Saturday Paddlers - Guadalupe River

Note: Click on any photo to enlarge.

Emboldened by their semi-success a week earlier, the Saturday Paddlers again ventured onto the Upper Guadalupe. They were hoping that the recent break in the year-long drought would enable them to paddle one of their favorite stretches of the river -- from Zoeller Lane to the Sisterdale bridge. The water was flowing at 36-38 cfs, according to the Comfort gauge. This proved to be barely adequate, and some walking and dragging of boats was required. But if the water was marginal, the fall foliage and clear skies made up for it.

Kathy discovered that her Hydroskin Farmer Jane wetsuit was up to the task. She was able to paddle her sit-on-top kayak in the cool weather and still stay warm.

Joline's hat protected her from the sun.

Dude navigates for Mollieo, followed here by Phylis.

Did I already say that the fall colors and weather were quite nice?

A hawk perched on a tree at the top of the ridge kept an eye on us. It may have been the one which we heard fussing at us earlier.

Leslie beyond the limestone overhang.

We stopped for lunch at our usual gravel bar. Enjoying the treats are Mollieo, Kelley, Kathy, Phylis, an alert Dude, Leslie, ____, Susan, Miguel, Joline, and Nancy.

The boats also enjoyed the break.

Joline skillfully balances a cookie on her knee while enjoying a treat. I need to get one of those chairs.

Bald cypress reflected as we paddled.
























Susan and I paddled ahead after lunch. We were able to retrieve my shuttle vehicle from the put-in and get her on the road back to San Antonio before the others arrived at the take-out.

Yes, there was a fair amount of walking involved at this water level. Here Susan navigates at the bottom of what is normally Violet Rapid.

A parting shot of the scenery we enjoyed all day.

Note: For an additional 18 photos of this outing, click here and then click on "Slideshow."