Dallas Downriver Club

Date: October 9-11, 2010 Sponsor: Steve Crowe
Park: Goose Island State Park, 202 S. Palmeto St, Rockport, TX 78382-7965 Trip Leader: Val Babineaux and Steve Crowe
Reach: Local paddling, fishing and birdwatching on the Intercoastal Waterway and/or on the open Gulf of Mexico Phone: 817-538-0571 (Val) or 940-484-7361 (Steve)
Difficulty: N/A E-mail: Val Babineaux
Steve Crowe
Rendezvous: Goose Island State Park Campground, Saturday, October 9 or Sunday, October 10, 2010 Fees: $3.00/person entry fee plus $10.00/tent site (Max. 8 people)
This will be a continuation of several theme trips to explore Texas State Parks and the Texas Lakes Trail hosted by Steve Crowe and/or Tom Taylor. Confirmation Deadline:

Trip Description:

Many have been there so I will not bore you you with details. Sharon and I will leave Tuesday morning to secure two spots on the water front. I suggest you make reservations early. The park system has a new reservation system and it kinda works ok. We will be to the left of the bridge in spot 13 if we can get it. There is enough room on each site for four good size tents and boats. We will still be in hurricane season so watching the weather is a must. Those that are going for sure can give me their cell number at the meeting or email it to me and I can give you and on site weather and fishing report.

We will go into town at least once to sample the local fare and if weather gets bad do a little sight seeing. For those fishing and wanting to use shrimp, I will try to scout out some local boats to try to get below market price.

There is no back-up plan for this trip.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

  • Follow IH 35 South through Waco to Exit 330B;
  • Take Exit 330B, and then cloverleaf RIGHT onto Loop 340 eastbound;
  • Follow Loop 340 East to US Highway 77 South, and then turn RIGHT toward Robinson;
  • Follow US Highway 77 South to Victoria, and then turn LEFT onto SH 239 toward Tivoli;
  • Follow SH 239 to SH 35 at Tivoli, and then turn RIGHT (South);
  • Follow SH 35 South to Goose Island State Park Entrance, then turn LEFT onto PR 13E;
  • Follow PR 13E to PR 13, and then turn RIGHT and proceed to the park entrance.
  • From Fort Worth

  • Follow IH 35 West to Hillsboro, and then merge onto IH 35 South toward Waco;
  • Follow IH 35 South through Waco to Exit 330B;
  • Take Exit 330B, and then cloverleaf RIGHT onto Loop 340 eastbound;
  • Follow Loop 340 East to US Highway 77 South, and then turn RIGHT toward Robinson;
  • Follow US Highway 77 South to Victoria, and then turn LEFT onto SH 239 toward Tivoli;
  • Follow SH 239 to SH 35 at Tivoli, and then turn RIGHT (South);
  • Follow SH 35 South to Goose Island State Park Entrance, then turn LEFT onto PR 13E;
  • Follow PR 13E to PR 13, and then turn RIGHT and proceed to the park entrance.





  • Big Tree - the largest Live Oak tree in Texas

    * International Scale of River Difficulty

    Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight, self-rescue is easy.

    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.

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    Last updated August 9, 2010