running very slowly all the way to Luling. Ran City Park to Luling 90 today, and there are many log jams and lots of other junk in the river. Also realized the snakes are out in force, as we counted 20 on our run. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 23:32:56 (CDT) We've got one of our stable for sale (or possibly lease)- the California 4man. This is a very fast Spencer built hull. It's the one that we broke 40 hours in. We've put a lot of money into it over the years but we've got another 4 man. $2,500 My home # is 281-363-4140 Work 713-546-4493 John Mark Harras <JohnMark.Harras@PZLQS.com> - Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 16:26:41 (CDT) Acker made a mistake on his area code it is 903-757-7444 Sorry about that......... Jim Acker <akerjava@aol.com> - Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 09:58:21 (CDT) Regarding the Ottine Rapids, should the portage be river left or river right? I was thinking that portaging left would be difficult due to the chute that runs around the island on the left. Chris <chris144@airmail.net> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 19:14:07 (CDT) Just talked to Pat Babb and learned that Harvey didn't have his surgery yesterday! The doctors put him on the respirator and are treating him for the fluid collecting in his lungs... most common in injuries like his..., but they thought they might be able to do the surgery Friday. Pat sounded strong and was touched and strengthed by all the good wishes and prayers being sent their way by their many friends. Let's keep up the good work. Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway,net> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 15:33:48 (CDT) Pat, I missed your husband at the Victoria Ham Operators monthly meeting last summer at DeTar hospital, while receiving their support to aid in the event of a natural disaster to have electrical power restored to the Victoria area. I hope you saw the email I sent him on "1000 Marbles." It is very comforting in times like these and I hope you got the chance to read it or you might also check with Richard B. I had looked forward to seeing you both at the Finish line. My company, America Electric Power, sends their best wishes for a speedy recovery also. Henry Dornak <hedornak@aep.com> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 12:45:52 (CDT) The boat Acker has for sale is a Spencer C-3 which was not designed by the Mynars. It's a Spencer designed boat that the Mynars paddled to their first victory in 1988. The Mynars did design their 4-man boat that they paddled to a win and new Safari record in 1992. I believe the Mynar's design was just lengthed (or shortened in '02?) to meet their needs each year. On a more serious note, I checked on Harvey Babb at noon today and learned he came through yesterday's surgery and Pat Babb had gone home to get a couple of hours rest. Our prayers are with them. Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway.net> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 12:43:18 (CDT) Harvey, God Bless you and your family. Your trailer down at the finish has always seemed the "official command post" which provided security, authenticity and some much needed dignity for us river rats. It is always very comforting when I'm out paddling alone in the middle of the night to know that there is a group of you "commo" folks watching over us. Thank you. Know that we love you , wish you peace, and want you and your command post back ASAP! Pat, God bless and keep you, and give Harvey a big, old, careful hug from Norm Thomas <nthomas90252@aol.com> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 12:05:47 (CDT) Vance Jones please call me 512.423.2569. Thanks. Steve Daniel <sdaniel@zydecodevelopment.com> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 11:37:48 (CDT) 3 man safari boat for sale . 6 time safari finisher. Spray deck included. Can be seen at Spencers starting April 20th. The Mynar design boat has had its scratches AND dings but is ready to complete its 7th trip to the wall. you can call Acker at 907-757-7444 or e-mail as shown.$1,000 is the price. Jim Acker <Akerjava@aol.com> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 10:00:55 (CDT) I will be honest. I do not know Harvey Babb. However, being the person I am I feel for anyone injured and their family. From what I've read Harvey Babb is a great supporter and volunteer of the Safari which makes me feel more for him and his family. Anyone that supports and volunteers at the Safari has a heart of GOLD. I know that the Big Guy up stairs is looking down and watching over us all. I hope and pray that Harvey pulls through to a full recovery. Thomas Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 09:39:59 (CDT) Harvey our prayers are with you and your family. We pray for your speedy recovery and we give thanks for all of your support. God Bless you, Ken & Family ken Thigpen & Family <ken@waveset.com> - Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 08:38:16 (CDT) Harvey Babb, good friend of the Texas Water Safari, fell from the roof of his home in Victoria, Texas on Saturday, April 13. He was Star-flighted