We will be making day trips from Goose Island State Park, which is really not an island, across the bay and inter-costal canal to barrier islands off the coast. Unless the wind is up it is an easy paddle over to the islands.

From one launch point at the boat ramp in the state park is it about a mile and a half to an island. A second launch point, which has some protection from wind, is close to "The Big Tree". The "Big Tree" is the largest live oak tree in Texas and is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. This tree is described in the personal papers of one Cabesa De Vaca.

There is a cut through to the Gulf of Mexico very close to the state park for those who want to paddle the open Gulf. Fishing in the area is excellent and bird watchers will have several species, including the whooping crane to view.

Everybody will be responsible for their own meals, but I suspect we will go into Rockport for some excellent seafood at least once for dinner. On the way home we will probably make a two or three hour stop at Goliad State Park and pay our respects to the executed heros of the the Texas revolution.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

From Fort Worth

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

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

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

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

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