This will be a base camping trip, and some will undoubtedly want to fish along the river on Saturday and/or Sunday, so if you plan to wet a line and drown some worms, then be sure to have a valid Oklahoma fishing license. It is possible that the game wardens and rangers will be checking for whistles, PFDs and fishing licenses.

Most of the insects that are common in warmer months will be long gone by Thanksgiving weekend, so it should be quite comfortable in the campground, and Tom Garrett will be there to enliven the party with his quick wit and sharp humor! All that is needed for a truly enjoyable night around a campfire is to get he and Lige together.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats rated for up to Class I whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended. Members of the group should coordinate on community gear such as cookware, stoves, fuel, charcoal and other such items.

Meals:

Bring your own meals, and bring something for the Saturday night potluck dinner, for which the cuisine will be teh Cajun fried turrkey that Bryan specializes in preparing. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Driving Directions:

K River Campground is located in Pushmataha County, in southeastern Oklahoma just a few miles north of Antlers. GPS Coordinates are W 95䓦'10" N34䓔'50"

From Dallas (to K River Campground):

US 75 (Central Expy.) North to Durant, then East on US Hwy 70

US Hwy 70 East to US Hwy 271, then North to Antlers

In Antlers, go North on SH 2 through Moyers, across Buck Creek (one mile past Brittingham Grocery Store on the right) to the top of the hill, then turn RIGHT at the K River Campground sign and follow the road into the campground.

From Dallas (Alternate Route):

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.