to San Antonio where he remains in the critical care unit of Brook Army Medical Trauma Center. He suffered a broken back, shoulders, sternum and ribs. Harvey is a very important member of the volunteer force for the Safari every year. He and his wife Pat spend their vacation every year in that big motor home at the Seadrift pavillion from Saturday through Wednesday, the whole 100 hours. It's his hard work, along with every other Ham Radio Operator along the entire racecourse that keeps all the most current information available for the officials about the whereabouts of every boat in the race. We will post updates on his condition as we get them. We all pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Harvey and strength for Pat and their family. We don't know if he'll be able to get email but postings to this website could be shared with him by Pat. Let's all show the Babbs how much we care! Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 21:15:33 (CDT) I regard Son of Ottine in its current state to be un-runnable. Last Saturday the right hand entrance was blocked by a newly felled tree and two trees blocked the bottom left. Be ready for a portage left, I sure didn't see a reliable way around it. Palmetto low water is no piece of cake either. John Mark <JohnMark.Harras@PZLQS.com> - Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 15:44:53 (CDT) Any suggestion for shuttles for training runs from San Marcos? I?m in Austin, and need to get out and train on the actual course some more, but am finding it more and more difficult to get my wife to drive down with me every weekend. Right now, I drive to San Marcos and get in the water, leaving my vehicle there. My wife picks me and my kayak up later that day or whenever I?m finished. She then drives me back to San Marcos to pick up my car, and we both drive home. She?s a wonderful supportive wife, but she?s getting tired of the weekly drives to and from San Marcos and beyond. For short trips from San Marcos are there any established shuttle services that will run you back to San Marcos (from Staples, Luling, Plametto, or Gonzalez)? Thanks, Robert Robert Frank <scoop@austin.rr.com> - Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 11:21:03 (CDT) For sale: Quickblade Tiger Claw Wing - rarely used, reinforced tips. Upcoming Team Trials participants heads up! $250 regularly $300 A brand new, never been used Length-Lock? 2 piece Epic Wayfarer (217cm - 227cm) that I desperately need to part with. Great paddle and top of the line. It has been removed from it paddle sleeve twice and never touched the water. $395 regularly $419 No shipping or tax on either one! 512-357-6751 quickblade14@hotmail.com Erin Magee <quickblade14@hotmail.com> - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 18:02:16 (CDT) Nope- doesn't have to be your Safari TeamCapt at the Marathon- just a warm blooded body with beer in a cooler :) You do have to have the same team members in the boat that are going to run the Safari with you - otherwize yuz gets to start in the back with the slow-pokes- like the Cowboys :) (did ya read the JMH- PalmettoHotLine) CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 17:25:16 (CDT) Does anyone know if it is necessary to have the same team captain for the River Marathon as you are going to have for the Safari, in order to earn a better starting position? Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 15:30:01 (CDT) The parking lot at Victoria CP boat ramp did flood and the river is now receding, but the gate down to the water is locked. If you don't mind packing your canoe, you should be able to park on the hill. Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 14:55:24 (CDT) What kind of foot pumps are people using in their boats, and where can I locate them? Jeff Jouett <jj@visualcnc.com> - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 17:46:09 (CDT) Here is another site to add to your favorites about the safari that comes from a different prespective. It also includes a link to an article that was written about the safari. http://2coolfishing.com/cgi-bin/texas/messageboard.cgi?read=76791#76791 I have to say as a first time racer in the Dupont to Seadrift run I was crazy enough to think that the bay was fun for about the first 15 minutes. I quickly grew to loath the wind and waves though but I admit that I talk about that part the most. Good luck to all at the prelims. Karim Aziz <karim.aziz@tpwd.state.tx.us> - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 08:55:48 (CDT) Hey guys, Ive heard about this race for years now. I remember hearing about it in high school from some of my dad's coworkers. I am highly interested in racing, but am unable to find 3 others either foolish enough, or tough, or hell, even brave, I guess it all depends on how you look at it. Anyone who needs a third party drop me a line. I am a tough, strongwilled, hard working 21 year old who has grown up in the outdoors and feel that I will have no problems handling the rigors as well as any other. My email is texlover@hotmail.com Give me a chance guys Mark Miller <texlover@hotmail.com> - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 04:03:30 (CDT) Well, I promised a site back up by the end of the week, and I'm a little ahead of schedule. For entry forms, Official rules, calendar, etc... you will still need to see the Official TWS Website located at: http://www.tisd.net/~txws/ (Or, simply click on the "Official TWS Site" button on the top-left.) However, everything else is BACK !
