Trinity River Challenge

TRC Watermelon Cleanup

Elm Fork Trinity River McInnish Park to Hwy 121

Date: September 13, 2013 Sponsor: DDRC
River: Trinity River  (Carrollton) Trip Leader: Bryan Jackson 
Reach: Local - McInnish Park (Carrollton) Phone:972-979-2519
Difficulty: Flatwater * (See scale below) E-mail: Treasurer@down-river.com
Rendezvous: McInnish Park, 9:00 AM Saturday Required Skills: Basic flatwater paddling
Campground: N/A Confirmation Deadline: N/A

Trip Description:

Please join the Dallas Down River Club for a clean up on the Trinity River in advance of the Trinity River Challenge

 We will meet at McInnish Park on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River at Sandy Lake Road in Carrollton, and set up shuttles to put paddlers in at Hebron Parkway to paddle down to McInnish as well as sending paddlers up from McInnish to pick up trash. We will supply trash bags, you will need work gloves and rakes or some other tool to collect the trash with. 

If you would like to participate but do not have a canoe or kayak, there will be a limited supply of loaner boats available. Please call ahead to reserve. 

We can also use help getting the boat ramp area ready for the race, so bring your favorite lawn care tool (lawn mower, weed eater, etc.) 

After the cleanup, we will reward your hard work with an icy cold slice of watermelon.  Please bring a folding chair , sunscreen,  and a life jacket. If it is hot, bring plenty to drink as well. 

This should be an easy trip, and it is ideal for families with children  This trip open to the general public - not just DDRC members.

Directions: Go north or south on IH 35E to the Sandy Lake Road / Whitlock Lane exit, and then go WEST on Sandy Lake Road. Follow Sandy Lake Road about 1.7 miles to the entrance on McInnish Park on the left (south) side of Sandy Lake Road. Turn LEFT into the park, and then take the first RIGHT about 50 yards south of Sandy Lake Road. Follow that road back under Sandy Lake Road to the parking lot and boat ramp where we will rendezvous.

While we have never had any problems it is advisable not to leave valuables in sight inside your vehicles. Store valuables in the trunk or out of sight, and lock your doors.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats that are suitable for flatwater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, clothing for warm, dry conditions, camp chair. A small cooler for drinks may be carried in your boat, if desired

Meals:

Bring something for the potluck lunch. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Back-up Plan:

This is an Urban Paddle and no alternative plans in case of flooding or inclement weather.

McInnish Park and Trinity River Map

 

download Google Earth Push Pin

* 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 6-15-2012