Saturday Paddlers - San Marcos River

The morning after a very scary Halloween night, thirteen paddlers in ten boats enjoyed a leisurely trip down the San Marcos River. It proved to be just another beautiful Texas November day. The river flow was approximately 106 cfs, and the afternoon temperature reached into the low 80's. The group put in at Spencer's Campground (next to the Hwy. 1979 crossing) and took out at the Hyw. 1977 crossing, just above Staples Dam. Supposedly, there was one named rapid along the way, but I didn't notice it.

Ray's grandsons, Jacob and Joshua, warming up at the put-in.

A very brave Susan agreed to accompany Henry in his canoe. Much to Mike's chagrin, disaster never quite struck.

Or perhaps Henry was the brave one.

Ann ready to launch.

Aware of the young paddlers, Joline (a/k/a the Black Widow) reviews safety procedures before the group departs.

Jodie pretending to listen.

Robert, perhaps in preparation for an iron man competition, not only paddled with the group downstream to Staples, but then turned around and paddled back upstream to Spencer's.

Ray, with his granddaughter Sasha in the middle of his canoe, and Cleo await the starter's gun.



















A tight squeeze under a fallen tree just before the lunch stop.

Robert's ice cream bars (and Jodie's cookies) were a big hit with Ray's grandchildren.

The Black Widow and Medusa argue about where to eat after the trip. Calmer heads prevailed, and six of the paddlers made a short journey to Lockhart, the BBQ capital of Texas. The food at Smitty's Market was well worth the detour.