I had hoped to turn this site into a TWS reference site. Not only containing stories and pictures, but also Tips and Tutorials to help both the novice and experienced racer. I would like to make a call for helpful articles on any aspect of marathon canoe racing, from boat outfitting, to training and safety... anything which might help get a novice team safely down that river. - Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 19:29:10 (CDT) HEY DAWGS A BLIND MAN FOUND THE SITE. SO ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FOND IT. HATS OFF TO EVERTONE WHO RAN THE SWINGING BRIDGE TO SEA DRIFT RACE THUIS WEEKEND. WE DECIDED THAT WE COULDN'T AFFORD IT. BESIDES WE DIDN'T LIKE EACH OTHER ENOUGH TO RACE TOGETHER. SOU8NDS LIKE THE BAY WAS ROUGH. GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN THE UPCOMING TWS. TEAM GRUMPY OLD MEN <RICHETEL@YAHOO.CIM> - Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 18:52:03 (CDT) For anyone using the Victoria CP boat ramp, it is presently under water, but the parking lot is open and it appears that the river has crested. RG, the secret is out of the bag, my original copy of "The Great Logs of Texas (2nd ed.)", came in handy today as I identified a few different varieties. Some were actually fast. And Andrew, fun race and bumping paddles with Holly. Tom and Paula Goynes,Goynes@centurytel.net, can make you any skirt you would like (also recommend the sling for those tired eyes you might have during Safari :)). Catch you at the Prelim.. Team Zoom Zoom Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 12:38:48 (CDT) I prottest! the Palmetto man funned me but it ain't funny at all. I graduate from Texas A&M with adegree in animal husband. That makes me college man and an inteligent brain. I crossed the bay in the Dupont/Seadrift race without a spray skirt, we made it fine, however we had to watch the chop on the water, I would not want to risk not being able to finish the Safari due to a rough bay. Where can I get a quality spray skirt for our canoe? Andrew Nelson <andrew.n@juno.com> - Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 13:50:24 (CDT) The 2002 Calendar of Events on the official home page of the TWS says that the check-in and start is at the "San Marcos Aquarena Center". Does that mean the race is starting again at Aquarena Springs instead of at City Park? I hope so. Mark Mark Elvig <elvig@houston.rr.com> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 22:17:36 (CDT) SOLO BOAT for rent - Three time finisher solo kayak for rent.(4th place solo unlimited in 1997, 2000, 8th place solo unlimited in 2001) Includes boat(17'1" 58 lbs), double blade paddle, water jugs, light system, Course description booklet, Team Captain manual with maps, racer equipment list, Team Captain equipment list. Will rent from January 1, 2002 till right after 2002 race. $ 300.00 email for further details or call 972-293-6415. Will be a prelim can bring to race. Thomas Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 17:08:11 (CDT) Hey everyone from the Dupont Race. Team Determination here. Just wanted to kick myself during the race. Was worried about my team mate(which I should be her being 11 y/o) I stopped us once to get rain gear on getting passed by four boats. Then at Tivoli after making her eat and getting her waterproof and warm. We left for the bay, 20 minutes down the river I realived I had left my lifejacket under the bridge. 20 minutes back up river getting passed by 4 more boats. Got the life jacket then back to the bay (but at least we past two of those boat on the bay. Think there should be an award for the most stupid mistakes? But then again my Team Captian say I had the right priorities, daughter first ( I just got the second and third backward switched - personal safety with the race) Well till May everyone. Thomas Mendenhall <the.mendenhalls@prodigy.net> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 17:03:22 (CDT) Will Mike, that would be Prairie Lea #1 1/2 that you're referring too. Yes, it is still there. I was referring to the county bridges. