Well, folks, it's winter, so spring and the TRPA's annual San Marcos River Clean-up can't be far behind. This year, it will be on March 3rd, rain or shine. This is the major river stewardship event of the year for the HCC, and we need your help.
HCC covers the river from Tom Goynes' San Marcos River Retreat to Scull's Crossing: https://www.google.com/maps/place/San+Marcos+River+Scout+Camp/@29.865326,-97.8908947,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x865ca96bef2d9cb9:0x954fa731b89a04ce!8m2!3d29.8584361!4d-97.8893873
It's about three miles of trash, mud, and big-time fun, so come join us, as we try our best to clean up the San Marcos, one of the club's favorite rivers. There will be free camping spaces available at Tom's place. (Remember that alcohol is not allowed at Tom's, so be cool.) Breakfast tacos will be provided Saturday morning. Afterwards, of course, there will be more barbecue, and desert, than you can eat at Spencer's campground, just downriver from Scull's. (Alcohol is allowed there, so BYO whatever.)
Dress for the weather (and bring one layer more!), bring gloves, lunch and some dry clothes in a dry bag, in case you get wet, and expect to get dirty. There will be hot showers available at Tom's and at Spencer's. Trash bags will be provided. The river is a class I to II, with a few easy class III rapids, so basic river skills are required. You would have to work hard to drown, but you might get dumped, and the water will be chilly. Various long grabbers, toy rakes, crab nets, etc., can come in handy. Be ready to run shuttle at 9:00 Saturday morning. We'll have breakfast, then go. Everyone will have to sign a TRPA waiver, and an HCC waiver, and non-ACA members will have to pay $5.00 for liability insurance. It's a small pain, and has not killed anyone yet.
This is a great way for new members to get to know the best folks in HCC, so come join us. If you have questions, requests for paddling partners, etc.,you can contact me at <fgohrt@gmail.com>. Let me know ASAP if you want to camp at Tom's, so we can reserve space near the put-in. SYOTR!
Frank