At this time we are not planning on community meals, but that may change if part or all of the group wants to participate in community dinners each night. Negotiations are in progress to determine which local outfitter will provide shuttle services based upon best rate and availability. Vehicles used on our shuttle MUST be able to negotiate the rough, sandy, rocky desert roads of Big Bend National Park. 4-wheel drive vahicles would be good, but high clearance is mandatory to prevent getting high centered on rutted roads.

Paricipants should have clothing and gear for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, and EVERYTHING you will need MUST be in your boat when we launch - there is nowhere near the river to get any supplies, gear or anything else! It is advisable to pack light and tight. There COULD be standing waves on some of the rapids that can swamp an open boat, so having a spray cover of some sort is recommended, though not absolutely necessary. Each boat should have an extra paddle and an extra PFD, as well as a throw bag, bailer or bilge pump, sponge and other typical emergency gear.

Anybody interested in coming should contact Marc McCord via e-mail, or phone 214-221-1290 (Nsyst Technologies Inc.) for information.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats that are suitable for flatwater to Class IV 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 will share the responsibility of carrying community gear such as coolers with perishable foods and beverages, cookware, stoves, folding tables, fuel, charcoal, toilet system and other such items. Wetsuits, drysuits with base layers or other water repellant clothing is strongly recommended in the event of cold temperatures.

Marc will provide trash bags, a portable toilet system with privacy tent, stoves, rollup tables and all cutlery for preparing group meals. Each participant should furnish their own toilet paper. Each person will be responsible for their own meals unless we decide to do group dinners, in which case we will split the cost of those meals.

Meals:

Each person will be responsible for his or her own breakfasts and lunches, as well as meals to and from the river. We may have community dinners each night Saturday through Monday, depending upon the concensus of the group. If group dinners are part of our program, then you will have the option for not participating, if so desired. The per person cost will be about $20.00 per day for the days we have community dinners, and will include food, everything necessary to preserve perishable foods, prepare meals and clean up cookware, as well as the toilet system and supplies, paper towels, hand sanitizer, trash bags and other items required for this trip.

Back-up Plans:

We have three options for this trip depending upon shuttle cost, access availability and water level. A final determination will be made by Wednesday, February 18, 2009.

If weather or water flow condition is not suitable, then the trip will be cancelled with no reschedule date.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

IH 20 West to Monahans, then SOUTH on SH 18;
SH 18 South to Fort Stockton, then SOUTH on US Highway 385;
US Hwy. 385 SOUTH through Marathon to BBNP headquarters at Panther Junction, then WEST (right) on SH 118 to Study Butte
In Study Butte, turn WEST (left) on SH 170, then follow SH 170 to Lajitas
(All outfitters are located along the road from Study Butte to Lajitas)

From Dallas (alternate route):

US 67 South through San Angelo to Fort Stockton, then SOUTH on US Highway 385;
US Hwy. 385 SOUTH through Marathon to BBNP headquarters at Panther Junction, then WEST (right) on SH 118 to Study Butte
In Study Butte, turn WEST (left) on SH 170, then follow SH 170 to Lajitas
(All outfitters are located along the road from Study Butte to Lajitas)

From San Antonio:

IH 10 West to Fort Stockton, then SOUTH on US Highway 385;
US Hwy. 385 SOUTH through Marathon to BBNP headquarters at Panther Junction, then WEST (right) on SH 118 to Study Butte
In Study Butte, turn WEST (left) on SH 170, then follow SH 170 to Lajitas
(All outfitters are located along the road from Study Butte to Lajitas)

From San Antonio (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.