13038 Hwy 61 North
Burlington, Iowa
phone: 319-752-1857 or 1-800-RIVER-12
paddle@canoeskayaks.com
FALL LEAVES PADDLE AND A COOKOUT
Sunday, October 5, 2008
DESCRIPTION - We'll paddle the Mississippi River from Ferry Landing Recreation Area to Fourth Pumping Station Recreation Area during the afternoon. We'll then have a campfire with hotdogs, smores and other tasty fall food included.
The paddle will be 9 river miles which we expect to take 4 hours with lower fall water. We're on back channels of the Mississippi so we expect to see wildlife.
This is a self-paced, easy paddle. Beginners are welcome. This is not a race but a fun, social time to hit the water and meet other paddlers.
Advance reservation is required so we have a food and shuttle count. Registration form (coming soon).
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER - The route we picked is backchannel sloughs, away from barges. You will be on rural Iowa scenic waterways with good forest growth and fall leaf color. There will be some shallow places we must navigate around and a couple wingdams that are pretty easy to paddle through. The trip is easy enough, any skill level or age will enjoy it.
Schedule: We will meet at Ferry Landing at 1:30 and expect to take off at 2:00. We expect to be done paddling by 6:00. We will then shuttle drivers back to Ferry Landing to pick up cars and return to Pumping Station for the Cookout. Sunset this evening is at 6:30. Fourth Pumping Station and Ferry Landing are quiet camping areas. Both have primative restrooms.
To Ferry Landing : Oakville is located on Highway 99 - 21 miles north of Burlington or 9 miles east of Wapello. From Illinois, you take the first Iowa exit off the bridge and you are on Highway 99. From 218 you would take county 78 east to 99 and you'll be able to see Oakville from the stopsign. You turn off of 99 to drive thru Oakville. The main street is about 5 blocks long and ends at a stop sign. Turn right. Drive 7 miles to Ferry Landing. There is one Y in the road where you need to stay left.
Please note - Hwy 99 between Burlington and Oakville has a detour at the time of this posting. Reconstruction of a bridge is schedule to be finished by June but please check if you drive this route. There is a detour but it adds time to the trip. We'll update this site closer to the event.
To 4th Pumping Station: Pumping Station Park is located approximately 4 miles east of Hwy 99 - 18 miles north of Burlington or 3 miles south of Oakville. You will turn east onto Pumping Station Road
REGISTRATION FEE - Advance reservation is required so we have a food and shuttle count.
RENTALS - Rentals require advance reservation and payment.
CHILDREN - Non-paddling children under 8 years old can ride for free. This means there are two adult paddlers and the child sits in the bottom of the boat. Please supply your own life jacket ( a few available for rental - please call).
If you have your own canoe or kayak, you are welcome to bring your boat and we will provide shuttle service for your person. Advance reservation and fees still apply.
FOOD - We will provide chili, hotdogs and smores for the cookout. Bring your hot dog sticks.
WHAT TO BRING - Bring lawn chairs, comfortable clothes and shoes for paddling including a windbreaker or layers. We recommend a change of clothing and dry shoes just in case you get wet. Cameras and phones should be in a waterproof pack with a way to secure them to your boat. Coolers for water or snacks are fine but no alcohol will be permitted.
Non-paddlers are welcome and can be our fire starters while we paddle. Bring your hot dog sticks.
SAFETY:
- YOU MUST WEAR A LIFEVEST WHEN ON THE WATER
- THIS IS AN ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT
- PARTICIPANTS UNDER 16 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN. ONE ADULT MUST BE IN EACH CANOE.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM. (Coming soon)
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