Easter Paddle in the Hill Country
by Donna Grimes
Ruth Heisenmeir takes her first plunge over Steward Falls
Click on image to enlarge.
Photo by Fraser Baker
Nothing is more beautiful than Texas in April. Blue bonnets, Indian Paint bushes, and primroses lined the highways as I made my way to the Guadalupe put-in at Center Point on Friday morning, April 18. There, 18 colorful boats were being unloaded. We laughed as it looked like large colored Easter eggs lined up along the banks. The Guadalupe was running a little low, 207 cfs, instead of the ideal flow of 450; however, there was enough current in the water to keep you on your toes and to keep the boats from dragging. When we reached our first ledge, a few boats decided to portage, but most ran it, with only two boats turning over.
One delightful incident was watching Victor Nieto and his twelve-year-old son progress in paddling skills as they encountered each rapid. At one particularly “hairy” turn, the best paddle stroke for the twelve-year-ole Victor would be a cross bow draw, but since that is rather technical, he was told to pry. However, at the critical moment, little Vic instinctively did a perfect cross bow draw and helped turn the boat perfectly. We all clapped as we watched this ”Natural.” At various rapids and turns, I would look back to see a big smile on his young face. Of course, he and I ended up in a water fight. A paddle day isn’t complete for me without at least one water fight!
Lori Saunders takes a cooling plunge as Ruth Heisenmeir,
Joanne Johnson, and Melesson Foster wait their turn.
Click on image to enlarge.
Photo by Fraser Baker
The next day, we decided to paddle the Medina even though it was only flowing at 96cfs, rather than the ideal 300. But many of our group had never been on the Medina but had heard of it and wanted to try it. Looking at the put in, I began to wonder if this was going to be a long drag, as gravel bars lined the river with few channels to float. As a precaution, I left a car at a bridge half way down the trip for a quick bail out. However, those skinny, little channels were floatable, the river twisted and turned and made each paddler practice his skills. One thing about the Medina: there is never a dull moment. If you aren’t stimulated by the hairpin turns of the river, then you are looking in awe at the peaceful canopy of cypress trees that line the river. The crystal clear water allows you to watch schools of bass swim under your boat.
About four miles down from the put in is Steward Falls. With lower water levels, this small fall is a LONG drop into an aqua blue pool. As we scouted it, some of the first timers looked at the falls with trepidation and said, “NO WAY! I’m not paddling that!” However, as skilled canoeists such as Jim Barton and John Olden sailed easily and adroitly over the falls, I could see each of these hesitant paddlers thinking, “Hmmm….maybe I can do that, too.”
Then, after their confidence was beginning to rise, their faithful leader (me) took my turn. After ten years of paddling over these falls and never tipping, this was the one time that I ended up face under my boat, gulping for air. Now our newbies are a little less sure. Behind me comes our Fleet captain, Fraser Baker and Janice Frels. They, too, turn their boat over. Now I have company in the wet department.
Richard Sproll and Melleson Foster negotiate through
the winding Medina River
Click on image to enlarge.
Photo by Fraser Baker
However, this did not totally discourage our Medina first timers. Each one ran the falls and although two of the four tipped over, the falls was the highlight of the trip. I love the look of exhilaration as they finished the falls.
Easter morning, the plans were to paddle the Guadalupe from Bergheim Campground to Edge Falls, a section filled with fun rapids and surfing waves. However, with a high prediction of thunderstorms by noon, we opted to not paddle. Some went to the San Marcos since it was closer to home and since it was further from the hill country storm center.
Yes, spring is here and there’s no better way to spend it than on the water….for me….the crystal clear water of the hill country.