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 12:52:39 (CDT) :regarding bridges at Prairie Lea, the small private bridge is still there, the part in the middle with clearance being clogged with drift logs.........willmike Will Michael Peck <Willpeck711@hotmail.com> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 11:44:03 (CDT) Mark and everyone who doesn't already know, the Prairie Lea bridges washed out in the November '01 flood. Plans are to rebuild them but we are told it will take two years. Access to Prairie Lea #1 is still pretty close to the bridge, however there is a sticky landowner problem at Prairie Lea #2 and it's quite a hike even if you could climb the gate they have put up. The landowner is trying to keep the bridge from being rebuilt and closing the road totally with no public accress allowed. We are trying to work with the Caldwell County Commissioner who has told us that we can have a key to the gate at Prairie Lea #2 for the Safari if they do not get it opened some other way for us. We have made our case that it's a necessary water stop for the race and has been for the last 39 years and it's also possible that someone may need to pull out there for some unforeseen reason. It may be helpful if the county knew how we all felt about access to the river on Caldwell County Road 116 (Prairie Lea #2) being taken from us. Linda Cochran <jerrylinda@grandecom.net> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 10:49:11 (CDT) Thanks for putting this billboard back up Bob, it is quite valuable for information and good humor. I enjoyed paddling alongside you during the race Saturday, more so in Guadalupe bay than in San Antonio bay, where you passed me. Oh for a lightweight boat! Next time I'm only gonna take twenty pounds of gar repellant, I only saw a few over seven feet long. They sure are jumpy critters, eh? willmike Will Michael Peck <willpeck711@hotmail.com> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 10:37:21 (CDT) Thanks for hearing us and putting up the Billboard again, O Great Webmaster Guru! BTW, Spencer Canoes in Martindale (512 357-6113) still has a few ALUMACRAFT, 5-rib, fully rigged (or not), ULTRALIGHT VOYAGEURS for sale and several more to rent. Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway.net> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 09:57:30 (CDT) Does anyone in the San Antonio/Austin area need a team captain for the Safari this year? I did the race once in 1997, and I'd like to do it this year, but do not have time to train. I can commit the time necessary to be a team captain however, and am also interested in sponsorship. I can be reached at this email address, or 210-872-9949. Dirk Davidek http://www.adventureclubsa.com Dirk Davidek <AdventureClubSA@hotmail.com> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 00:43:41 (CDT) The Prairie Lea bridges washed out in the big flood of Nov 15, 2001. They are county roads so it will probably be a while before they are fixed. Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com> - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 00:17:32 (CDT) I went by Prairie Lea No. 1 and No. 2 today and discovered the bridges are washed out. When did that happen? I assume they will still be out in June. I have not been reading this board so this may have already been announced. Thanks for any information. Mark Mark Elvig <elvig@houston.rr.com> - Sunday, April 07, 2002 at 22:48:14 (CDT) The Safari Gods have smiled down upon us and returned our CB channel - uh...(Billboard) - Thank you Safari Gods.... CaptJack Krohn <captjack@ev1.net> - Sunday, April 07, 2002 at 22:29:51 (CDT) After getting pummeled in the Dupont to Seadrift Race this weekend, I returned home to find a couple dozen requests for the Safari Billboard to be returned to service. Well, it is back ! Still trying to decide what will become of the rest of the now UNOFFICIAL TWS site. It will return, but in what form ??? One way or the other, I should have something up by the end of the week. I'll post to the Billboard as soon as my New and Improved site is up and running.
Thanks to everyone who has written and expressed their feelings. It is nice to know that the site was appriciated by so many people. Thanks again, Phil. Many others also value your advice and I will pass along. Henry <hedornak@aep.com> - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 13:22:40 (CST) Howdy I've had several requests for the seminar hand out. It can be found at http://home.austin.rr.com/philbowden look under documents. The hand out is my opinion and not endorsed by the safari corporation Phil Bowden <pbowden@austin.rr.com> - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 12:45:02 (CST) When I first read the Gar Repellant stuff, I couldn't believe that anyone would actually try and peddle the junk. Then I started to wonder if they gave ratings like SPF factors as to the size of gar it works on and the range in which it keeps them from your body/boat, and how long before you have to re-apply. And is there special consideration for airborne gar over water-based torpedoes. Like Phil said at the Seminar, they don't actually attack you, but then again tell that to my friend Steve who was right beside me and received a concussion from a 6-footer and the lanterns that I have had to replace from being skewered, not too mention or trivialize the pure adrenline rush from the "surprise attack" missile variety. Have fun and a sense of humor will get you a long ways down the river. And after reading some of the comments on this billboard, it helps here also. There is also something to be said about rather being lucky than good. Be good. Team Zoom Zoom Henry < - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 12:42:52 (CST) Have been in search of Phil Bowden's Seminar handout. If someone has a copy, could they give me an assist. Several others are also interested. Could pickup at the S |
